The 2026 Fat & Skinny Tire Fest delivered record participation, welcomed riders from across North America, and showcased the incredible support of our cycling community.

From elite road racing and mountain biking to family rides and kids’ activities, the weekend highlighted why this event continues to rank among the Midwest’s premier cycling festivals.

A Record-Breaking Year For Racing

One of the biggest stories from this year’s festival was the tremendous growth of the Zimmer Biomet Three-Day Road Omnium.

As the inaugural event in the new Midwest Cup Road Series, Fat & Skinny Tire Fest attracted a record number of racers and teams from 23 states and Canada. Riders traveled from as far away as California, Nevada, Colorado, Texas, and the East Coast to compete in one of the Midwest’s most anticipated race weekends.

The larger fields created:

• More competitive racing
• Stronger team participation
• Exciting finishes for spectators
• Increased visibility for Warsaw and Winona Lake within the cycling community

The impact of the Midwest Cup extended beyond race day. Event directors from other Midwest Cup races attended the festival and praised the organization, atmosphere, and execution of the event.

The Community Ride Continues To Grow

Nothing captures the spirit of Fat & Skinny Tire Fest quite like the Community Critical Mass Ride.

More than 720 riders participated in this year’s ride from The Village at Winona to downtown Warsaw, making it one of the largest community rides in festival history.

Families, friends, and riders of all ages filled the route, creating an incredible visual reminder that cycling is for everyone.

Whether participants rode every day of the festival or simply joined the community ride, they played an important role in celebrating healthy lifestyles and active transportation throughout Kosciusko County.

Future Cyclists Take Center Stage

The future of cycling looked bright on Sunday afternoon!

The Kids Race drew record participation and showcased the next generation of cyclists. Organizers noted that many young riders who participated in previous years have grown into accomplished road and mountain bike racers.

The festival’s youth activities, bike rodeos, games, casual rides, and races continue to create opportunities for families to experience cycling together in a fun and welcoming environment.

Riders Came For The Racing And Stayed For The Community

One theme emerged repeatedly throughout the weekend: visitors were amazed by the community atmosphere.

Teams, riders, officials, photographers, and spectators consistently praised:

• Friendly and knowledgeable volunteers
• Enthusiastic crowds and spectators
• Beautiful race venues and trails
• Small-town hospitality
• Family-friendly festival activities
• Strong community support for cycling

Many first-time visitors shared plans to return in 2027 and bring additional teammates, friends, and family members with them.

As one participant noted, Fat & Skinny Tire Fest delivers “large city national-caliber event vibes” while maintaining the welcoming feel of a close-knit cycling community.

Local Partnerships Helped Drive Success

The continued partnership between Fat & Skinny Tire Fest, Downtown Warsaw, and the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce’s Third Friday event created another exciting Friday night experience.

The collaboration introduced new audiences to the festival, expanded awareness throughout the community, and helped generate larger crowds for both events.

These partnerships continue to strengthen the connection between cycling, local businesses, and community engagement.

Powered by More Than 320 Volunteers

Events of this scale don’t happen without an incredible team behind the scenes.

Fat & Skinny Tire Fest relies on:

• More than 320 volunteers
• A year-round organizing committee
• Local sponsors and community partners
• Support from the City of Warsaw
• Support from the Town of Winona Lake
• Support from Kosciusko County

Planning for the festival begins months before the first rider arrives and continues long after the final race concludes.

The dedication of volunteers remains one of the most important reasons for the festival’s continued success.

Supporting Trails, Education, and Cycling Advocacy

Fat & Skinny Tire Fest does more than create an exciting weekend of events. Every participant, volunteer, sponsor, and supporter helps strengthen cycling opportunities throughout the region.

The festival serves as the primary fundraiser for KCV Cycling and helps support:

• Winona Lake Trail System maintenance
• Future Winona Lake Bike Park development
• Tracey’s Trailer Bike Education Program
• Community cycling events
• Bicycle advocacy initiatives
• Youth cycling programs

A Growing Economic Impact

The festival also continues to provide significant benefits for local tourism and businesses.

Last year’s event attracted more than 10,000 attendees, and organizers believe attendance increased again in 2026. Hotels, restaurants, shops, short-term rentals, and attractions throughout Warsaw, Winona Lake, and surrounding communities welcomed visitors throughout the weekend.

Many participants return year after year, while others discover the area for the first time and plan future visits with family and friends.

Looking Ahead to Fat & Skinny Tire Fest 2027

While the 2026 festival has concluded, planning for next year is already underway!

Organizers are collecting feedback, reviewing opportunities for improvement, strengthening sponsor partnerships, and exploring new ideas that will continue to elevate the participant experience.

After another successful year, one thing remains clear: Fat & Skinny Tire Fest continues to grow because of the people who make it possible.

From racers and riders to volunteers, sponsors, community leaders, and spectators, this event reflects the passion, dedication, and hospitality that define cycling in Warsaw and Winona Lake.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2026 Fat & Skinny Tire Fest. We can’t wait to see you back on the roads, trails, and streets of our community in 2027.

The post 2026 Fat & Skinny Tire Fest Wrap-Up: Record Participation, National Reach, and Unforgettable Community Spirit appeared first on Kosciusko County Velo.

What started as a small local event has grown into a regional destination, drawing more than 10,000 participants and spectators. Whether you are visiting for the weekend or part of the local community, the festival is built to celebrate the power of bicycles in creating a healthier, more connected place to live.

What Is The Fat & Skinny Tire Fest?

At its core, the Fat & Skinny Tire Fest is about bicycling. More than just racing, it is a full cycling festival designed to bring together every type of rider.

Throughout the weekend, you can experience:

• Competitive road, mountain, and BMX bike racing
• Casual and scenic rides for all ability levels
• Community rides and social events
• Family-friendly activities and youth programming
• Live entertainment, food, and local experiences

From first-time riders to experienced racers, there is a place for everyone to participate.

Built By Our Community

The festival is powered by a passionate, volunteer-led organization. More than 320 volunteers help bring the weekend to life, supporting everything from races to family activities.

KCV continues to expand its impact beyond the festival through trail development, youth education programs, advocacy efforts that support biking and walking throughout the community and state, and now the development of the Winona Lake Bike Park adjacent to the Winona Lake Trails

Kicking Off the Midwest Cup Series

One of the biggest highlights for 2026 is the festival’s role as the kickoff event for the Midwest Cup, a new regional road racing series.

As the opening event, the Fat & Skinny Tire Fest sets the tone for the series while continuing to offer a welcoming environment for all riders.

The Midwest Cup brings together a curated lineup of must-do races, giving riders the opportunity to:

• Compete in a structured, multi-event series
• Track standings across multiple races
• Race against a deeper, more competitive field
• Travel to top-tier cycling events throughout the region

Being selected as the opening event speaks volumes about the reputation of the Fat & Skinny Tire Fest. It’s not just another race on the calendar!

Why the Midwest Cup Matters for Riders

The introduction of the Midwest Cup is a big step forward for regional racing. It creates a stronger sense of connection between events and encourages riders to think beyond their local scene.

Here’s why that matters:

• Riders are more likely to travel when they’re part of a series
• Teams can plan full race calendars with a purpose
• Events gain stronger participation and competition
• The Midwest cycling scene becomes more unified and visible

When cyclists know they’re working toward something bigger, it changes how they approach each event. That energy carries into weekends like the Fat & Skinny Tire Fest, making them even more competitive and exciting.

A Full Weekend of Events

The Fat & Skinny Tire Fest spans three days, with activities designed for racers, casual riders, commuters, families, and spectators. KCV has always prioritized creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Whether you’re chasing a podium or just looking to ride something new, you’ll find your place here.

Friday: Community and Celebration

The weekend begins with Bike to Work Day, encouraging riders to commute by bike and stop for free coffee and snacks at The River Coffeehouse locations in Winona Lake and downtown Warsaw. Local organizations will be on hand to share information about building a more bicycle-friendly community.

Friday evening features the Festival Kick Off Party, including opening ceremonies, a family-friendly Community Critical Mass ride from Winona Lake to downtown Warsaw,  a BMX stunt show, and the Downtown Criterium, part of the weekend’s Zimmer Biomet Road Race Omnium & Midwest Cup Series. The night continues with food trucks, live music, and activities as part of the downtown Third Friday’s celebration.

Saturday: Rides, Races, and Family Activities

Saturday offers one of the most diverse lineups of the weekend.

Casual riders can take part in the Wildman Business Group Countryside Tour, with distances ranging from a family-friendly 12-mile ride up to a full 101-mile century. Riders can also enjoy the Historical Winona Tour, a relaxed guided ride of less than five miles through local landmarks and stories of the community.

For racers, the DINO Mountain Bike Series races bring Indiana’s state series to the Winona Lake trails, while the Zimmer Biomet Circuit Road Race offers competitive racing on a scenic course starting at Claypool Elementary School, and both BMX and mountain bike racers can take to the Hire Park BMX Track for their opening weekend of BMX and FourCross MTB racing.

Families and kids have plenty to enjoy as well. Activities include bike decorating, a bike parade, a safety skills course, scavenger hunts, and more, designed to build confidence and excitement for young riders.

Throughout the day, spectators can catch BMX stunt shows, explore the expo area, and enjoy food trucks and beverages. The evening wraps up with live music and an opportunity to highlight the impact of critical volunteers with the Robbie Gast Ride On Award Celebration in the Village at Winona.

Sunday: High Energy Racing and Kids Events

Sunday brings fast-paced action and fun for all ages!

TheZimmer Biomet Road Criterium wraps up the Midwest Series’ opening round at the festival and delivers high-speed racing through the Winona Lake Village, with spectators lining the course for an exciting atmosphere.

For something more lighthearted, the Orthopedic Cup Corporate Challenge Cruiser Race features teams from event sponsors competing in a fun relay format on cruiser bikes.

Kids take center stage as well, with a dedicated kids road race on the same criterium course and free youth mountain bike skills clinics in the trails that help young riders build confidence and techniques.

Event Updates for 2026

As the Winona Lake Bike Park is under construction, a few logistical updates are worth noting. These changes are part of ongoing improvements and will help enhance the experience long term.

For this year’s event:

• Mountain bike parking locations will be adjusted
• Camping areas near the trails must be relocated
• Mountain bike race and skills clinic setups may look slightly different

These updates are being handled thoughtfully, and the goal remains the same: to create a smooth, enjoyable experience for everyone attending. Be sure to visit fatandskinnytirefest.com for the latest updates.

Why You Should Add This to Your Calendar

The Fat & Skinny Tire Fest has become one of the Midwest’s premier cycling weekends. With its role in launching the Midwest Cup, its diverse range of disciplines, and its strong community focus, it offers something you won’t find at a typical race.

If you’re looking for:

• High-quality competition
• A variety of riding options
• A reason to travel and explore new events
• A welcoming cycling community

This is the weekend to circle on your calendar!

Thank You To Our Presenting Sponsors

We want to thank all of our sponsors, especially our Title, Presenting, and Partnering Sponsors, for making Fat & Skinny Tire Fest possible. Your support helps bring this event to life and creates an incredible experience for riders, volunteers, and the entire community. We’re grateful for your partnership and commitment to making this weekend one to remember!

Title Sponsor

K21 Health Foundation

Presenting Sponsors

• Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation and Visitors Commission (KCCRVC)
• Zimmer Biomet

Partnering Sponsors

• Depuy Synthes
• DreamOn Studios
• Lutheran Health Network
• Wildman Business Group
• The Village at Winona
• 1Eighty Digital
• Blue Note Design
• Autocam Medical

Ready To Ride?

Registration is open, and spots will fill up as more riders plan their Midwest Cup schedules.

Head over to the official event page to get all the details, view schedules, and secure your spot. If you’re planning to race, ride, or just be part of the weekend, now’s the time to commit.

Volunteers are always needed and welcome, so if you’d rather support the event behind the scenes, there’s a place for you, too!

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of races are included in the Fat & Skinny Tire Fest?

The event includes road races, BMX races, mountain bike races, and skills clinics, making it a multi-disciplinary cycling weekend.

Is the Fat & Skinny Tire Fest part of a series?

Yes. It’s the kickoff event for the Midwest Cup, a new regional road racing series that connects several top events across the Midwest. It’s also the opening round of the DINO Mountain Bike series in Indiana.

Do I need to be an experienced racer to participate?

Not at all. The festival has events designed for riders of all levels, from beginners to experienced competitors.

Will there be changes to parking and camping this year?

Yes. Due to ongoing bike park development, some parking and camping locations may be adjusted. Updated details will be provided ahead of the event.

Why is the Midwest Cup important?

The Midwest Cup encourages riders and teams to travel, compete across multiple events, and be part of a larger, more connected racing community in the Midwest.

The post Fat & Skinny Tire Fest Returns As Premier Midwest Cycling Event appeared first on Kosciusko County Velo.

Located next to the existing Winona Lake Trails, this project transforms 15 acres into a space where riders of all ages and skill levels can ride, learn, and grow. It builds on KCV’s strong foundation of over 10 miles of mountain bike trails and expands access to safe, structured riding experiences for the entire community and beyond.

While drawing regional visitors and tourism into Kosciusko County to support our local economy, the bike park will also strengthen community well-being and create valuable skill-building opportunities for the next generation locally.

“For over 30 years, the Winona Lake Trails have been a cornerstone of biking in Kosciusko County and across Indiana, hosting the DINO Series for nearly 25 years and helping shape many great riders. But there’s been a growing need for a space dedicated to developing skills, especially for younger and newer riders, and supporting the next generation.

With two active youth programs and the Indiana State Scholastic Mountain Bike Series already calling these trails home, the Winona Lake Bike Park fulfills a decade-long vision: a family-friendly place to learn, progress, and ride locally instead of traveling hours to larger trail systems.

Designed and built by world-class experts, this bike park will be something our community can enjoy, be proud of, and share with the entire Midwest. – Greg Demopoulos, Co-founder and Vice President of KCV Cycling

A Vision Built for Everyone

The vision for the Winona Lake Bike Park centers on accessibility, progression, and community. This won’t just be a place for experienced riders. It’s designed for beginners, families, and kids who want to build confidence on a bike.

The park will include:

• Progressive flow trails
• Jump lines
• Skills zone
• Dual slalom course
• Pump track
• Bicycle playground

These features create a clear path for riders to improve over time. A beginner can start in the skills zone, move into flow trails, and eventually tackle more advanced terrain.

The park also strengthens connections across Winona Lake. It links to the Greenway, as well as nearby neighborhoods and schools. It also creates a central location for events like Fat & Skinny Tire Fest and Trail Fest, bringing people together through shared experiences.

This project reflects a simple idea. When you give people access to outdoor recreation, you support healthier lifestyles and stronger communities.

Where the Project Stands Today

The Winona Lake Bike Park continues to move forward with steady progress.

KCV completed land acquisition and design planning, which laid the groundwork for the entire project. Now, construction efforts focus on the core bike park features. Crews are scheduled to begin early site work, including clearing, grading, and shaping terrain for trails.

The next stage includes building key riding areas such as the skills zone, dual slalom, jump lines, and flow trails. Construction will continue through the coming seasons, with major elements expected to take shape in the fall.

Future phases will add the pump track, clubhouse, and additional amenities that round out the full experience. Once complete, the park will stand as a destination for riders across the region.

Why This Bike Park Matters

The Winona Lake Bike Park does more than add new trails. It creates opportunities.

The park gives kids a safe place to learn balance and confidence. It helps riders develop real skills in a structured environment. It also offers a gathering space for events, families, and visitors.

Every year, families and visitors from across the country are drawn to Winona Lake, and with the development of the bike park, that momentum is only growing.

The addition of the Winona Lake Bike Park, in conjunction with the off-road trails and greenways, creates great, healthy opportunities for residents of Kosciusko County to enjoy outdoor activities. This new recreation hub will also attract many regular visitors from outside our region, which will result in a significant positive economic impact for our community. – Mike Cusick, President of KCV Cycling

What begins as a destination for recreation becomes something more: support for local businesses, a boost to our economy, and a space where our community can stay active, strengthen mental well-being, and give young people opportunities to build confidence and lifelong skills.

Most importantly, it keeps the focus local. KCV builds and maintains trails with trained volunteers who care about the community. That same approach drives this project forward.

Looking Ahead: Our Vision

The vision for the Winona Lake Bike Park stays grounded in long-term impact. KCV wants to create a space that serves the community for decades, not just a few seasons.

As construction continues, the goal remains clear. Build a place where anyone can show up, ride, and feel welcome.

If you’ve enjoyed the Winona Lake Trails, this is the next step forward. It’s a chance to expand what we already have and make it even better.

You Can Get Involved

This project grows through community support. If you want to help bring the Winona Lake Bike Park to life, please consider donating. Together, we can build something that lasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Winona Lake Bike Park?

It’s a multi-phase bike park project developed by Kosciusko County Velo that includes trails, skills areas, a pump track, and community spaces for riders of all levels.

Where will the bike park be located?

The park sits on 15 acres next to the existing off-road Winona Lake Trails near Pierceton Road.

Who is the bike park for?

The park is designed for all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders.

What features will the bike park include?

It will feature flow trails, jump lines, a skills zone, a dual slalom course, a pump track, and a bicycle playground.

When will the bike park open?

Construction is underway now, with core features expected to take shape soon and additional phases planned afterward.

The post Winona Lake Bike Park: Building a Place to Ride, Learn, and Connect appeared first on Kosciusko County Velo.

Friday evening began with Finding BigFoot – a family friendly kid focused night ride and scavenger hunt. You can find photos on KCV’s Flickr page.

Saturday included our 6 & 12 Hour MTB Race as well as Kids MTB Skills Clinics and Live Music later in the evening.

Sunday featured the 5&10K Trail Run in the morning, followed by the Kids MTB Races in the afternoon.

Stay tuned for updates on the funds raised, breaking ground on the Winona Lake Bike Park and dates for 2026 Winona Lake Trail Fest!

Don’t forget to join us Saturday, October 18 for the annual Poker Ride!

The post 2025 Winona Lake Trail Fest a Huge Success appeared first on Kosciusko County Velo.

Kosciusko County Velo (KCV) Cycling is excited to announce Phase 1 funding for the Winona Lake Bike Park is complete and initiates fundraising for the next phases of bike park construction.

In 2021, KCV Cycling acquired 15 acres of land adjacent to the Winona Lake Mountain Bike Trails with the vision to build a comprehensive bike park for all ages that includes event space for Fat & Skinny Tire Fest and Winona Lake Trail Fest, pumptrack, skills zone, bike playground, jump lines, and more. Additional amenities include parking, a clubhouse with restrooms, and the opportunity for expansion of the Heritage Trail Greenway to neighborhoods southeast of the park.

Phase 1 fundraising commenced in 2021 to raise funds for the mortgage on the property and the preliminary design and planning of the bike park. Through personal donations, trail events, and grants from the Grace College Catalyst Corridor Initiative, the Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation and Visitors Commission (KCCRVC), and K21 Health Foundation, KCV Cycling recently completed Phase 1 fundraising and has paid off the mortgage as well as completed the preliminary design of the bike park.

KCV Cycling is now launching Phase 2 & 3 to raise the estimated $3.2 million to complete the bike park. The Phase 2 goal of $1.7 million includes site preparation, gravel parking lot, bike playground, skills park, dual slalom, progressive jump lines and more. The Phase 3 goal ($1.5 million) includes a paved pumptrack, clubhouse and additional amenities, beginning once Phase 2 is complete.

“We’re excited to complete Phase 1 fundraising for the Winona Lake Bike Park,” said Mike Cusick, KCV Cycling President. “We’ve now paid off our mortgage and completed the initial design of the park. We are going to start building the bike park this fall while we continue to fundraise for the next two phases.”

Fundraising for Phase 2 has begun and includes $1 million in grant awards from the Grace College Catalyst Corridor Initiative. Site preparation will start this fall with Phase 2 bike park construction throughout next year. The remaining fundraising needs for Phase 2 will be in parallel with the bike park construction. KCV is inviting local contractors to contribute their skills and expertise to this endeavor.

“The Winona Lake Bike Park is a great addition to our community and region,” Rich Haddad, President & CEO, K21 Health Foundation. “It adds to the popular Winona Lake Bike Trails and connects to our greenways and neighborhoods. This not only provides additional healthy activities for our residents and will be a world-class place to introduce and develop the next generation of bike lovers.”

KCV Cycling is currently seeking donations, grants, and sponsorships for these fundraising phases. For more information on donating, please visit kcvcycling.networkforgood.com or contact info@kcvcycling.org.

About Kosciusko County Velo (KCV) – KCV is a volunteer-run, nonprofit focused on making Kosciusko County a great place to live, work, play and visit through bicycling. Going on its 22nd year, KCV hosts the popular Fat & Skinny Tire Festival, organizes additional events and riding opportunities for the public, educates elementary school students through the Tracey’s Trailer Bike Education Program, maintains the popular off-road trails in Winona Lake and is now planning and fundraising for the construction of the Winona Lake Bike Park. For more information, visit www.kcvcycling.org.

The post KCV Celebrates Mortgage Payoff and Next Steps for Winona Lake Bike Park appeared first on Kosciusko County Velo.

In 2013 Warsaw and Winona Lake, in a joint effort, applied for Bicycle Friendly Community status from the League of American Cyclists. The League is a national advocacy organization that encourages local advocacy by awarding various levels of Bicycle Friendly Community status based on an extensive application to recognize communities with a focus on bicycle safety, education, and infrastructure. In 2013 we were awarded Bronze status and have held that award level since, thru two additional application cycles (every four years).

This year based on some significant local improvements we received the Silver level status. This award puts us at an elite level compared to other Indiana communities (and nationally). There are 15 Bicycle Friendly Communities in Indiana presently, one gold level (Bloomington) and only three silver level (Warsaw/Winona Lake, South Bend, and Carmel).

The application process is very thorough, and we received a report card covering several areas including Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Evaluation & Planning, and Equity & Accessibility. We achieved particularly high scores in the areas of Education and Encouragement, which KCV had been instrumental in developing with such programs as Tracey’s Trailer and the various bike themed events that we hold thru the course of the year including the Fat & Skinny Tire Fest and the Winona Lake Trail Fest.

As part of the report card there are specific suggestions on things to do to improve our score on our next application. These include increased greenway connections, broader education, and improved bicycle infrastructure. KCV takes these challenges to heart and will be working diligently in partnership with the City of Warsaw, the Town of Winona Lake, and other organizations in the community to make improvements in our bike path network and various types of programming to push our status to the next level.

The post Warsaw and Winona Lake Receive Silver Status Bicycle Friendly Community Award from the League of American Bicyclists appeared first on Kosciusko County Velo.

On Tuesday, January 28th, Bicycle Indiana hosted Statehouse Day to advocate greater protections for vulnerable road users and for safer bicycle infrastructure. Bicycling organizations from around the state were invited to attend and engage with state representatives, private citizens, and each other to learn more and share their activities.

KCV was invited for the second year to both attend and speak about what we’re doing locally to make riding safer and improve access for bicyclists. Board members Nate Callithen, Mike Cusick, and Fred Helfrich attended the session to connect with similar organizations across the state and share the great things we’ve been doing in Kosciusko County.

Legislation has been previously proposed to protect vulernable road users, but has not passed into law yet. The legislation looks to protect vulernable road users (cyclists, pedestrians, etc.) by increasing the penalties on drivers found at fault for causing accidents.

The speakers for the program included riders and pedestrians who have been injured on the road, organizations that advocate for safer infrastructure, and KCV to talk about what has been happening in our area to increase bike safety and access.

Mike and Nate spoke about advocacy, riding options, and activities all working together to improve overall awareness and safety in our county. One of the key success factors is the engagement of our local elected and community leaders in planning and creating trails, greenways, and other infrastructure to meet the needs of the community. We also hit on the multiple riding options offered in the county (greenways, mountain bike trails, BMX park, and the future Winona Lake Bike Park) that provide many different ways to ride. Finally, we emphasized the importance of offering events and rides that allow residents to safely get on their bikes no matter their skill and expereince level to encourage more riding throughout the year.

We look forward to next year’s Statehouse Day and will continue to share news and updates on legislation related to vulnerable road users.

The post KCV Cycling Attends Bicycle Indiana’s Statehouse Day appeared first on Kosciusko County Velo.

Tim Devlin is an avid rider and former mountain bike racer who has been partaking in Fat and Skinny Tire Fest for 15 years. He and his wife Kerry – also a cyclist  – have been married for about 10 years and have brought the kids along for the ride.

Both their daughter Palmer, 7, and son Crosby, 5, have been on bikes since they were infants. Devlin is especially excited this year because it’s the first time that all four of them can complete the Friday morning Bike-to-Work Day ride on their own bikes.

When asked what makes Fat and Skinny Tire Fest great for families Devlin said, “It’s more about the spirit than who wins and loses. It’s as much for people who don’t ride as those who do.” He added that, “the weather cooperates most of the time, but it’s still fun if it doesn’t.”

He says that one of his favorite activities is to cheer on racers. “You can see on their faces how much effort the riders have put in,” he says, adding that “I get more joy volunteering and helping others find fulfillment in the race.”

In addition to the races and activities, Devlin also likes that Fat and Skinny Tire Fest supports local businesses. 

So come on out and join the Devlins and all the other families having a blast at FSTF!

The post Fat & Skinny Tire Fest: Family Profile – The Devlins appeared first on Kosciusko County Velo.

Local MTB racer Matt Marsh hasn’t even turned 18 yet but has nearly a decade of racing experience under his belt. “It’s been awhile [since my first race],” he says. “I think my first race was when I was about 10.”

Marsh grew up riding the Winona Lake Trails with his family: “I’ve been riding the trails at Winona since I was five or six,” he says. He began traveling to race about four years ago, and currently races at the expert level.

When asked what he loves about FSTF, he says, “The people are the best part. Everyone is welcoming whether you’re racing or not.” He also noted that same attitude carries over to the races. “Guys racing are willing to stop and help if something goes wrong. You don’t feel like you’re out there alone.”

The 34th DINO Series kicks off at FSTF on May 18, so come out and test your mettle against Marsh and all the other MTB racers.

More info on all the events at The Fat & Skinny Tire Fest can be found at fatandskinytirefest.com.

The post Fat & Skinny Tire Fest: Rider Profile – Matt Marsh appeared first on Kosciusko County Velo.

Hardley says there’s a lot to love about FSTF. “I really like how there’s a series of races over the weekend,” says, noting that he travels from Fort Wayne. “I’m not just coming for a single day race,” he adds, emphasizing the convenience of getting a full weekend of racing in a single trip.

While Hardley loves the racing, he also finds the overall atmosphere to be fun and festive. “They do a good job being intentional about having family-friendly events,” he says, adding that his family also has a great time during the weekend.

So whether you’re a racer, casual rider, volunteer, or spectator, Fat & Skinny Tire Fest has something for everyone. Come join us May 17-19 for a fun-packed weekend!

The post Fat & Skinny Tire Fest: Rider Profile – Cody Hardley appeared first on Kosciusko County Velo.