Bend’s Big Fat Tour
Not too late to sign up!
by Melanie Fisher
Bend’s Big Fat Tour is three days of fully supported, guided and shuttled single track mountain biking bliss which takes place October 17-19, 2008. Not a race, The Big Fat Tour is a friendly mountain bike ride that takes place on Central Oregon singletrack over three days and includes a Saturday night celebration in downtown Bend. Bend’s Big Fat Tour was founded 14 years ago by Paul Thomasberg, pro-rider and Central Oregon resident. His goal was to push other riders limits and to celebrate the sport of mountain biking. He has suceeded on both counts. There are limited spaces available, so riders are recommended to register as soon as possible. Registration and ride information, photos, maps and more can be found at www.bendsbigfattour.org
Friday, October 17 is the Sacred Ochoco Loop. One hour East of Bend, past Prineville into the Ochoco National Forest this ride takes you through Old growth Ponderosa, Fir and Spruce, alpine meadows and rocky outcroppings. The route crosses over two summits —Round Mountain and Lookout Mountain, the latter being entirely within a Roadless Area. The route is 90% singletrack and the conditions can vary greatly according to the weather. Come prepared for anything, especially to have your mind blown!
Saturday, October 18 is the Classic Mt. Bachelor to Town with Epic riders completing the circuit around Mt. Bachelor. All rides are shuttled from town, but don’t let that lull you into believing the ride is easy. Epic riders will tackle almost 80 miles, Recreational riders will face almost 50. It’s the jewel in the crown of single track riding in Bend.
Sunday, October 19 is the Cache Mountain Finale. This classic figure-eight loop climbs about 2000’ in elevation and descends forever. This year organizers are contemplating a modification to this route. BBFT Veterans will tell you this is their favorite day, it’s like the hangover cure and the social ride, all while surrounded in stunning Fall colors. Epic ride finishers will be awarded the highly coveted “No Whiners” Patch of Honor after this ride ends.
Possibly Related
- November 2007: Cafécletos: Bike activism south of the border
- April 2007: Airlines: fare hikes for bikes
- October 2007: Waiting for Kenny Chesney
- September 2006: Oregon randonneurs take off
- August 2008: Twice-weekly local mountain bike shuttle starts up in Bend
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