So wed evening i was invited along with the group of riders responsible for the Fat Tire Challenge. I hit the parking lot around 6 and did the meet & greet with everyone there. Its always hard to remember names when 6 or 7 are tossed at you all at once. Never the less I got names shook hands and we were off. I have to say a very punctual group which was nice. Along the route i had the opportunity to "interview" Michael White (race promoter). He explained how this race had a long history but had died out shortly before his return from Traverse City and his military career. While in Traverse City Michael had started riding and raced the Iceman one year as his first ever mountain bike race. Once back home here he talked with the past promoter of the Fat Tire Challenge and took off with its resurrection. Now 3 years later its begun its journey to becoming a classic.
Its first year the race ran through Brookville but with difficulties and less than desirable trails Michael moved it out towards Beartown Rocks & the Laurel fields of Clear Creek State Forest. With State permission couple with private (Timber Companies) land permission he has built a very interesting course. Sections vary from slightly grassy gas well access roads, existing hiking trails to the technical single track he and the others have built. Truly this is a diverse trail and an absolute joy to ride.
We kept a steady pace around the loop while I made conversation with the riders trying to learn alittle about them. I really like meeting the riders from different areas and it always amazes me how much you can learn about an areas hidden trails and its riding by hanging out with the locals. 
We stopped in a clearing to get a group photo (Minus Michael - behind the lens) and I also took a few shots while the others picked their 
lines thru the last rock garden. Bill managed to get himself a flat here so we took a quick break to repair and then finished up the last mile.
By this time it was fairly late and i still had over an hour drive back home so I said my Thanks and goodbyes quick and made for the road home.
I'll have to put the course from my GPS up on motion based.com so you can see what you're missing. If you have time come out for the race on Sunday and if not make it a point to get here to ride sometime. I'm sure you'll make the race next year once you see the course. I've ridden in PA, Ohio, New York, Vermont, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, West Virginia, California & Michigan and can truly say this is one of my favorite trails to turn some tires on. Sure its not an epic course with hours of riding but since it isn't far from home and it offers such variety and beauty it ranks up their on my list.
Thanks to Michael White, Bill, Tom, Dave, Corbin, John & Michael for the Tour. Also Congrats to Michael White on his Wedding (just two weeks ago!)
Stork
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