Beaches & Adventure Insider

Kids can join in the fun at this year's Fat Tire Festival. Credit: Lauren Tjaden, VISIT FLORIDA Sports and Adventure Expert

Fat. The word itself is a squat little thing, unlikely to win you friends. A fat lip is hardly a joyous thing, whether caused by bee sting or a blow. It may be an asset for a Clydesdale to possess a fat backside, but young women rarely appreciate the description. It is a slur to describe a steak as all fat. On the other hand, a fat paycheck is good, as is a fat bonus. And we’ve all heard the expression “fat and happy.” Likewise, a fat tire is a happy term, one that can be used to describe a mountain bike.

Even better is the Spring Break Fat Tire Festival from March 20-22. 

Hosted by the Ocala Mountain Biking Association, it offers:

· 20, 30 or 40 mile rides
· Night rides (including one for kids)
· Live music
· Camping
· Bike Demos
· Vendor Village This year’s event will be held from March 20-22.

This fun-filled extravaganza features the highly touted Santos Trails. The Santos Trails are not only the best mountain biking trails in Florida, or in the U.S., but in the world. The International Mountain Bike Association says, “Santos breaks the mold. Designed and built for mountain bikers by mountain bikers, Santos offers a model for the world to follow - it's that good.”