Monte Sano/Huntsville, AL Fat Tire Festival October 1-2

[Bigred15]

After a year break, the Monte Sano Fat Tire Festival is offically back on!!! We are still finalizing all the small details, but we have a few things nailed down. Website here, registration will be opening soon.

1. The date will be the first weekend (and days) in October, the 1st and 2nd.

2. Catered dinner on Saturday and pancake breakfast Sunday morning. We are working on providing snacks during the day Saturday.

3. We will be doing a repeat of last year by having a Scavenger Hunt on Saturday. You ride around the park taking pictures of landmarks that are worth different points depending on the difficulty of getting there. This is mostly for the locals, but all are welcome to compete.

4. Lead group rides of all levels.

5. Competitive events after the rides and hunt. We are still finalizing what events we want to do.

6. Schwag bag to all registered participants, the give away this year is a Monte Sano FTF pint glass.

7. There is a slight possibility that we may be able to run a shuttle for our downhill trail. We are still working with the park, since the trial is still waiting final approval from the ranger.

For those considering going that haven't been, let me offer a slight warning. The trails on Monte Sano/Huntsville Land Trust are not for the faint of heart. Monte Sano is extremely rocky, there are several trails where you literally won't see any dirt for up to a mile, just rocks. Tubeless tires are a necessity out here. Full suspension bikes are highly recommended. 29ers are even better. Meaty tires with lots of grip are best. There are a few of us that a stupid enough to ride hardtails (singlespeeds even), but we know the trails very well. That being said, that doesn't mean that you can't have fun out here. There are several trails that accommodate all skill levels, they are just rocky. You can put in a good 15 mile ride without riding anything to terribly technical.

Much more to come.

[Bigred15]

More info, stuff is getting finalized and there were some changes last night. It is still a two day event, but the group rides and the scavenger hunt have been spit up and we have the final price. To break it down:

Price: Pre-register-30 Late register-45
We understand the current economy and tried to keep the price as low as possible. This price will get you access to all the activities and food, plus entrance in the Scavenger Hunt. There will also be door prizes that will be given away through out the weekend. Finally, there is a entry fee for people who will not be riding(considerably cheaper), that will cover food and children 5 and under are free.

Group Rides: Saturday
There are five different group rides including two advanced options. There are two advanced options because we understand that being an advanced rider doesn't have to mean that you are comfortable with big rocks and super gnarly terrain. While at the same time, you don't have to be super fast to be an advanced rider.

The Rock and Roll ride will take you through some of the roughest terrain that we have. The pace will be moderate and you will be able to stop and session areas that the group is interested in riding again. The leaders of this ride have All-Mountain bikes, and that's the type of riding this will be geared towards. All are welcome, but you need to have moderate fitness and be comfortable with seriously rough terrain.

The All Day Sucker is the other advanced which will cover more ground than the other rides. This ride will take you through some of the most fun trails that we have. Our goal on this ride it to cover as many of the trails that we can, as such the ride will be run at a faster pace than the other rides. This will be helped by the fact that most of the trails that you will ride are some of the faster trails that we have. However, they are still very technical. The rider leaders(me and a friend) ride short travel 29ers. Single speeders are encouraged to join this ride. I ride all the trails on the route on my SS without many problems. All are welcome, but you will need to be in good shape to finish the ride. You will however have the option of stopping at several points because the route will take us to the top of the mountain several times.

The Intermediate Ride will be for those who are interested in getting a good sample of what Monte Sano has to offer without getting in over your head. They will avoid most of the seriously hard trails and the pace will be moderate. If when the official ride is finished you want to continue, the ride leaders have stated that they are will to go back out.

The Beginner Ride will be a slow paced ride for those who are still learning. It will mostly stay on top of the mountain. Minimal climbing on this ride.

The Family Ride will be appropriate for all skill levels and ages. Despite Monte Sano's reputation, there are several miles of trails that are child friendly and you won't need a full blown mountain bike for.

Scavenger Hunt: Sunday
The Scavenger hunt will be a "race" to find and take pictures landmarks throughout the park. Points will be awarded for each one based of the difficulty of reaching it. Four classes available: Solo Money, Solo Prize, Duo, Family. The classes may change.

Food:
Water and Gatorade/Powerade and snacks will be provided throughout the weekend. A catered dinner will be provided on Saturday evening. Pancake breakfast and bagels will be provided Sunday morning. All of this is included with your entry fee.

More info to come, including finalized fliers and the link to pre-register.

[Bigred15]

Registration is now open and the full list of events is available on the SORBA Huntsville webpage. Hope to see you there.

[ssinga]

If you are looking for a technical ride, I've got a whopper planned for the festival If you went on my ride two years ago you might recognize some of this years route but I have upped the ante just a little. THIS IS NOT A RACE-PACE RIDE and we will not drop anyone. There are a few bail-out points in the "qualifer" mileage before we get to the really tech (fun) stuff if you get in over your head. Welcome to the Rock-n-Roll!!!

I hope to get out next week to check the mileage and get an elevation profile.

There are rides and activities for all levels planned, so bring your sig other, kids and friends and enjoys some of the best MTB terrain in the southeast. Plus a dinner on Saturday and terrific pancake breakfast before the scavenger race on Sunday!

There is great camping in the park (cabins too but they go fast) and a couple of hotels downtown which is basically at the base of the mountain (less than a 10 minute drive).

[Bigred15]

Online Registration is now up!!!

Monte Sano Fat Tire Festival | Huntsville, Alabama 35801 | Saturday, October 01, 2011 @ 8:00 AM

[Bigred15]

Last day for Pre-Register is Sunday!!! Just added to festivities, we will be raffling of a Scott Carbon MTB frame!!!

[ssinga]

Highs in the mid 70's and lows in the 50's. Great camping and biking weather.

[Bigred15]

We are giving away a Scott Spark RC frame to one lucky winner. Tickets are $5 each, $20 for 6, $50 for 15. Yet another reason to come to Huntsville this weekend for the festivities.