Racers ready for start of "Race to the Lake" in Eureka Springs Fat Tire Festiival
(EUREKA SPRINGS, AR) – Mountain bikers racing to Eureka Springs for the 13th Annual Fat Tire Festival, July 16-18, will find several new competitive and non-competitive events added to complement “Fatty Fest’s” usual favorite staples.
The largest event of its kind in the central U.S., the festival includes competitions in cross country, downhill, short track, and observed trials, with winners receiving cash and other prizes. There will also be a bike parade, a film fest, and several “fun rides.”
The weekend begins July 16 at 2 p.m. when downhill racers gather for practice at the Lake Leatherwood City Park ball fields, and the cross-country pre-ride begins at Basin Spring Park. Larry Loops Trail Ride follows at 3 p.m. from Harmon Park to Black Bass Lake Park.
At 6 p.m. on the 16th, the “Phat Tire Short Track” race kicks off with warm-ups and time trials at Achord’s MX track at Elk Ranch. Race director Dave Renko calls this course “the most exciting mountain bike racing, period!”
New events this year include a Children’s Fun Race at the Lake Leatherwood Ball Fields July 17 at 10 a.m. Renko calls that flat, smooth track “perfect for kids of all ages.” A two-lap cruiser race featuring prizes for best costume and best decorated bikes is also new in 2010, as is a “Six-pack Team Relay: three riders, six laps, and six beverages.
Another new event this year is a trail ride at the new Pension Mountain Trails at Johnson Spring Preserve. These City of Berryville trails feature four miles of single track and six miles of double track, custom-built by mountain bikers and offering challenging terrain and incredible scenery. After Saturday night’s registration, festivalgoers are encouraged to return to the Inn of the Ozarks for another new event: a pool party. Participants are encouraged to bring swimwear for this kid-friendly event.
Saturday will be anchored by the Observed Trials event at Harmon Park and a myriad of non-competitive fun rides. Returning for its 2nd year is the “PTD Downhill” on Lake Leatherwood’
The Omni class is being expanded this year as well. Renko explained, “We’ve kept our prestigious open Omni and added a new Mini Me Omni. The MMO is for CAT II and CAT III riders only; no CAT I points will be allowed.”
“Fatty 2010” concludes July 18 with the “Race to the Lake,” which begins at Basin Spring Park. Music, food, and the final awards ceremonies await at the finish line at Lake Leatherwood City Park.
The 2010 Eureka Springs Fat Tire Festival is sponsored by Adventure Subaru and Progressive Trail Design. For more information call 479-422-7654, email drbike@cox.net or go online at http://fattirefestival.wordpress.com/
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