Ask the expert: Know before you go

Jennifer Broome

November/December 2018

Courtesy of Jennifer Broome

Improve the chances of a great experience fat biking, dog sledding, and snowmobiling by following Jennifer Broome’s expert advice.

Fat biking

Don’t clip in; it’s better to ride with flat pedals. Wear high-top, waterproof boots. Wear a helmet. Try to keep a consistent pedal stroke, even when the tires slide. Own a fat bike? Take it in for a tune-up beforehand. Adjust the tire pressure to less than 10 PSI. If you break down, get your bike to a maintained road and call AAA Colorado. Just like a car tow, they’ll pick up you and your disabled bike. Check your AAA plan for your towing benefit.

Dog sledding

Make a reservation well in advance. When driving the sled, always keep your hands on the handle-bar. Listen to your guide on how to maneuver turns and hills. If you are the passenger, stay seated, and keep arms and legs inside the sled.

Snowmobiling

You must have a driver’s license. Wear a helmet (provided on a guided tour) and eye protection. Take a safety course. If going unguided, have in-hand a trail map, and pay attention to changing weather. Stay on marked trails.

What to wear

Wear well-insulated, waterproof boots and warm socks (ski or wool socks). Wear tights or base-layer bottoms under waterproof shell pants. On top, wear a base layer, add a mid layer or softshell if it’s really cold, then top off with a lightweight breathable shell. Gloves are better than mittens on a bike. Hand and toe warmers are great extras. For snowmobiling, a helmet is provided; wear it.

Save with AAA

Check out the online AAA Travel Store for cold-weather gear. Use the code AAA15 for a 15 percent discount on outdoor brands like Outdoor Research, Patagonia, and Storm Creek.

Jennifer Broome is a frequent contributor to EnCompass, and a freelance television personality, speaker, travel journalist and blogger. She has traveled to all 50 states and more than 30 countries. She’s an avid hiker, skier and adventurer. Follow her on Instagram @jenniferbroometv.

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