10th annual Fruita Fat Tire Fest, Early planning

[KleinCrazy]

Ok All,

I went last year, had a great time, but did not enjoy drive out and back by myself.....so....I am going to lock down planning a little better this year.

10th Annual New Belgium Brewing Company
Fruita Fat Tire Festival
April 29 - May 7, 2005

For a list of the events for each day look here

http://63.172.124.133/newsletter.cfm

My current plan is to not go for the 18 hour race, yeah yeah I know, but to get out there Sturday evening and stay the entire week and come back the following Sunday arrive the following monday.

What I would like to know is.

Who is thinking about going?
Who is definitley going?
What days are you looking to be there?
Who is driving?
Who needs a ride?
Hotel?Camp?Sleeping under the overpasses on I70?

I want to be out there for the Sunday - Tuesday Trailbuilding Summit to show off a little what MORC has been doing and learn a little on how those out west do things. (There will be some great riding during these days as well)

All the other days out there will be morning and afternoon, and some evening rides of the Fruita and Grand Junction Trails. I have a few that I am going to make a point of hitting this year since I didn't get to them last year. Moore Fun, Troy Built, Joe's Ridge, Zippity, and an epic on the Edge Loop. Hopefully I will be able to talk troy into another ride down ........ Just like last year. I really want the whole thing on video not just 5 minutes worth.

So come on all, Give me a show of hands of those who are thinking about it, those that are going, etc.

I plan on driving and can take 1 with me, unless I get a better offer. I plan on taking 2 bikes, Full Boing XC and whatever Single I have built. Almost all the trails in Fruita are better on a Single than on gears, though you will have to suffer a little.

So.....



More of my trip plan will come as we get nearer to March

[berrywise]

James not sure if you saw my other post in the Moab/Fruita thread so I thought I'd post it here for you as well.



------------------
I saw this in this years QBP's Frostbike invitation. He's giving a seminar.


Quote:
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">
Building Business Through a Wold-Class Event

Troy Rarick, Owner of Over the Edge Cycling and Founder of the Fat Tire Festival in Fruita, Co.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
You should ring him up and get a beer.</B><!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[KleinCrazy]

Hehe,


I walked in last year and dropped off 3 gallons of homebrew. I was Troy's best friend the rest of the week. Plus I was given free access to "The Shop Fridge" whenever I was Thirsty.

I am planning on starting a batch next weekend and the weekend after to take out with me this year. I might have a buddy put it in a 5 Gallon Keg and really make them happy when I walk in.

[SuperClydesdale]

James

I am going to the Festival this year. I plan to do a few days in Moab pre-FFTF. I know you are sour on Moab, but I know locals who'll guide us on all the new "secret" singletrack stuff.

I'll know the exact dates for my trip once school starts.

Salem Hills at 2:30PM on Saturday, followed by a few beers at the local entertainment venue.

Mark

[TML]

It's my intention to go as well. I have to to jump through a few hoops at work though before I will know for sure.

I'll probably be brewing a batch this week to bring out as well. I'm trying a Fat Tire clone. Not James favorite, but we'll see how it goes.;)

[sugarspice]

I am interested in the festival and a trip to Fruita/Moab as well!
Jen

[DMonkey]

I'm hoping to go this year.. Then maybe try to hit Winter Park sometime as well.

I also know that CT is wants to do a trip away this spring/summer..

[TML]

The new website is up with the detailed info:

http://www.fruitamountainbike.com/fruita_fattire_festival.cfm

Sounds like way too much fun!

[DMonkey]

Thanks Troy, you just ruined the rest of the day at work - now this is all I'm going to be thinking about!

[TML]

Thanks Troy, you just ruined the rest of the day at work - now this is all I'm going to be thinking about!
Ha Ha . . .

Sorry about that. :laugh:

[soupboy]

...I sprouted a FMB when I met Shonny V. of the Luna Chix at Over the Edge during FFTF 03. She was nursing a broken collarbone at the time and asked me to help her adjust her harness [dream ends]. Seriously though, she was nice and hot. Nicely hot. Hotly nice.

I do it again but won't make it this year. I want to get a group set up for a Black Hills run either early or late summer.

Sean

[Brickhouse]

Dear James, thanks for the post. Include me as one with interest. I can and probably would want to drive as well, have small pickup with topper. Camping is great, hotels are fine. Combination, whatever, I am easy. I have flexibility so when and how long is not crucial. After what you have said about a single leads me to think I would just rent one out there, what do you think of that?

I will stay in touch. Paul

[KleinCrazy]

Dear James, thanks for the post. Include me as one with interest. I can and probably would want to drive as well, have small pickup with topper. Camping is great, hotels are fine. Combination, whatever, I am easy. I have flexibility so when and how long is not crucial. After what you have said about a single leads me to think I would just rent one out there, what do you think of that?

I will stay in touch. Paul

Paul,

I would definitly bring your usual ride. A single is not needed but if you have one and enjoy them, Fruita works great with them. I will probably end up bringing both of mine, single and FS geary just so I have options.

As of now I have room for 1 person and 2 bikes from here to Omaha Friday Night, After that I will have room for an additional person, but maybe not another bike. any number of cars, etc can be left at my parents house in Omaha as we gather up for the trip. Any number of people are free to crash there friday night if they don't feel like driving straight through.

If someone comes up with a better ride offer, I am also more than willing to jump in with them and leave my car in Omaha. I just have to drive down there first as I have to drop the dog off at the parents.

As we get closer, everyone that plans on going can start getting lists of what gear they have and are willing to share. i.e. stoves, tents, coolers, computers, tv's etc. (all the good sites in the city come with power and water).

For people planning to camp in the campgrounds right in the city, I have a list of the best spots to reserve as trees are very sparse.

At the end of Feburary I will get together another hard list of people planning on going and who wants to drive, who wants to ride, bikes taking, camp, hotel, length of stays, etc.

If anyone cares, I also looked into taking the train and it is 75 dollars each way from Omaha to Grand Junction. Train leaving every day I think. leaves about 11:00pm Omaha, gets in about 5 or 6 pm Grand Junction. 11:00am -- 5:00am return.

Just an option I thought about, doesn't help much but I thought about it.

L8er
James

[tmac]

I'm in! Camping, motel, whatever.



Must



Ride



Trails




Soon . . .




Going




Insane




Riding




Rollers. . . .

[KleinCrazy]

Ty,

I'll be starting another thread on this in a couple of days to try and nail down those who are going, rides, flying, bikes taking, camping, etc.

I plan on reserving on campsite next week, enough for 6 people and go from there.

Keep me posted on your plans and such and we will attempt to work everything out.

L8er
James

[manual63]

Gonna talk to the woman tonight and make sure she wants me to go. First I showed her that video of the guy falling down the cliff and then told her I was interested in going to a place with cliffs just like that.......:)

Do you think she will let me go??

[Tex]

Do you think she will let me go??

I'm sure she will, right after she boosts up your life insurance policy:D

[KleinCrazy]

Gonna talk to the woman tonight and make sure she wants me to go. First I showed her that video of the guy falling down the cliff and then told her I was interested in going to a place with cliffs just like that.......:)

Do you think she will let me go??

I have video of the actual trails you will be riding if that will help.

James

[TML]

All this talking and planning is making me antsy. Dang I need to get out there. I did some more leg work in negotiating the time off at work here. It's not 100% yet but I'm hopefully a bit closer. When you work for the legislature, getting time off during session is very tough, and you're very lucky and grateful when you do. *fingers crossed* :)

Gotta get going on my next batch of brew for the trip as well.

[Tex]

You really want to get ansy about going out there? Check out these videos. Sorry to anyone who doesn't get any work done for the remainder of the day.

http://www.petefagerlin.com/covid.htm

[sugarspice]

Which days are you taking off from work?

[tmac]

If I go, it won't be able to be the whole week. I will try and make a long weekend out of it and go the first weekend - April 29-May 2 or so.

Man, I have not ridden in Utah/Colorado for almost 10 years. :cryin: Antsy is just not the right word.

[TML]

If all works out as planned, and I'm able to get the time off and go with James, we'll leave friday night the 29th and return monday the 9th. That is what James is doing for sure. We plan on being there for the trail building seminars and for the entire festival portion as well. Both of us are planning on camping.

We could have quite the group out there! Fun Fun Fun!!

[TML]

If I go, it won't be able to be the whole week. I will try and make a long weekend out of it and go the first weekend - April 29-May 2 or so.


You gonna do the 18 hr race?? I know one friend who lives out there that will be doing it.

[mtnbykr]

Which days are you taking off from work?

the dulluth krew plans on leaving the great frozen north april 30 and returning may 9.

good times will be had by all....

kl

[tmac]

You gonna do the 18 hr race?? I know one friend who lives out there that will be doing it.

Naah, it'll all be riding for fun. Now I just have to think up a good reason to use up all of my vacation this year for a bike trip to the desert and go for the full week.

Left shoulder: :angel:
Right Shoulder: :evil:

Brain: :beer_yum:

[KleinCrazy]

Brain: :beer_yum:

Best Reason, they just opened a brew pub across the street from OTE, New Belgium is supplying all the beer for the festival, Troy and I might have up to 10 gallons of homebrew in kegs on tap during the event, plus the riding is not to be missed.

It would be well worth the expense of vacation.

[TML]

Left shoulder: :angel:
Right Shoulder: :evil:

Brain: :beer_yum:

LOL :) Nice illustration Ty.

[manual63]

Left Shoulder: :beer_yum:

Right Shoulder: :beer_yum:

Brain: :beer_yum:

[manual63]

Hey James. I am going to commit myself. Hopefully I can hook up a ride with you or someone else. I should have my On-One all dialed in by then with disc brakes and such. This will be a good trip for one of my summer trips.

[Magic]

Shad, you should have commited yourself a long time ago. (J.K.) haha. So your making the switch to disc brakes, you'll love them. When you get her all built up with all the new goodies on her post some pic's.:)

[Tex]

So Shad, am I to understand that you are making the switch to Disc brakes, and clipless pedals? Be carefull people might start to think that you are a mountain biker, instead of a BMXer :D. I think you'll be happy with both upgrades. You'll be lovin those disc brakes if you go out west, that's for sure.

[KleinCrazy]

Hey James. I am going to commit myself. Hopefully I can hook up a ride with you or someone else. I should have my On-One all dialed in by then with disc brakes and such. This will be a good trip for one of my summer trips.

Sounds good Shad,

I will try and get everyone who will be camping together so we arn't doubling up on stuff.

Like I said, I will only be able to carry 1 extra in my car down to Omaha, but from there I should be able to take 2. Troy has already spoken for the first spot.

I will also need to acquire Yakima Trays from people to equal the number of bikes that are going.

I will begin assembling those lists in the next couple of weeks.

Keep me posted.

James

[manual63]

Either that or I can hook up with someone else. Does anyone plan on driving their huge SUV down there???? ........:):)

[bigwheel]

Does anyone plan on driving their huge SUV down there???? ........:):)

Time to kiss up to the people who drive SUVs and Minivans.:p

[manual63]

I just hope it's a safe one he picks. If it's an Exploder I wanna see pics of Shad in it on the road. :p :crazy2:

I could always claim someone PhotoShopped my in there.....:)

[manual63]

Time to kiss up to the people who drive SUVs and Minivans.:p

I don't mind Minivans.......as long as you don't mind being called a......never mind.....the soccer jokes are gettin old.

[KleinCrazy]

I don't mind Minivans.......as long as you don't mind being called a......never mind.....the soccer jokes are gettin old.

Damn!!!!

I forgot about that.....

Give me a second...

OK...

I called the rents and have permission to use the Ford Family vacation vehicle.

2002 Dodge Grand Caravan.

We can use my towers on it's rails, the longest bars we can find and we should have no problem fitting 5-6 bikes on top. MPG will suck but who cares.

This means that I can take 1 person from the cities and 3 from Omaha. I know it is not the best deal, but it keeps the majority of the trip in one car. Plus I can take wimps with me since it is an Automatic :crazy2:

So, Troy you and I are set for a vehicle either way, you and me in mine or the van. And if 1 or 2 more want to meet in Omaha Firday Night/Sat Morning I can take 2 more no problem.

Let me know. The list as of now is Troy, Shad, ?

James

[manual63]

Well, maybe I can drive to Omaha and leave my car there. Is that possible?

[KleinCrazy]

Well, maybe I can drive to Omaha and leave my car there. Is that possible?

That would be no problem. That is what I am suggesting to people who want to ride in the van.

The parents know that friday and sunday night there will be a bunch of crazy bikes sleeping in the basement, and a couple cars parked in the street for a week. They are all for it.

The dog goes with me to my parents and thus it really retricts the amount of space in the wagon from here to omaha.

Keep me posted and I'll pencil you into the van.

1 Space Left.

James

[manual63]

Bummer news. I just checked the date of a friends wedding I am attending and it's on May 7th. That sucks and will keep me from doing this ride....at least during the FFTF. I really want to go out there now, but I will have to pick a different time slot.

Sorry James.....I didn't realize the wedding was in the same time area. The wedding is actually Chris and my friend Andy getting married. The dude we do the Maah Daah Hey ride with each year. So....I better go or he might put snakes in my tent next time......:)

[KleinCrazy]

Bummer news. I just checked the date of a friends wedding I am attending and it's on May 7th. That sucks and will keep me from doing this ride....at least during the FFTF. I really want to go out there now, but I will have to pick a different time slot.

Sorry James.....I didn't realize the wedding was in the same time area. The wedding is actually Chris and my friend Andy getting married. The dude we do the Maah Daah Hey ride with each year. So....I better go or he might put snakes in my tent next time......:)

No Problem Shad,

Things like this come up, and this is the first summer in 5 years where I have not had a wedding screwing up some planned bike trip.

If / When I ever go down that road, she better be ready to get married on a freighter in Duluth Harbor. :p

Have fun and at least take the bike to the wedding.

James

[tmac]

The wedding is actually Chris and my friend Andy getting married. :)

I thought Chris was already married. :crazy2:

[KleinCrazy]

I thought Chris was already married. :crazy2:


I could take this down a very very evil path but will refrain as it is a public place and I don't want to upset Chris' wife.

On another note,

I made the campsite reservations today. 8 nights in one of the only spots with trees in it right in Fruita. $128 for all 8 nights and up to 6 people can crash in the spot. I will wait a while to see who all is going from here and then put a post on MTBR to see if anyone else want to share the site. Save some money and increase the party.

L8er
James

[TML]

On another note,

I made the campsite reservations today. 8 nights in one of the only spots with trees in it right in Fruita.
L8er
James

Cool! Good job on remembering which site was the good one James.

[goatgirl]

Is there a Cross Country race offered,other than the 18 hour race?

[KleinCrazy]

Is there a Cross Country race offered,other than the 18 hour race?

I believe they are going to hold a XC race on Sunday the 8th out at the Rabbit Valley Trail System.

I am not positive on this but I think I saw something about it somewhere I just can't find it right now.

Give Troy a call out at OTE for the info.

970-858-7220

James

[mara]

I need a vacation !!!

Ideally, I'd like to be there for the trailbuilding ( yes, I know I need help ) and be back in time for Spring Cup. Anyone going during that time? { Okay, does anyone going whenever have any extra room? } I am crazy enough to drive across the world by myself, but it would be a lot more fun not to.

[jjrsds]

Really thinking about heading out to FFTF this year. James, you are leaving MPLS April 29th and coming back May 7th? This would be a Friday to the following Saturday correct? I would like to tag along if you have room otherwise will drive out and maybe look for a passenger/ someone to talk to other than myself. I just need some hard dates for the boss at work.

Any suggestions, ideas would be great.

Thanks

[mtnbykr]

I need a vacation !!!

Ideally, I'd like to be there for the trailbuilding ( yes, I know I need help ) and be back in time for Spring Cup. Anyone going during that time? { Okay, does anyone going whenever have any extra room? } I am crazy enough to drive across the world by myself, but it would be a lot more fun not to.

fly into grand junction, ship your bike to ote or have someone haul it.

we'll pick you up at the airport and get you back.


kl

[KleinCrazy]

Really thinking about heading out to FFTF this year. James, you are leaving MPLS April 29th and coming back May 7th? This would be a Friday to the following Saturday correct? I would like to tag along if you have room otherwise will drive out and maybe look for a passenger/ someone to talk to other than myself. I just need some hard dates for the boss at work.

Any suggestions, ideas would be great.

Thanks

JJ,

The plan is listed below. But leave omaha on Saturday Morning and come back to omaha the following Sunday. Let me know what you are thinking.

Mara,

An option. You could rideout with us, jammed into the Wagon with troy and Caelan until Omaha and then fly back here when you need to. another option is drive to omaha ride out with us and fly back or take the train back there. Amtrak does a daily Omaha to Grand Junction run for 75 dollars.

Both of you keep me posted and we will work something out.

James

[mtnbykr]

I just need some hard dates for the boss at work.
Thanks

the duluth krew is leaving saturday am, staying in sterling, co and arriving in fruita sunday noonish. we'll be leaving the next sunday for mn. unfortunately the car is full but you're welcome to convoy w/ us....

kl

[goatgirl]

Is anyone doing the 18 hours enduro race?

[KleinCrazy]

Is anyone doing the 18 hours enduro race?

Not I,

won't get there until the start of the after-race party.

[pefozzy]

Talking about riding Fruita/Moab- has anyone reciently ridden Amasa Back? Some of the MTBR forums were talking about how it has been 'dumbed down'- just wondering if anyone here as actually ridden that trail reciently and can verify...

[TML]

Got my Fruita guide book and map in the mail over the weekend! Dang. Looks like a whole lotta fun!! There's tons of great riding. I can't wait.

Troy (author) does a good job of conveying the scene of the town and its history, in the book as well. Not to mention the high regard for trail etiquette and respect. A great guide book in that respect.

[DMonkey]

OK - CT & I are def. going (as well as a couple of others maybe)..

We can't go for the whole thing, so we are trying to figure out when is the best time to go (we are going to fly out with our bikes, rent a car and drive to Fruita - and hotel it)
Either: Thur April 28th (Evening), Returning Wed. May 4th
Wed May 4th (afternoon/evening), returning Mon. May 9th

Thoughts?

Oh - and the site again for the Fest (don't think it's been posted in a while)..
http://www.fruitamountainbike.com/fruita_fattire_festival.cfm

[soupboy]

not sure as to dates but I will be flying into DEN and driving from there. May work in a Front Range ride with some peeps in the NW burbs.

When I went in 03 we really didn't participate in many "sanctioned" events. Spent more time riding good trails with locals who knew their way around. The sponsored events seemed a tad cheesy and overpriced.

Did not ride Amasa Back when out there. Rode Porc, Soveriegn and the first part of Slickrock. If you've never been to Moab I suggest at least spending a day there but I really preferred Fruita/GJ over Moab. Riding was just more "flowy" for lack of a better description.

Sean

[mtnbykr]

...to fruita is trails like these-http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=85144

kl

[TML]

Got the long awaited final word from work. I'm clear to go. Woo hoo!!

Let there be dancing and rejoicing! :banana::banana:

[goatgirl]

Rodney and I are going. We should plan a MN gathering for a ride. The Guide Book has so many great trails, if anyone has been before, we'd love some advice on which trails to do in which order.

We plan on leaving April 28th and be there through the following friday. We want to get back for the spring cup. With all those extra RBC's we'll be in good shape for the race!:banana:

[mtnbykr]

We should plan a MN gathering for a ride. The Guide Book has so many great trails, if anyone has been before, we'd love some advice on which trails to do in which order.



james and i have both been there. we can plan a different ride for each day, meeting at the trailhead at like 10am...then possibly an evening ride at 6pm on some days.

make sure you bring a camelback-type pack w/ 70-100 oz of water. the trailheads have no water, only bathrooms. you will dehydrate...

plan on 4+ hour rides.

we will have fun :?)

kl

[mtnbykr]

check out the trails in fruita...

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=91605




less than 1 month.

kl