The Fat Tire

Going back a little ways to Labor Day weekend, I had one of the best weekends of my life. I spent a long weekend in the greater Houghton / Copper Harbor area, prepping and then racing in the Fat Tire. Wow, how to describe the Fat Tire? I can't possibly do it justice, but I'll try. It takes place in this funky little town of Copper Harbor (pop. 70). The race itself is over amazing terrain, brutal rolling hills, a few righteous descents, crazy windswept forest and exposed bedrock. Sammy at the Keweenaw Adventure Company is the driving force behind this incredible trail system, and he works hard to make the race come together. And did I mention that all the profits from the race go directly back into the trails? Yeah, that's pretty cool.
I wanted to win this year, but it was not to happen. I lost my front brakes with three miles to go, but I managed to stay on the bike all the way to the finish (ride these trails sometime, and you will appreciate the magnitude of that act). Anyways I came in a full five minutes behind the leader. Ah, well. There's always next year :)
Well I couldn't be that sad, since I just had the time of my life riding the awesome trails, win or not. And I won the case of New Belgium in the prize giveaway! Combine that with the post-race grill out, free KBC beer, and awesome bluegrass (courtesy of Chasin' Steel), and the presence of all my closest friends (core four!), I had an incredible day, and an incredible weekend.