Fat & Skinny Tire Fest Returns As Premier Midwest Cycling Event

The Fat & Skinny Tire Fest is back for 2026, celebrating its 21st year as one of the Midwest’s largest and most inclusive cycling events. Hosted by Kosciusko County Velo (KCV) and presented by K21 Health Foundation, this three-day festival brings together riders, racers, families,  spectators, and the community at large for a weekend packed with more than 20 events and activities.

What started as a small local event has grown into a regional destination, drawing more than 10,000 participants and spectators. Whether you are visiting for the weekend or part of the local community, the festival is built to celebrate the power of bicycles in creating a healthier, more connected place to live.

What Is The Fat & Skinny Tire Fest?

At its core, the Fat & Skinny Tire Fest is about bicycling. More than just racing, it is a full cycling festival designed to bring together every type of rider.

Throughout the weekend, you can experience:

• Competitive road, mountain, and BMX bike racing
• Casual and scenic rides for all ability levels
• Community rides and social events
• Family-friendly activities and youth programming
• Live entertainment, food, and local experiences

From first-time riders to experienced racers, there is a place for everyone to participate.

Built By Our Community

The festival is powered by a passionate, volunteer-led organization. More than 320 volunteers help bring the weekend to life, supporting everything from races to family activities.

KCV continues to expand its impact beyond the festival through trail development, youth education programs, advocacy efforts that support biking and walking throughout the community and state, and now the development of the Winona Lake Bike Park adjacent to the Winona Lake Trails

Kicking Off the Midwest Cup Series

One of the biggest highlights for 2026 is the festival’s role as the kickoff event for the Midwest Cup, a new regional road racing series.

As the opening event, the Fat & Skinny Tire Fest sets the tone for the series while continuing to offer a welcoming environment for all riders.

The Midwest Cup brings together a curated lineup of must-do races, giving riders the opportunity to:

• Compete in a structured, multi-event series
• Track standings across multiple races
• Race against a deeper, more competitive field
• Travel to top-tier cycling events throughout the region

Being selected as the opening event speaks volumes about the reputation of the Fat & Skinny Tire Fest. It’s not just another race on the calendar!

Why the Midwest Cup Matters for Riders

The introduction of the Midwest Cup is a big step forward for regional racing. It creates a stronger sense of connection between events and encourages riders to think beyond their local scene.

Here’s why that matters:

• Riders are more likely to travel when they’re part of a series
• Teams can plan full race calendars with a purpose
• Events gain stronger participation and competition
• The Midwest cycling scene becomes more unified and visible

When cyclists know they’re working toward something bigger, it changes how they approach each event. That energy carries into weekends like the Fat & Skinny Tire Fest, making them even more competitive and exciting.

A Full Weekend of Events

The Fat & Skinny Tire Fest spans three days, with activities designed for racers, casual riders, commuters, families, and spectators. KCV has always prioritized creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Whether you’re chasing a podium or just looking to ride something new, you’ll find your place here.

Friday: Community and Celebration

The weekend begins with Bike to Work Day, encouraging riders to commute by bike and stop for free coffee and snacks at The River Coffeehouse locations in Winona Lake and downtown Warsaw. Local organizations will be on hand to share information about building a more bicycle-friendly community.

Friday evening features the Festival Kick Off Party, including opening ceremonies, a family-friendly Community Critical Mass ride from Winona Lake to downtown Warsaw,  a BMX stunt show, and the Downtown Criterium, part of the weekend’s Zimmer Biomet Road Race Omnium & Midwest Cup Series. The night continues with food trucks, live music, and activities as part of the downtown Third Friday’s celebration.

Saturday: Rides, Races, and Family Activities

Saturday offers one of the most diverse lineups of the weekend.

Casual riders can take part in the Wildman Business Group Countryside Tour, with distances ranging from a family-friendly 12-mile ride up to a full 101-mile century. Riders can also enjoy the Historical Winona Tour, a relaxed guided ride of less than five miles through local landmarks and stories of the community.

For racers, the DINO Mountain Bike Series races bring Indiana’s state series to the Winona Lake trails, while the Zimmer Biomet Circuit Road Race offers competitive racing on a scenic course starting at Claypool Elementary School, and both BMX and mountain bike racers can take to the Hire Park BMX Track for their opening weekend of BMX and FourCross MTB racing.

Families and kids have plenty to enjoy as well. Activities include bike decorating, a bike parade, a safety skills course, scavenger hunts, and more, designed to build confidence and excitement for young riders.

Throughout the day, spectators can catch BMX stunt shows, explore the expo area, and enjoy food trucks and beverages. The evening wraps up with live music and an opportunity to highlight the impact of critical volunteers with the Robbie Gast Ride On Award Celebration in the Village at Winona.

Sunday: High Energy Racing and Kids Events

Sunday brings fast-paced action and fun for all ages!

TheZimmer Biomet Road Criterium wraps up the Midwest Series’ opening round at the festival and delivers high-speed racing through the Winona Lake Village, with spectators lining the course for an exciting atmosphere.

For something more lighthearted, the Orthopedic Cup Corporate Challenge Cruiser Race features teams from event sponsors competing in a fun relay format on cruiser bikes.

Kids take center stage as well, with a dedicated kids road race on the same criterium course and free youth mountain bike skills clinics in the trails that help young riders build confidence and techniques.

Event Updates for 2026

As the Winona Lake Bike Park is under construction, a few logistical updates are worth noting. These changes are part of ongoing improvements and will help enhance the experience long term.

For this year’s event:

• Mountain bike parking locations will be adjusted
• Camping areas near the trails must be relocated
• Mountain bike race and skills clinic setups may look slightly different

These updates are being handled thoughtfully, and the goal remains the same: to create a smooth, enjoyable experience for everyone attending. Be sure to visit fatandskinnytirefest.com for the latest updates.

Why You Should Add This to Your Calendar

The Fat & Skinny Tire Fest has become one of the Midwest’s premier cycling weekends. With its role in launching the Midwest Cup, its diverse range of disciplines, and its strong community focus, it offers something you won’t find at a typical race.

If you’re looking for:

• High-quality competition
• A variety of riding options
• A reason to travel and explore new events
• A welcoming cycling community

This is the weekend to circle on your calendar!

Thank You To Our Presenting Sponsors

We want to thank all of our sponsors, especially our Title, Presenting, and Partnering Sponsors, for making Fat & Skinny Tire Fest possible. Your support helps bring this event to life and creates an incredible experience for riders, volunteers, and the entire community. We’re grateful for your partnership and commitment to making this weekend one to remember!

Title Sponsor

K21 Health Foundation

Presenting Sponsors

• Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation and Visitors Commission (KCCRVC)
• Zimmer Biomet

Partnering Sponsors

• Depuy Synthes
• DreamOn Studios
• Lutheran Health Network
• Wildman Business Group
• The Village at Winona
• 1Eighty Digital
• Blue Note Design
• Autocam Medical

Ready To Ride?

Registration is open, and spots will fill up as more riders plan their Midwest Cup schedules.

Head over to the official event page to get all the details, view schedules, and secure your spot. If you’re planning to race, ride, or just be part of the weekend, now’s the time to commit.

Volunteers are always needed and welcome, so if you’d rather support the event behind the scenes, there’s a place for you, too!

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of races are included in the Fat & Skinny Tire Fest?

The event includes road races, BMX races, mountain bike races, and skills clinics, making it a multi-disciplinary cycling weekend.

Is the Fat & Skinny Tire Fest part of a series?

Yes. It’s the kickoff event for the Midwest Cup, a new regional road racing series that connects several top events across the Midwest. It’s also the opening round of the DINO Mountain Bike series in Indiana.

Do I need to be an experienced racer to participate?

Not at all. The festival has events designed for riders of all levels, from beginners to experienced competitors.

Will there be changes to parking and camping this year?

Yes. Due to ongoing bike park development, some parking and camping locations may be adjusted. Updated details will be provided ahead of the event.

Why is the Midwest Cup important?

The Midwest Cup encourages riders and teams to travel, compete across multiple events, and be part of a larger, more connected racing community in the Midwest.