Santos Fat Tire Fest 2025, Success!

I've been trying to get to this post for TWO WEEKS NOW but life kept getting in the way!  Yeah, the Santos FTF was great this year.  The trails for the 50 mile Epic ride on Saturday were well marked and in great shape.  We had a little sprinkle blow through just after I'd passed about the 33 mile mark – just enough to settle the dust and make the rest of the ride pleasant.  Saw lots of friends.  It's funny, after four years there are people you meet up with, just there.

Also, I have to give a shout out to the Shimano tent for a quick consult on my hydraulic brakes.

Tried an HF radio connection with the Franklin County EOC.  I was running the QRP FT-817nd with a big five watts; the FCEM director was running the FT-450d with 100 watts.  I could hear her, but she could just barely hear me.  Maybe the ionosphere will be better next year, or maybe I'll just bring a 100 watt radio and knock it out of the park.  Anyway, it was a fun try.

The Thursday night band, The Klunkers, was great.  100% mountain bike-certified, if you recognize the name.  Friday night... some loud jam band, no great thing.  Then Saturday night was a real treat with Ravon Steely Rhoden Band playing a bunch of Caribbean stuff that everyone knew, everything from serious reggae to... more pop tunes.  You had to be there to appreciate it.  The jello shots may have helped the party along.

I'm leaving a lot of stuff out, but you get the general ideal.  Anyway, great time, will be back next year.

Yes, the 50 Mile Epic Finisher's Medal doubles as a beer opener.