New Winter Bike Festival Coming to Muskoka
A new family friendly bike race and festival is coming to Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Muskoka on Feb. 10.
The 1st annual Muskoka Winter Bike Festival will feature racing on 11 km of groomed and hard-packed trail around the historic resort’s lakeside golf course and across a section of Peninsula Lake, as well, if the weather permits. Hosted by The Bike Shop, the event has categories for kids, experienced racers and newcomers to winter riding.
“The idea behind this event is to celebrate winter riding and to introduce as many people to it as possible,” says Kristi MacDonald, co-owner of The Bike Shop in Huntsville and Gravenhurst. “It’s a chance to experience winter in Muskoka in a whole new way as well.”
Registrants for the riding event will also enjoy fat bike product demos by The Bike Shop and Algonquin Outfitters, live music, a bonfire, a chili feast and beer sampling by Muskoka Brewery. Non-racing spectators can purchase a wristband for $10, which gives them access to post-race festivities. The biking during the day is also a prelude to Muskoka Brewery’s “Untapped with Muskoka Blues Connection” food and music event at Deerhurst Resort later in the evening.
MacDonald emphasizes that the event is not only for hardcore fat bike riders.
“Although fat bikes are the best for riding in winter, with the cold weather conditions we’ve been having, the trail should be great for mountain bike riders who have thick tires. We’re hoping to get a good crowd of cycling fans out for this first edition.”