Bikefest on a Roll in Grayling

Sept. 8, 2004

Grayling is spinning its wheels with its first Michigan Bike Festival this weekend, Sept. 10-12, with a blend of bands, bicycles and bonfires.
“It’s been in the works for a year now and we’re hoping this will be a major event that will draw people from across the state for years to come,” says Dick Fultz, who owns the Cross Country Ski Shop and Bicycle Shop in town.
The Bike Festival hopes to turn out hordes of road and mountain bikers at the Hanson Hills Recreation Area in Grayling, Fultz says. Rustic camping is available along with 10 miles of single-track for those itching to get in gear.
Friday night kicks off with the burning of a bike ceremonial bonfire to the sounds of the Jelly Roll Blues Band. Carbo-load with a pancake breakfast on Saturday for a day of road and mountain bike rides along with a bike vendor exhibition, games, clinics, competitions, trials, riding demos and music. Capping the evening will be jams by the Blues Burner and Frostbitten Grass bands along with a bonfire.
Fultz says not to party too hearty, however, because the MMBA championship mountain bike race will be held just up the road at Aspen Park in Gaylord on Sunday.
For info, check out www.michiganbikefestival.com or call 888-876-2196.