| Riders on the MECCA spring bike festival traverse the Miners Run ride. |
The MECCA bike club recently hosted the San Rafael Swell Mountain Bike festival. This was the 22nd annual San Rafael Swell bike festival. This year’s event drew 144 riders from throughout Utah and the western United States.
The event began with a dinner at the John Wesley Powell River History Museum. Biking began early on Saturday morning and continued throughout Saturday and Sunday with rides for beginners to advanced.
“From the beginning, the Festivals have been geared to a wide-range of mountain biking enthusiasts – from the novice to the seasoned; from the occasional to the frequent; from the single rider to the family of riders; and from the rider whose sole interest is the picturesque surroundings to the rider whose sole interest is in the merits of the bike. Rides vary in degree of difficulty, each offering a different perspective of the beautiful San Rafael Swell. There really is a ride for every interest,” said LaMar Guymon, member of MECCA.
| This cyclist and his little tagalong bike the course in the San Rafael Swell. |
The festivals provides not just a biking experience but opportunities to learn of others’ interest in riding. Riders share stories during the “pit stops” along a ride. Riders also take the time to get to know each other at the evening before the rides pasta dinner and drawing. An integral part of the festival is not just the riding but the Dutch-oven cookout provided by the Emery County Search and Rescue and stories around the campfire. There is time to learn from others and talk biking trivia and also just to enjoy the great outdoors in the Swell area.
MECCA club members take pride in “pampering” their festival guests. When you ride the unfamiliar, their experienced guides will help you through the experience.
MECCA club members are available to answer questions about every aspect of the event like: When’s lunch? Why does my bike….? How much further until we get there? What’s that formation called? Where can I buy supplies?, a club member will be identifiable and not too far away. Also not too far away are the “sag wagons” with emergency personnel and supplies which will also be there to give you a lift if you tire before the end of the planned ride. The club even provides an “on-duty” mechanic for minor bike fixes. Deckers Bicycle of Castle Dale and Price are the onsite mechanics.
MECCA club appreciates all the support they receive from the local businesses. They appreciate the Emery County Recreation District for their sponsorship of the event and all the services they provide for the event. The event attracts people from all over the United States who not only attend the festival and spend approximately $300 a day in our area contributing to the economy. These visitors to the area return often and bring others with them to enjoy the Emery County scenery.