Mountain Biking - The Zone - New England Mountain Bike Festival

Dennis Symons

Randolf, Vermont

Excellent!! A five star event, what other words can you use to describe PEDRO’S Mountain Bike Festival held this past weekend (9/27 to 9/29) in Randolph, Vermont. The festival should be ranked as one of the best mountain bike events of the year, or at least mountain bike festivals of the year. Lowrider Promotions really put on a well organized professional event.

The festival attracted close to 3,000 people, and there was something for everyone. There was something going on every minute. If anyone was bored, it was their own fault. Day and night rides, log pulls, mud drags, wheelie contests, mountain bike polo, bike building contests. If that’s not enough, there were live bands each night and a mountain bike exposition that rivals the ones on the World Cup Circuit. I forgot to mention schwag. Schwag for everyone. Door prizes, trivia contests, mountain bike giveaway mosh pit, raffles, and bike contests ensured that a lot of riders went home with something.

The East Coast has had it’s fair share of rain this year and this weekend was no exception. Most of the festival weather was dry under cloudy changeable skies, except for Saturday night, there was a heavy down pour and a some campers who did not come prepared got soaked. Thanks to the planning of Lowrider Promotions, there was a huge tent which kept the band playing all night and spectators dry. Sunday morning the skies broke to sunshine, the trails were a little slick but everyone seemed to manage.

For those who never experienced a mountain bike festival, it's like a big party, with a lot of rides going on and other activities. Imagine Woodstock, but just on bikes. Three thousand people camped out together in an open field, riding, hanging out and having fun. If you have never been it is something you must try, and you do not have to be a racer to compete. Festivals are geared for riders of all abilities and there is always something to do. Make sure to register early next year as this event will be a sell out.

Night Rider sponsored night rides. Some riders who signed up early enough were able to check out the Night Rider lighting system on their bikes during their ride.

Mud Drags, A farmer with a rotor tiller churned up the dirt and the Randolph Fire Department brought 10,000 gallons of water to help out with the mud. Riders competed against each other during the drags.