“At this year’s event, we’re expecting 15,000 enthusiasts from all sorts of biking backgrounds,” says Tour de Fat spokesman Matt Kowal. “That’s what Tour de Fat is about: breaking down the walls that divide us as bikers. We’ve got all the infrastructure in place for every kind of biker to come together and have fun.”
Costumes are very much a part of the fest, which begins with a bike parade and includes a costume fashion show during the day. “We invite you to come as your alter ego,” Kowal adds. “Usually when you dress like a freak and hang out in your underwear in the park, you get funny looks, but not at the Tour de Fat.” And while you’re there, you can take a chance at winning the 1,000-Person Dance Contest (yes, literally a thousand, and first prize is a brand-new cruiser bike) or take the Car-for-Bike Swap challenge by vowing to give up your car for one year.
The Tour de Fat starts rolling at 11 a.m. and pedals on until 5 p.m. in City Park, East 17th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard; admission is free, but beers will cost you a $5 donation that benefits Bike Denver and the Denver Cruiser Ride. Visit newbelgium.com/events/tour-de-fat for details.
Sat., Sept. 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 2014
