the rim review
FREE SEPTEMBER 14, 2016
PAYSON, ARIZONA
Roundup file photo
Crowds of mountain bike enthusiasts descend on Pine this weekend for the annual Fire of the Rim Mountain Bike Race, presented by the Pine Strawberry Fuel Reduction Committee. The entry fees and other proceeds from the event help the committee in its ongoing efforts to keep strong firebreaks around the two communities and turning those breaks into great courses for mountain biking and hiking.
Fire on the Rim this weekend BY MAX FOSTER
SPECIAL TO THE RIM REVIEW
The rubber is hitting the road and rough trails around Pine this weekend. The annual Fire on the Rim Mountain Bike Race is Friday, Sept. 16 through Sunday, Sept. 18. Organizers Janet Brandt and Katie Calderon promise festivities are bigger and better than ever. Among the upgrades, Brandt says, is “a newly designed venue that will open up the available space and leave room for a free game area featuring beer (using water) pong, lawn darts, horseshoes and more.” Also, the open space in front of the bandstand is being turned into a seating area where contestants and spectators can enjoy free entertainment from the bands Vinyl Nova, Plum Krazy and the John Scott Band. Brandt and Calderon’s advice is for
audience members to bring lawn chairs or blankets to relax on during what are sure to be high-energy performances. Parking this year should be hassle free and spacious since it has been moved to the rock yard north of the venue on Bradshaw Drive. For those who attend the always-popular Italian Feast by Chef Gerardo Moceri of Payson’s Firewood Cafe on Friday, gold race sponsor ERA Young Realty will provide a free shuttle from the parking lot to the main entrance. The addition of Glukos Energy as a sponsor is sure to be a real plus for the weary riders since the company has agreed to supply rehydration drinks to all the athletes at the aid stations on the course and at the venue. For those who enjoy a few suds, the beer garden has been expanded to include most of the race venue where title sponsor THAT Brewery will serve
up a variety of innovative craft beers. Fire Mountain Wines has also jumped in as a sponsor and have several tasty vinos available. When hunger pangs strike, JB’s Smokehouse, Scoops, White Eyes, Pine Creek Fudge and THAT Brewery are sure to have a variety of tasty bites. Scoops sells ice cream, White Eyes serves scrumptious fry bread, Pine Creek Fudge offers coffee and espresso drinks and THAT Brewery dishes out traditional pub fare. Those who have taken in previous races know the silent auction and bike raffle are always popular draws. This year, interest could be even greater since the raffle has as prizes four state of the art bikes and a high-dollar skateboard. The Fire on the Rim Mountain Bike Race website includes additional details on what’s new for the 2016 event:
• Tent camping for participants has been moved to the field north of THAT Brewery between Beeline and Old County Road — dubbed “Camp Sprocket” — (the location for RVs is the same, adjacent to the venue). “A bike path will lead from the tent camping area to Old County Road,” Brandt says. The site has more shade and there is a dedicated bike trail from the camping to the race area. There is no cost for camping. As it is on private land donated for use in this event, we ask you to be especially considerate by cleaning up after yourself. Also, no open flames are allowed in either location. The camping area will open at noon on Friday before the race. No hookups or dumping are available. Restrooms are on site for your use, free showers are available a short bike ride away at CONTINUED ON PAGE 4