Fat Tire Bike Week is Packed!

Dubbed “the planet’s oldest mountain bike festival,” Crested Butte’s Fat Tire Bike Week celebrates 30 years with a week of festivities from June 22 to June 27.

In an effort to regain some of the magic of celebrating mountain biking in one of the birthplaces of the sport, the festival is undergoing quite an expansion. On top of the Wildflower Rush that will take place on the new and improved ski resort trails, this will be the second year for the backcountry Fat Tire 40 race. The Chainless Race is becoming a bit more structured but should be tons of costumed fun on Friday. Workshops, guided rides and entertainment are all part of this year’s festivities.
The 30th celebration also includes a free performance by Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe on Saturday, June 26 in Mt. Crested Butte.

 

 

Thursday, June 24: Cranks & Cameras Photography Workshop by Xavier Fané
This is a half-day workshop Thursday, June 24, 3-7 p.m. exploring landscape and action photography through mountain biking. Work on a variety of basic camera settings for both action and landscape photography, practice freezing motion, panning shots, blurs, playing with depth of field, composition, etc. We’ll meet at Rainbow Park at 3 p.m. and talk about camera settings and such and then we’ll go for a nice bike ride (to be decided) for our “in the field” practice. Check out www.ftbw.com/xavi-fane. To register contact me at xavi@rmi.net or at (970) 275-6226.

June 25 & June 27, 2010: Rippin’ Chicks Bike Clinics with Alison Gannet
Ladies’ clinics featuring special champion instructors, step-by-step instruction and baby steps skills stations for cornering, switchbacks, curbs, bridges, up and over obstacles, shifting, braking, bunny hopping, uphills, downhills, rocks, roots and logs. All levels welcome. Friday, June 25 noon to 3 p.m. and Sunday, June 27  9 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.ftbw.com/evolve

Friday, June 25: Chainless Race
A Crested Butte classic. This costume-encouraged, townie-geared coast down Kebler Pass is a true test of grit. Finish is on Elk Avenue. Race starts at 4 p.m. After party begins at 4 p.m. on Elk Ave. and 1st. Awards at 5:30 p.m. www.ftbw.com/race

June 25-27, 2010: Mountain States Cup Wildflower Rush
The Wildflower Rush mountain bike classic features three elements that have become synonymous with Crested Butte: mountain biking, wildflowers and adventure. The tenth annual event is part of the Mountain States Cup race series.

Saturday, June 26: Fat Tire 40
The Wildflower Rush kicks off with the Fat Tire 40, an epic 40-plus mile course on legendary Crested Butte singletrack linking together such local classic trails at Upper Upper Loop, Strand, Farris Creek and Deer Creek to name a few. This year’s race is a USA Cycling-sanctioned event for Pros, CAT 1s and the Wild-CAT class; however, anyone can ride. Entry fee is $50. USA Cycling temporary membership fee is $10. Register early to avoid on-site registration fee of $10.
The race starts and ends at the base of Mt. Crested Butte with the first wave hitting the trails at 8 a.m. For info and registration go to  www.racemsc.com/events/wildflowerrush.html. To see the specs on the Fat Tire 40 course check out crankcollective.com.

June 26-27: 4X, Super D and Downhill
The Mountain Cross (4X) race is on Saturday on the ski area with pros and CAT I racers starting at 4:30 p.m.
The weekend of Mountain States Cup races concludes with the Super D (SD) and Downhill (DH) races on Sunday. The Super D event starts at 9:45 a.m. The Downhill races start at 11 a.m. and conclude with the Downhill pros final runs at 2 p.m. Check out www.racemsc.com/events/wildflowerrush.html for additional info.

June 25-27, 2010: Fat Tire Bike Week Tech Expo
Featuring major bike manufacturers, small niche frame-makers, tires, soft goods and more. Takes place in Mt. Crested Butte for easy access to CBMR’s vast network of trails. Special discounted tickets from CBMR for demo opportunities. www.ftbw.com/expo

June 25-27, 2010: Aided Rides
New for 2010, experience the majority of Crested Butte’s legendary single track with the assistance of shuttles and support along the way. Aid includes supplies, food, drinks, an easy out, and shuttle support. Rides include Snodgrass, 403, 401, Deadman’s, Dr.’s, Upper/Upper, Strand, Deer Creek and more. www.ftbw.com/ride

Saturday, June 26: Free Concert: Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe
Karl Denson’s style crosses cultural and generational boundaries with a unique mix of soul, rock, funk, blues and jazz. This free show takes place in the CBMR base area beginning at 7:30 p.m., following the Wildflower Rush race wrap-up. www.ftbw.com/crested-butte-bike-festival

June 26-27: Bridges of the Butte 24-Hour Townie Tour
No ordinary 24-hour tour, Bridges of the Butte follows a 2.1-mile loop through downtown Crested Butte and highlights the town’s bridges starting on Saturday at 3 p.m. and finishing Sunday at 3 p.m. Ride solo or as part of a team. Townie bikes and costumes are required. Riders are encouraged to collect pledges for prize eligibility. Prizes include a 2011 Ride the Rockies spot, a 2010-2011 CBMR Gold Pass, and more. Proceeds from the event benefit the Adaptive Sports Center. www.ftbw.com/race