Janice Tower has compiled this list for winter fat tire riding. I have added a few of my thoughts in italics (Krystal)

EQUIPMENT & MAINTENANCE:

• Fat tire bicycle with 4" or 5" wide tires - anything less is not great for maintaining great trail conditions
• Pre-season tune up - get your bike in now!
• Lube your chain for easier pedaling and flawless shifting
• Bike bags
• Frame - holds extra layers, tire pump, tools
• Handlebar/Stem - holds water bottle (turn upside to prevent freezing!)
• Gas tank/Seat - holds SNACKS!
• Helmet

GEAR & CLOTHING - Layer for optimum cold management

• Feet
• Thin wool base layer sock
• Heavy wool sock
• Toe warmers - on top or bottom OR both!
• Warm boots - oversize two sizes for warmest toes - allows for wiggle room
• Hands
• Gloves to match your furnace
• Handwarmers
• Pogies
• Head
• Thin merino wool or fleece headband or hat - Alpine Fit's merino wool hat fits perfectly under a helmet!
• Helmet
• The Bottom Half
• Chamois
• Wool baselayers (long john/underwear)
• Depending on temps, fleece mid layer if colder temps
• Wind/weather resistant over pant/shell
• The Top Half
• Wool baselayer
• Wool or fleece mid-layer
• Wind/weather resistant jacket - preferably with pit zips
• Accessories
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Face mask for frigid days

RIDING TIPS

• Tire pressure "If in doubt, let air out"
• Stay relaxed, loose grip, loosen your hips, look ahead, let it flow! (Think 38 Special "Hold on loosely, but don't let go, if you cling to tightly, your're gonna lose control")

TRAIL ETIQUETTE

• Uphill rider has the right of way
• Stay off ski-only and dog mushing trails
• Wait until snow firms up after snowfall - better yet, get out and pack them down with snowshoes or skis
• Night riders - dim your lights

NUTRITION & HYDRATION

• Hydration in winter is just as important in summer - hypothermia is worse with dehydration
• Start with warm/hot water, tea, sport drink in your water bottle
• Drink every half hour
• Eat a balanced pre-ride meal - pizza for breakfast is not out of the question!
• Pack snacks that won't freeze solid - Reeses peanut butter cups!
• Consume about 200 calories per hour to keep from bonking (if planning a longer ride, like a glacier ride)