That was fourteen years ago. Today Slusher is the manager of Raricks shop, Over the Edge Sports, which is about to host its 14th Annual Fruita Fat Tire Festival.
Although the festival began as a way for Rarick to promote the tiny town, its now a monster, according to Slusher, and the official start to the mountain-bike season. Vendors line the street, and theres a ride board posted so that anybody can organize a ride. Afternoons and evenings are highlighted by live music, food and a New Belgium beer garden.
You see the latest and greatest from the bike industry, then go out for awesome single-track riding and come back and drink beer and listen to music, Slusher says. A lot of trails are built off of old logging roads or jeep roads or mining roads, but ours were built for mountain biking. The festival, which begins April 23 with a VIP party, continues through April 26. For details, go to www.fruitamountainbike.com or call 1-970-858-7220.
April 23-26, 2009