The 2007 Eureka Springs Fat Tire Festival marks a milestone for the Ozark Off Road Cyclists and the City of Eureka Springs.  Together in the past 9 years we have forged one of the most unique mountain bike destinations in the Ozarks and Central U.S. Historic charm, quality trails, beautiful scenery and good people says it all.  Thanks to everyone who has helped make Eureka Springs a  FAT place to kick it.

This year will be no different than all of the others.  All the standard Fatty Fest accommodations plus a slate of new rides and competitions fill the bill.  The festival will kick off Friday evening with a Short Track race at Harmon Park,.  This new event will be followed by an awards ceremony and party at Sparky's.  Saturday the Downhill and Trials will be run at different times allowing for more convenient participation in the Fatty Omni and guided rides.  The Fatty Film Fest and Awards will still be on Saturday night but will be located at the City Auditorium in historic downtown.  We'll close everything down Sunday with the "Race to the Lake" which has become renowned as one of the most exciting and challenging point-to-point races in the region.  Of course unparalleled hospitality and bountiful amounts of food and drink all weekend will keep everyone Fat and begging for another 10 years.

Take the Citizen Challenge!

Friday

For those who know Eureka they may be cringing at the thought of a Short Track event  on these sickly steep streets.  Not to worry, Harmon Park is host to the .6 mile course and it has only 30 feet of elevation per lap.  Comprised of one third pavement and two thirds dirt double track, the course ensures leg-burning fast laps.  Several tight corners and tricky transitions give the course plenty of hole shot lines.  Only three races with no age classes will keep fields big and going for it hard.  The race features $300 in lap primes, overall cash prizes, and bell lap prizes.  This event will also be included in this year's Fatty Omni Challenge.  Register Friday night for any other discipline for the weekend and get $5 off the Short Track entry fee.  Following the event will be awards, food, and libations at Sparky's Ultra Lounge.  Don't miss the first of what will surely become a Fatty Fest tradition.

Saturday

Saturday morning we'll get things into high gear at Lake Leatherwood.  At only one mile long the "Burnin' Fat Downhill" is short but sweet.  The Super D style course is best run with an all mountain rig, although someone in the limited travel class always spits out a good time.  Punctuated with rock drops and a few kickers, the course is mainly fast and flowy.   Several option lines, a steep tricky set of transitions and chutes at the end the course, and a time bonus finish line jump will keep riders thinking quickly.   The Downhill will be run early during the day to avoid conflicts with the Observed Trials and to better accommodate the Fatty Omni Challenge. Hang all morning at the Downhill course or at the Downhill lodge checking up on D' Tour on the big screen or just chillin'.  Shuttles will be provided and parking is located at the Lake Leatherwood ball field complex.  Just as the heat really hits, the fun will head into town and Harmon Park where the Super Fat Tire Observed Trials will kick off the afternoon.   Riders routinely come from over 6 states to put on a show that wows the crowd.  Generous amounts of natural terrain and a couple of manmade features fill the park which is also host to a sick 8' deep tri-bowl skate park.  Bring the 20" and shred alongside the boards.  Throughout the weekend this year's festival will feature guided rides. Pre-rides of the XC course will take place in the morning and evening.  A tour of the back streets of Eureka and some of the newly developed trail at Black Bass Lake is also a ride you won't want to miss.   Enjoy some of the hidden charm and freshest trail in town guided by local riders.

After the Fatty Trials and rides wind down the Fat and fun thickens up.  The Fatty Film Fest will begin the night's activities at the City Auditorium this year.  XC Pre-registration, Downhill & Trials awards, festival footage, and the latest and greatest mountain bike film highlight the evening of events.  After the Film Fest the fun hits the streets.  The after party at Chelsea's Irish Pub will offer live music, drink deals, and the chance to rock the night away.

Sunday

If you can still take more, Sunday will dish it out.  The "Race to the Lake" cannot be described, it must be experienced.  The downtown start is one of the most epic race starts in the nation.  Three miles of all out chaotic punishment describe it best.  Most riders however relive the moment with revelry and the amazing boost of energy and excitement it provided.  Through the streets, alleys, and hidden trails the course pounds through steep elevation gains and losses testing even the finest hearts and lungs.  Once at Lake Leatherwood the course works its' way through the maze of trails.  Most riders only see all of the course once.  For the experts there is the challenge of negotiating the most difficult part of the course around the lake twice if not three times at the end of the race.  As you should, we save the best for last. The children's race takes place after the final XC competitors cross the finish.  The kids offers thrills and spills for everyone that can't be beat.  Three different races cater to children ages  3-10.  Rounding it out Sunday is live music, free food & drinks, cool water, and loads of prizes.

It is hard to say which part of the festival is the Fattest. But there is no doubt all will leave Fatter than Ever.

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