PRESQUE ISLE — Although there was a little more precipitation and a lot more mud than anyone would have liked the seventh annual Nordic Heritage Center Fat Tire Mountain Bike Festival, held July 30 and 31, was a big success.
Two mountain bikers taking part in the Fat Tire Festival held over the weekend at the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle sprint to the start of the 12-hour XC team race. Despite a muddy track participates had nothing but good things to say about the event and facility.
Event director Mike Smith of the Maine Winter Sports Center said the weekend was full of fun for everyone with tours, terrain parks, kids races, downhill, mountain bike biathlon and the first ever 12-hour XC race.
“A definite success, the event met all of our expectations and given the last minute monkey wrench in the weather we are pleased with the turnout,” said Smith.
In total about 150 people took part in the festival, including serious competitors in three different events, downhill, bike biathlon and the first time 12-hour team cross country race.
Smith says the 12-hour race brought out competitors from St. John, N.B. to Portland and although it’s too soon to say whether that particular event will be back next year Smith hopes so. What will be back according to comments on the Fat Tire Festival’s Facebook page is the competitors. Smith echoes that sentiment saying from what he heard from participants is similar.
“It was not uncommon to hear we are from downstate and this is awesome. We will be back next year and bring family or friends,” Smith said. “People also said they will be back because the volunteers were so nice and the facility is excellent.”
