FATS is no longer an IMBA Epic

[dgaddis1]

IMBA has changed how the define an Epic trail, "going back to the original intent", and some trails have been removed from the list and placed in the Epic Hall of Fame.

FATS is one of those trails. I don't understand how it doesn't meet the criteria, not challenging enough maybe? The Monarch Crest trail was also removed from the list, which makes even less sense.

www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-trails/your-trail-is-no-longer-epic-imba-retires-epic-rides-to-hall-of-fame

Epic Trails and Hall of Fame Trails: www.imba.com/epics/rides

[dsquaredmsquared]

Aug 15, 2014 7:35:25 GMT -5 dgaddis1 said:

IMBA has changed how the define an Epic trail, "going back to the original intent", and some trails have been removed from the list and placed in the Epic Hall of Fame.

FATS is one of those trails. I don't understand how it doesn't meet the criteria, not challenging enough maybe? The Monarch Crest trail was also removed from the list, which makes even less sense.

www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-trails/your-trail-is-no-longer-epic-imba-retires-epic-rides-to-hall-of-fame

Epic Trails and Hall of Fame Trails: www.imba.com/epics/rides

Wow!  Thanks for nothing IMBA. 

[seenvic]

Based on the criteria of....

"IMBA has returned the Epics to the original intent of the designation—demanding, singletrack adventures in a natural setting. The 2013 class of Epics celebrates true backcountry riding experiences that are technically and physically challenging, more than 80 percent singletrack and at least 20 miles in length. All of theses Epics feature offer amazing opportunities to interact with the natural world.

It isn't difficult to understand. My kids were riding FATS on 20" bikes when they were 6.

We are still a Ride Center. And FATS will still appeal to 98% of people who ride a bike in the woods.

The criteria changed and FATS no longer meets the criteria. Not the end of the world.

[seenvic]

Pinhoti in North GA is very challenging. At least the Snake Creek Gap part is.

Weird that one moved.

[seenvic]

Maah Daah Hey Trail

Never been there, but it looks no more difficult than FATS. Friends have ridden it and say it just long. Not hard, just long.

[stumpbumper]

I have ridden only parts of Maah Daah Hey and while that makes me no expert on the trail, I don't consider it to be as difficult as some sections of the FATS system and I don't rank FATS as very difficult .  My guess is it qualifies as epic by IMBA standards due to its length, the great variety in scenery and constant changes in terrain.  When riding FATS I feel like I am in a park and a very nice one that that.   Maay Daah Hey is more of a seemingly never-ending adventure, much like hiking the Appalachian Trail.