The first event in a new series of fat bike racing comes to the woods of Dufferin County, Ont. on Jan. 9

This weekend, the growing appeal of fat biking is coming to Ontario with a new competition—and one that’s the first in a series.

On Saturday, Jan. 9, the 45NRTH Ontario Fat Bike Series p/b Cycle Solutions kicks off with its first competition, “Frozen Beaver,” happening in the woods of Dufferin County forest near Mansfield, Ontario. The course runs for 7.5 kilometres, with two races offered to competing riders: a two-lap 15 kilometre race, followed by a four-lap 30 kilometre race, described by organizers as “extra fun.”

Marked by rolling hills, the course features plenty of singletrack—something to “make things interesting,” the event’s description reads—along with stretches of snowmobile track as well. Noting the late start to winter conditions in southern Ontario, organizers say that the process of grooming the course has been ongoing.

Along with the technical—and no doubt seasonally picturesque—route winding through the trees of Dufferin County, there’s also a feed zone at the start-finish area offering the warmth of chili and hot chocolate, as well as the promise of beer for those whose finish puts them on the podium. Medals will also be available to those competitors, as well as draw prizes. As a fat bike competition, tires permitted on the course need to be a minimum of 3.5″ or wider.

The competition of Jan. 9 is followed by Jan. 23’s “The Snumbler,” “Kingston Snophy” on Feb. 6 and “Fat Bracebridge” on Feb. 27. Racing starts at 11 am on Saturday, Jan. 9, at 937513 Airport Road in Mansfield, Ontario.

Registration precedes the event from 9-10 a.m.