BICYCLING -- The annuam Methow Valley Fall Mountain Bike Festival is next weekend, packed with activities from ranging from races and good exercise sitting backto watch films.

Check out the entire schedule at the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association's  festival website.

Read on for info from the festival press release.

Please join us for the 25th Annual Fall Mountain Bike Festival—presented by the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (MVSTA)—Friday, September 30 through Sunday, October 2^nd in Winthrop, Washington. This community celebration features cycling and social opportunities for everyone in the family.

There is something for everyone including organized shuttled mountain bike rides and scenic road rides showcasing the Methow Valley’s fall colors. Enjoy bike films, skills riding demonstrations, a bike rodeo course for the kids, a custom bike raffle, food, beer garden, kids’ races and a new twist on cycling with a bikathlon event! 

The event kicks off on Friday night with a free cycling film presentation at the Twisp River Pub. Feast on dinner and drinks after enjoying a scenic Methow Valley road, mountain or cyclocross ride and get some inspiration with a great cycling film. 

Saturday’s festivities will center around the Winthrop Barn with three shuttle ride mountain bike options and two road bike routes all originating from this Bike Festival event headquarters. Following the rides, food, drink and activities will start at 1pm in the Winthrop Park. 

The annual kid’s bike rodeo will run from 1-4pm on Saturday. The bike rodeo is a great way to give children 10 and under an opportunity to learn basic skills on a small trail course next to the Winthrop Barn Park. Helmet and Bike safety check. Snacks and goodie bags for all participants. Free - no need to pre-register; just bring the kids

Then on Saturday at 2pm the feature event of the Fall Bike Festival takes the stage; Trials Stars. The Trials Stars Demo Team consists of two of North America's top ranked bike trials riders. They have traveled the world competing in international trials competitions. You will not want to miss their world class skills and mind blowing tricks! The action of bike trials is to ride with complete control over the bike. The rider uses balance, power and endurance along with various techniques to traverse the chosen path. Bring the video camera; you will not want to miss this! Show time is at 2p.m.  Bring your bike for a very special opportunity to try trials riding under the guidance of Jeff and Alex. Test your handling skills. Can you do what these guys can do? Riders 13 years old and over are welcome. Event is free! 

Join your friends, families, and newly made friends for a Mountain Bike Feature Film. Cold Beer, free popcorn and other refreshments will be available. There will be a raffle at intermission for fun prizes. Tickets are $10 adults and $5.00 for children 12 and under. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Saturday night at the Winthrop Red Barn

Sunday has a full line-up of events including Try Bikathlon from 10:00am - 1:00 pm in Mazama. Participants will receive coaching on shooting technique and will have the opportunity to practice before competing in a short course Bikeathlon event consisting of rifle marksmanship and mountain biking. Groups of 1-8 participants will compete in a friendly, timed, bike, shoot, bike, event. Cost is $20/person and participants must be 9 years of age or older.  More information can be found at methowvalleybiathlon.com

Also in Sunday is the Kids' Cross Country Bike Race beginning at 11:30am in Mazama. Races are for youth ages 5-12 years old. Families should preregister for the races on the MVSTA website. 

And all weekend long cyclists can enjoy all the mountain bike trails and cycling backroad routes of the Methow Valley. Raffle tickets for a custom Curtlo bike framewill also be available all weekend long. This is a tremendous opportunity to win a custom bike frame! 

 Info: 509-996-3287.