Cyclists take part in 2021’s Fat & Skinny Tire Fest. The festival returns Friday, May 20, to Sunday, May 22, in a full-fledged version for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started. InkFreeNews file photo.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WINONA LAKE — A celebration of cycling returns to the area this weekend.

The Fat & Skinny Tire Fest runs Friday, May 20 to Sunday, May 22.

Organizers are happy to be returning to their first full-fledged festival since the COVID-19 pandemic started, with 2020’s edition being cancelled and last year’s incarnation being a slimmed-down version.

“Honestly, it feels great and the KCV Cycling Board and I are ecstatic to be returning in full force this year,” said Kosciusko County Velo Cycling President and festival Co-Director Mike Cusick. “And based on the feedback from our sponsors, the community, the racers, the vendors, and the participants, everyone is excited that the Fat & Skinny Tire Fest is back.”

There have been a few changes to the festival’s events, said Cusick.

“We have removed the Road Race Time Trial in downtown Warsaw this year, but will still have our critical mass ride, BMX show, kid’s activities and live music (Friday) night,” he said. “The other big change is the start/finish of the DINO Series Mountain Bike Races is at our newly acquired 15 acres of land. The MTB races will start at the Hauth Trailhead, which is on the east side of the Winona Lake Trails off Pierceton Road across from Grace College Miller Field.”

The full schedule may be found by visiting the festival’s website fatandskinnytirefest.com.

Cusick said he hopes people take away an appreciation for cycling from the festival.

“KCV Cycling’s mission is to make the community better through bicycling. The goal of the Fat & Skinny Tire Fest is to celebrate the variety of bicycling options and the corresponding benefits of cycling for individuals and the community overall, while also welcoming and introducing our community to the many visiting riders,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you are a racer, a commuter or a recreational cyclist, bicycles improve our lives. So we hope attendees are inspired to ride more and the festival encourages our community to continue investing in and growing our ‘ride+walk’ initiatives!”