Tour de Fat is an annual, colorfully costumed bike parade followed by a festival hosted by New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins. Costumed cyclists paraded from 9:30-11:30 a.m. throughout Fort Collins. After the parade, people made their way over to New Belgium for an afternoon full of live music, comedy acts, games, art bike showdowns and plenty of New Belgium beer. All proceeds from beer sales went to local nonprofit organizations such as Bike Fort Collins, the Overland Mountain Bike Association, Fort Collins Bike Co-Op and Send Town Bike Club.
Tour de Fat started in 1999 in Fort Collins. It celebrated its 25th consecutive year in the city on August 23, making it a local tradition for over a quarter of a century. What began as a quirky and relatively small community event quickly grew into one of Fort Collins’ signature celebrations, drawing thousands of people to town every summer.
New Belgium Brewing, already a major symbol of the city’s food culture and economy, found a way to blend its identity with Fort Collins’ deep love of bikes and community gatherings. Over the years, the event has helped raise almost $6 million dollars for nonprofit organizations that support biking infrastructure, education and outdoor recreation.
“I would definitely do it again next year. Next year I’m going to plan and go crazy.” – Halle Agnello, Tour de Fat rider…