Originally Posted by Hypno Toad

Thanks! We have a great race culture in Minnesota. We race, but having a great time is the most important part for most of us. (there are some serious riders that wanna win, but they tend to avoid these kinda events since they are really about fun... then racing)

The 'stud' comment is meant to say that the person riding without studded tires is the only stud on the bike. These conditions are so tough with studded tires, I can't image riding bare ice without anything to give you a little grip. Studded tires have never been required at any race I've been to, but I've been the non-studded rider when studs were 'recommended'... I still have scars from the race

Most people are avoiding studded fatbike tires because they are so much $$$$; I spent nearly $500 on my tires! Love them and use them a ton, so it was worth it for me. But I totally get that this is a lot of money and not everybody has that kinda money to spend on tires or live in an area where they have long winters.