Festivals not to miss in Colorado - Tour de Fat

Our US team member Dylan is our guest blogger this week. Dylan took part in Fort Collins, Tour de Fat last month. She explains below what this wacky and wild parade is and why you should definitely check it out in 2023.

Although some of us dream of competing or watching the Tour de France in person, the city of Fort Collins, Colorado has a different biking event that lives in their dreams. Tour de Fat: a wild event where the entire community is out on their bikes in out of this world costumes.

This enticing annual event is labelled as a “bike costume parade,” but for those that attend, it is much more than that. It is a time to celebrate the ending of summer, integrate the community together as the college students come back into town, kick off Labor Day Weekend, and enjoy some of our favorite beer in town, located at New Belgium Brewing. Plus, nonprofits and local bike organizations attend each festival in their respected region (Fort Collins, Asheville, and Tempe) raising awareness and accepting donations to help their communities.

Photo Credit: Colin Hughes

College students, families, and everyone of all ages ride their bikes to Old Town District and through Mountain Ave, all the way to New Belgium Brewing where the party continues. New Belgium Brewing have hosted this event for over 20 years in Fort Collins, so they know how to get a party started. With food trucks, live music (with some pretty popular bands… like X Ambassadors and All American Rejects), dance contests, slow ride challenges, and an endless supply of beer, who wouldn’t want to attend this annual event?

For many, the routine for Tour de Fat is similar.
1.Get your outfit ready the night before or pull the costume box out to dig through the next morning and pull out decorations for your bike.
2. Wake up early and brew your coffee, tea, or something (usually with a little ~umph~ like Baileys, whiskey, or brunch related cocktails) to get your morning started.
3. Find that costume that will WOW the crowd (this year's theme was mustard yellow).
4. Eat a hearty breakfast (a breakfast burrito always hits the spot).
5. Get your bike decorated ready to go and do not forget your bike lock.
6. Fill up your water bottle so you will be hydrated.
7. Quick Check - phone, wallet, keys.
8. Bike over to the parade!

Photo Credit: New Belgium Brewing

I never seem to have time to create an elaborate masterpiece costume that co-ordinates with my bike, but looking at the spectacular work some of these people and groups put into their costumes is mesmerizing. Going to this event, just to watch and participate in the party at New Belgium Brewery is just as fun as participating in it.

If you ever find yourself in Fort Collins, Colorado around Labor Day Weekend, you should absolutely attend Tour de Fat.