By Jessica Hernandez and Mary Cordle
Courtesy Lincoln County Record
Biker shorts and bunny hops took over Caliente Sept. 15-17 as an enthusiastic gathering of mountain bikers met for the annual Caliente MTB Fest.
The Public Works Crew spent Thursday, Sept. 14, working on the Super Park getting it ready for the event. The Caliente Mountain Bike Association hosted a trail stewardship day Sept. 15. Lunch, snacks and tools were provided to the group of volunteers who stepped up to help prepare the trails for the weekend’s events. A group ride followed the clean-up efforts. Friday night ended with a barbecue and movie at Kershaw.
The event was free to Lincoln County residents who could sign up the day of the event with no pre-registration. The Pump Track was busy with the kids in the neighborhood as well as those who were attending with families.
Saturday kicked off at 8:30 a.m. with a line of bikers eager for the start of the shuttle route. Some toured the vendor village while they awaited their turn to load the next bus. From the SuperPark, passengers visited Barnes Canyon, Kershaw Ryan, Middle Ella and Upper Ella.
After a long day out, riders gathered with locals at the Super Park for live music, dinner and games. “Valley of Fire” played as lines began forming for the Taste of Lincoln County Dinner featuring the Historic Silver Cafe, Knotty Pine and Side Track.
Attendees then enjoyed a lighthearted atmosphere as they attempted to win prizes in the MTB games. Cheers erupted during the bunny hop judging. During the log pull, several riders wowed the crowd by pulling a railroad tie behind their bike. The evening’s MTB Fest schedule ended with an after-party hosted at Side Track that went on into the night.
Sunday brought the final group rides and a community swap meet. By 2 p.m. the event concluded and bikers departed with refreshed excitement for next year’s fest.
“We appreciate everyone that is supporting this event,” said Caliente MTB Fest organizer Christine Harrington, “Thank you to the locals and to the visitors that love this event.”
Harrington says organizers work to ensure the event is enjoyed among both experienced and beginner mountain bike enthusiasts.
People in the neighborhood said they thought this was the best one yet, there was interaction between the bicyclists and the kids in the area that added to the hometown feel of the event.