Anchorage, the snow-bike epi-center of the planet

In the late '80s, a winter bike race that following 100 miles of the famous Iditarod Trail was the precursor of today's 1000 mile Iditarod Trail Invitational. Anchorage has miles of park trails and trails that connect city parks, all that become trails for cross-country skiers and snow-bikers.

The snow bike was invented in Anchorage and has more bike shops that sell snow bikes than any other city in the world.

I'm a daily bike commuter, year-round and have just moved from a Mt. bike to my snow-bike, a Fat-back.. www.fatbackbikes.com The snow bike evolved from the early bike races and now apply the snow-shoe theory for wider displacement of weight and better traction with tires that role on as little as 5 p.s.i. The big tires mean wide rims and forks to accommodate them.

When my work friends complain about having to drive in a big snow storm, with accidents, getting stuck in traffic, etc., I say: "snow? bring it on." Riding a snow-bike in the snow is the pure fun.

My moto: any day you don't have to get in a car is a good day.