Fat Bike Nationals return to Ogden in 2016; Move to Grand Rapids for 2017-2018

Colorado Springs, Colo. (July 14, 2015) – USA Cycling is pleased to name Ogden, Utah and Grand Rapids, Mich. as the host cities for the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Fat Bike National Championships.

Following a successful debut at Ogden’s Powder Mountain Resort this year, the event will return to the Wasatch Mountains for a second time in 2016 before heading to Grand Rapids for a two-year contract in 2017 and 2018.

“Fat Bikes are emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments in the cycling community, and they’re becoming increasingly popular among our members,” commented USA Cycling’s VP of National Events, Micah Rice. “It was very exciting to offer a fresh and different kind of national championship to our members in 2015, and we’re thrilled to bring Fat Bike Nationals back again. Powder Mountain was a fantastic stage for the event’s debut and we look forward to a second year there. We’re also excited to work with the West Michigan Sports Commission to bring the event to the Midwest in 2017 and 2018.”

Slated for Feb. 27, the 2016 event in Ogden will take amateurs twelve miles across Powder Mountain’s Hidden Lake area terrain while pro and open class riders will compete over 18 miles. The atmosphere will also include free fat bike demos provided by Borealis and local bike shops, as well as an opportunity from Rockstar to win a Fat Bike. Participants and spectators who make their way to Ogden can look forward to double the snow action as Powder Mountain also hosts the US National Snowshoe Championships that same weekend.

“We are thrilled to be hosting the 2nd Annual Fat Bike National Championship in Ogden! It was an honor to host the inaugural event and we are very excited to be bringing it back for one more year. This segment has been growing locally as well as nationally, and it’s great to see the excitement and participation. We continue to appreciate our partnership with USA Cycling and our local venues to produce these world-class events,” said Visit Ogden CEO Sara Toliver.

The dates and specifics for the 2017 and 2018 events in Grand Rapids will be announced at a later time.

“Grand Rapids and the West Michigan area have continually increased in both recreational and competitive cyclists. We are excited to have the Fat Bike National Championships in Grand Rapids and I know our cycling community will come out in strong support,” said Mike Guswiler, President of the West Michigan Sports Commission.

For more information contact: kkahn@usacycling.org