The inaugural Muskoka Winter Bike Festival, a family-friendly fat bike race and festival, was held on Saturday, February 10 at Deerhurst Resort. The event welcomed experienced riders while introducing locals and tourists alike to winter biking — approximately 75 per cent of participants were from outside Muskoka, said Kristi MacDonald, event organizer and co-owner of The Bike Shop in Gravenhurst and Huntsville.
“After attending the Ontario by Bike summit hosted by Explorers’ Edge, I was inspire to create something to bring people up in the winter to show that we are not a seasonal destination, but an amazing year-round option for holidays and events,” said MacDonald.
The bike fest offered an 11-kilometre groomed and hard-pack course which got slushy along the way thanks to three days of snow prior to the event. But the experienced racers who started first triumphed the grueling course and some commented it was the hardest thing they had ever done.
Next, the Newbies and Kids’ heats joined together to “just have fun on the course,” said MacDonald. They tackled the trail with smiles on their faces.
Cycling enthusiasts were able to demo some of the fat bikes from Algonquin Outfitters and test the trails alongside the racers.
The day ended with a bonfire, music, a chili feast and hot chocolate along with beer sampling. It was tough but exhilarating for the bike riders who braved the snow on two wheels. Well done, racers!
“Deerhurst offered an opportunity to partner for the event, I can’t say enough about how great it was to work with them,” added MacDonald. “The Huntsville Lake of Bays Chamber also supported the event and helped it come to life. Kate Austin worked diligently behind the scenes to insure the event was organized and ready to go for race day. Everyone loved the Yeti! Brent Ellerson donated his time to help support this event. What I am really trying to say is that everyone involved played an important part in bringing this event to life. We learned a lot from this year’s event and through strategic partnerships plan to host the event for many years to come.”
Visit winterbikefest.com for more photos and check back for details on a 2019 festival.
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