EAGLE, Colo. (BRAIN) — Organizers of the Eagle Outside Festival and Firebird 40 mountain bike race have announced dates for the 2014 events: May 17-18. The sixth annual festival includes Saturday's Firebird 40 and the weekend-long Rocky Mountain Bike and Outdoor Expo. Eagle, off I-70 a few miles west of Vail, has built and mapped miles of new trails in recent years in an effort to become the next mountain bike destination.
"When we assumed ownership of the festival last year our goal was to create an event that added something significant not just to Eagle, but to the greater Rocky Mountain riding and running communities," said event organizer Mike McCormack, "Friendly people, attention to detail, low prices and a truly amazing selection of brands, trails and activities made last year a great value and a lot of fun. With the additions we've made for 2014 and our easy accessibility from the Front Range, I believe we've created a must-do event that serves as the kickoff to the high-country riding and running season."
Last year's expo attracted more than 30 bike industry brands including Santa Cruz, Specialized, Scott USA, Felt, Pivot Cycles, BMC, Ellsworth, Ibis, Niner, KHS, Rocky Mountain, Intense, Orbea, Sidi and Ergon. "Deeply discounted room rates" are available for attendees and McCormack also promised "generous amounts of flat parking for rigs, inexpensive expo fees and handsome allotments of our signature "Boot Bucks" dispensed to all attending brands."
Last year's inaugural Firebird 40 was won by Todd Wells and Gretchen Reeves. This year, instead of a multi-loop format, the race will have a single backcountry loop that finishes on a luge-like singletrack trail. Multiple distances and a non-competitive touring option also are available.
Other events include the Franken-bike-a-thon, a free skills course, live music and the Rippin' Chix Mountain Bike Skills Camp hosted by Allison Gannett. While the expo is free, the skills camps are $50 per person.
More information: EagleOutsideFestival.com.
