2026 Fat & Skinny Tire Fest Wrap-Up: Record Participation, National Reach, and Unforgettable Community Spirit

For 21 years, Fat & Skinny Tire Fest has brought cyclists, families, volunteers, and visitors together to celebrate everything that makes Warsaw and Winona Lake a special place to ride. This year’s festival raised the bar once again.

The 2026 Fat & Skinny Tire Fest delivered record participation, welcomed riders from across North America, and showcased the incredible support of our cycling community.

From elite road racing and mountain biking to family rides and kids’ activities, the weekend highlighted why this event continues to rank among the Midwest’s premier cycling festivals.

A Record-Breaking Year For Racing

One of the biggest stories from this year’s festival was the tremendous growth of the Zimmer Biomet Three-Day Road Omnium.

As the inaugural event in the new Midwest Cup Road Series, Fat & Skinny Tire Fest attracted a record number of racers and teams from 23 states and Canada. Riders traveled from as far away as California, Nevada, Colorado, Texas, and the East Coast to compete in one of the Midwest’s most anticipated race weekends.

The larger fields created:

• More competitive racing
• Stronger team participation
• Exciting finishes for spectators
• Increased visibility for Warsaw and Winona Lake within the cycling community

The impact of the Midwest Cup extended beyond race day. Event directors from other Midwest Cup races attended the festival and praised the organization, atmosphere, and execution of the event.

The Community Ride Continues To Grow

Nothing captures the spirit of Fat & Skinny Tire Fest quite like the Community Critical Mass Ride.

More than 720 riders participated in this year’s ride from The Village at Winona to downtown Warsaw, making it one of the largest community rides in festival history.

Families, friends, and riders of all ages filled the route, creating an incredible visual reminder that cycling is for everyone.

Whether participants rode every day of the festival or simply joined the community ride, they played an important role in celebrating healthy lifestyles and active transportation throughout Kosciusko County.

Future Cyclists Take Center Stage

The future of cycling looked bright on Sunday afternoon!

The Kids Race drew record participation and showcased the next generation of cyclists. Organizers noted that many young riders who participated in previous years have grown into accomplished road and mountain bike racers.

The festival’s youth activities, bike rodeos, games, casual rides, and races continue to create opportunities for families to experience cycling together in a fun and welcoming environment.

Riders Came For The Racing And Stayed For The Community

One theme emerged repeatedly throughout the weekend: visitors were amazed by the community atmosphere.

Teams, riders, officials, photographers, and spectators consistently praised:

• Friendly and knowledgeable volunteers
• Enthusiastic crowds and spectators
• Beautiful race venues and trails
• Small-town hospitality
• Family-friendly festival activities
• Strong community support for cycling

Many first-time visitors shared plans to return in 2027 and bring additional teammates, friends, and family members with them.

As one participant noted, Fat & Skinny Tire Fest delivers “large city national-caliber event vibes” while maintaining the welcoming feel of a close-knit cycling community.

Local Partnerships Helped Drive Success

The continued partnership between Fat & Skinny Tire Fest, Downtown Warsaw, and the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce’s Third Friday event created another exciting Friday night experience.

The collaboration introduced new audiences to the festival, expanded awareness throughout the community, and helped generate larger crowds for both events.

These partnerships continue to strengthen the connection between cycling, local businesses, and community engagement.

Powered by More Than 320 Volunteers

Events of this scale don’t happen without an incredible team behind the scenes.

Fat & Skinny Tire Fest relies on:

• More than 320 volunteers
• A year-round organizing committee
• Local sponsors and community partners
• Support from the City of Warsaw
• Support from the Town of Winona Lake
• Support from Kosciusko County

Planning for the festival begins months before the first rider arrives and continues long after the final race concludes.

The dedication of volunteers remains one of the most important reasons for the festival’s continued success.

Supporting Trails, Education, and Cycling Advocacy

Fat & Skinny Tire Fest does more than create an exciting weekend of events. Every participant, volunteer, sponsor, and supporter helps strengthen cycling opportunities throughout the region.

The festival serves as the primary fundraiser for KCV Cycling and helps support:

• Winona Lake Trail System maintenance
• Future Winona Lake Bike Park development
• Tracey’s Trailer Bike Education Program
• Community cycling events
• Bicycle advocacy initiatives
• Youth cycling programs

A Growing Economic Impact

The festival also continues to provide significant benefits for local tourism and businesses.

Last year’s event attracted more than 10,000 attendees, and organizers believe attendance increased again in 2026. Hotels, restaurants, shops, short-term rentals, and attractions throughout Warsaw, Winona Lake, and surrounding communities welcomed visitors throughout the weekend.

Many participants return year after year, while others discover the area for the first time and plan future visits with family and friends.

Looking Ahead to Fat & Skinny Tire Fest 2027

While the 2026 festival has concluded, planning for next year is already underway!

Organizers are collecting feedback, reviewing opportunities for improvement, strengthening sponsor partnerships, and exploring new ideas that will continue to elevate the participant experience.

After another successful year, one thing remains clear: Fat & Skinny Tire Fest continues to grow because of the people who make it possible.

From racers and riders to volunteers, sponsors, community leaders, and spectators, this event reflects the passion, dedication, and hospitality that define cycling in Warsaw and Winona Lake.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2026 Fat & Skinny Tire Fest. We can’t wait to see you back on the roads, trails, and streets of our community in 2027.