Lot of information on www.gnome-fest.net from previous year. It's probably one of the best mtn bike gathering/camping events around. After moving out to the west coast I've been flying back every year since. It's a must do event.
Last year was my first year. The crowd is super friendly, the beer is equally as nice (wink) and well...the trail system is ...it's awesome!! DERBY?!?!
Gnomefest... god, it makes me smile everytime I think about it. Next year will be my fourth year, and each year I kick myself for not attending the first three. The people are amazing. It is wild how good of a friend you can make seeing them one weekend a year. The beer is plentiful and very good, and not snobby good- i mean you can go from pbr to surly brewing company to sam adams to something local and back to pbr if you choose. The weekend breaks down basically like this. People arrive Friday afternoon or Saturday morning/ anytime in the day and set up camp. In the past there has been a louder camping area and a more chill area for people who brought kids or the husbands or wives that are just out for a nice vacation. Then everyone goes and rides the trails Friday afternoon. The last two years it has been at Levis Trows Mound, look it up, there is some superb singletrack. Then everyone returns and eats dinner or naps or what have you and the shenannigans start. Usually a couple of kegs are tapped and games like hammer-schloggin' and foot-down derbies start up. After dark there is one of the coolest nightrides I have ever been a part of, usually 40-50 people snaking through the singletrack. Get back, (although a group of us have been known to get lost for 3+ hours) hope there is some beer, socialize and head to bed. Saturday features more riding (usually the third or fourth time out on the trails at this point) and then the famed GNOMEFEST DIRTCAT... dun dun duuuunnnnnnn. It is a 2 hour long expedition set up like an alley-cat with checkpoints, no officially route, and multiple tasks to test your fortitude. You can race it, you can ride it. Awards after that- and I must say that GF has some of the best sponsorship ever. Awards/gifts a plenty from Surly, Milwaukee Bicycle, Planet Bike. After the awards the beer pool is assembled. Everyone brings something to contribute, and there is a potluck as well. The night closes down with multiple derbies, more schloggin' and the Dwarfcycle DEATH RACE... words can't really explain the deathrace except maybe these: figure 8, costumes (or lack of), 10" wheels, minimal rules.
GF is honest to go my favorite weekend of the year, and is something that as long as the people who work hard to put it on keep doing it, I will travel from wherever I am to come to it. I encourage anyone who really digs singletrack, cool people, and food and drink to come. If you don't like those things please don't attend gnomes can smell it on you and have been known to attack in the night.
and as B.I.G. said " and if you don't know, now you know"
Is it but a bacchanal of the highest order is all. I could use words, but pictures always work better.
First and foremost, its about riding:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48107563@N00/3922952922/" title="flowing riders by unclefuzzy_ss, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3470/3922952922_5e647f5d1f_b.jpg" width="685" height="1024" alt="flowing riders" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48107563@N00/3922983404/" title="gonna make it! by unclefuzzy_ss, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/3922983404_f2ab6f96af_b.jpg" width="685" height="1024" alt="gonna make it!" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48107563@N00/3923036062/" title="Vista by unclefuzzy_ss, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2530/3923036062_b2063de726_b.jpg" width="1024" height="685" alt="Vista" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48107563@N00/2840359312/" title="DSC_4893 by unclefuzzy_ss, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/2840359312_88704bb72d_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="DSC_4893" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48107563@N00/2839536709/" title="DSC_4923 by unclefuzzy_ss, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3159/2839536709_20be65f9f0_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="DSC_4923" /></a>
its about beer/booze and food and family too. Lots of kids are there:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48107563@N00/2839503215/" title="DSC_4536 by unclefuzzy_ss, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/2839503215_5eef22208d_b.jpg" width="679" height="1024" alt="DSC_4536" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48107563@N00/2840300968/" title="DSC_4639 by unclefuzzy_ss, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/2840300968_35429dce71_b.jpg" width="679" height="1024" alt="DSC_4639" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48107563@N00/2839459941/" title="DSC_4643 by unclefuzzy_ss, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3050/2839459941_1de9d7db99_b.jpg" width="679" height="1024" alt="DSC_4643" /></a>
And a little about ridiculousness:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48107563@N00/2839380269/" title="DSC_4777 by unclefuzzy_ss, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3196/2839380269_e3bf4c4000_b.jpg" width="1024" height="679" alt="DSC_4777" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48107563@N00/3918680654/" title="dirty nurse by unclefuzzy_ss, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3461/3918680654_bc891cf69b_b.jpg" width="685" height="1024" alt="dirty nurse" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48107563@N00/3917879933/" title="Biathalon by unclefuzzy_ss, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3524/3917879933_4c9c897a38_b.jpg" width="685" height="1024" alt="Biathalon" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48107563@N00/3918858031/" title="DSC_0058 by unclefuzzy_ss, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3445/3918858031_63da6ab5f7_b.jpg" width="1024" height="685" alt="DSC_0058" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48107563@N00/3921467907/" title=""Anthony Kedis" by unclefuzzy_ss, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3463/3921467907_56b850223a_b.jpg" width="1024" height="685" alt=""Anthony Kedis"" /></a>
Hell, there's even been a wedding there:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48107563@N00/3918944143/" title="DSC_0098 by unclefuzzy_ss, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/3918944143_e59d931872_b.jpg" width="685" height="1024" alt="DSC_0098" /></a>
In the end:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48107563@N00/3919910132/" title="Derby Winnah! by unclefuzzy_ss, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/3919910132_958a5332f5_b.jpg" width="1024" height="685" alt="Derby Winnah!" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48107563@N00/2840352290/" title="DSC_4511 by unclefuzzy_ss, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2840352290_22976e2d07_b.jpg" width="1024" height="679" alt="DSC_4511" /></a>
if you live in the midwest, say with in 9 or so hours, are willing to get a little bit dirty, a little bit drunk [on liquor, or life], meet some awesome folk, and have a good time, you owe it to yourself to attend. It really is worth it.
I'm one of the lucky few that have been there since the beginning. To me GF epitomizes all that is good about mountain biking and people. As others have mentioned, and as you can deduce from the above statements, there's lots of great riding and lots of really great people. But its more than that and it really is greater than the sum of its parts. It's riding on those trails, with those people, that weekend. It all comes together in perfect unison. For one weekend a year, people from all walks of life with a common thread (or more than one if you count the beer) get together to forget their everyday worries and just throw it all to the wind and have a great time riding their bikes. So many of the best MTB memories I have originate at GF and every year I go knowing that I will add to these memories.
If you are on the fence about going - I can tell you unequivocally you need to be there.
For those of you that are in the know - I'll see you in September.
I think it becomes increasingly obvious to outsiders how fun it is when threads like this pop up and people are quick to give detailed accounts of what we love. As much as I would love to keep GF somewhat low-key I feel I would be doing anyone who loves being on their mountain bike a disservice if I didn't share the word.... and I could talk your ears off. AND through GF I got to be at Martini's rewedding, and THEN we became friends afterwards. Most definitely my pleasure.
Wow....this looks like about 100x more awesomeness than the Milwaukee Fat Tire Tour. I've never heard of this before, but, after seeing this thread, I definately have to come.
Wow....this looks like about 100x more awesomeness than the Milwaukee Fat Tire Tour. I've never heard of this before, but, after seeing this thread, I definately have to come.
you are right, you DO definitely have to come... that is, if you enjoy life.
Gnome Fest encompasses all that is right about this great sport of Mountain Biking. Having a great time, in the woods, on the dirt, with friends old and new, enjoying a smorgasbord of great food and libations all centered around what we love best - time on two wheels.
Great pictures Marty! I'll add a few more to the proof in pictures.
Gnome fest is about:
Riding-
Camping-
Winning and Schwag . . . Ok. Not about that at all, but there may be some there. ;-)
Choices-
Most of all, it's about kicking back and just having fun like you used to.
I happened to supply that fine choice that particular gentleman is holding in his hand. I drank one of those even though I brought them...I think. I don't remember. Fun to be had by all. I have dreams about the trails at Levis Trow. One of the places that keeps me making it through the Midwest winters.
My brief summary of Gnomefest is: my riding season revolves around this event (and I am pretty serious about my riding sometimes), and if it came down to my job or Gnomefest, I would be broke but happy (and drunk for sure).
1st pic- My first Gnomefest (was hungover enough at this point that I wanted to take a nap on a rock in the woods)
2nd pic- Derby during my 3rd Gnomefest at the beginning of the Alleycat (look closely and you will find the 2009 Alleycat champion of the world, and the GnomeMaster himself) (PS- RIP SSuperfly)
this sounds like a great time. I would love to go but me and my wife are expecting our second child in july so probably wont happen. Do people bring their kids? maybe i could pull it off next year. we shall see.
this sounds like a great time. I would love to go but me and my wife are expecting our second child in july so probably wont happen. Do people bring their kids? maybe i could pull it off next year. we shall see.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gomez_lakeraven/3833712188/" title="Gnome-Fest - The beginning by ~gomez~, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2448/3833712188_9e11d3fc95_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Gnome-Fest - The beginning" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cotterpin/3919000483/" title="IMG_1074 by Sandy Lidbury, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/3919000483_aa40d301c7_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="IMG_1074" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cotterpin/1352060863/" title="IMG_1693 by Sandy Lidbury, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1001/1352060863_4ca25ee2a6_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="IMG_1693" /></a>
Gnome-Fest Babies
People have been bringing their babies since the very beginning of GF history. There have been a few babies conceived at GF, but no actual births. Once kids get old enough to learn new swear words, I would leave them home, but that's just me. I believe profanity should be taught in the home (by loved ones), not at a mountain bike festival (from strangers).......and gnome-fest can get pretty strange (in a good way).
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cotterpin/1352061801/" title="IMG_1704 by Sandy Lidbury, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1125/1352061801_c2d9c22bba.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1704" /></a>
El Barracho teaching a youngster how to execute 'the shocker'
the first time i went to gnome fest i really didnt know anyone there and 5 years later some of my closest friends are still guys i've met at gnomefest. hell i love gnomefest so much i ran it for 2 years before i decided i wanted to go back to having fun all weekend. you really owe it to yourself to come up to Levis and hang out for a weekend, in my opinion its the perfect way to end the summer.
this sounds like a great time. I would love to go but me and my wife are expecting our second child in july so probably wont happen. Do people bring their kids? maybe i could pull it off next year. we shall see.
I've been to all the GnomeFests thus far and I'll be at this year's as well. I've been there while recovering from foot surgery and while pregnant (twice, but the first one didn't count cuz I didn't know). Bryce went to his first post-birth GF when he was 3 months old and Brody was 8 months. As long as you can camp with an infant all is good. My children will be staying home this year however as I don't want to miss any riding time. I love 'em but there is a limit.
I'll tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than any one thing in the world. I rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a bike... - Susan B. Anthony 1896
Every year I've gone, I've had a kid or kids in tow. You can see mine in a couple of these pictures. It started when the now 5 yo was mere months old. If you dig through archived photos, you'll find her gladly holding a [beer] bottle next to a roaring fire, under crackling power lines.
And Gary has taught her plenty of bad words. Its ok though. We like Gary.
I have been attending Gnomefest for several years now , and it is a blast ! It is true that you will make friends and be welcomed by all . There are a wealth of fun loving pedal pushers who are out to have a good time. There are enough people of all skill levels to make sure that everyone from the hardcore racer types to the new first year riders have a group to ride with .
Last years event was well organized and the Levis Trow location is top notch . All types of terrain are availble .Trails are well marked and maintained , and the rocky / sandy terrain dries quickly in event of rain .
I love night riding , and it is a blast to go out with a big group . There is power available for recharging , and a clean new heated bathroom with a flush toilet .
Beer drinking is a big feature at this event and it's fun to see hundreds of different libations donated to the kiddie pool for all to share . Combined with the potluck dinner ( Vegetarian theme last year very successful ) and plenty to drink makes for a satisfying end to the day . I have to comment that I have never been to a group this size - 100 ish - that consumed this much beer , and didn't hear anyone sound too drunk , never heard a cross word spoken , never saw anyone get rowdy . Plenty of good bike riding fun during the day makes for a happy group at night ! What a bunch of nice people .
I too dream about Gnomefest . Sometimes even during the daytime !
Happily , that race is not as fun as Gnomefest so you will be able to attend this year ! You must put both events on the balance scale of funness and you will see the balance tipping , ever so slowly but with great certainty in the direction of Gnomeification !
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Pretty nice video of the trails at Levis Trow - Home of GnomeVega$even
Btw, we are in the final stages of updating www.gnome-fest.net and will start accepting registrations with the launch of the updated webpage. Stay tuned
Thanks to all of those that have already pre-registered for Gnome Fest 7!! As a grass-roots effort your early registration is greatly appreciated and allows us to pay for permit fees, shirt deposits, insurance, etc.
Currently there's 110 people who have confirmed attendance via FB, but far fewer via Active.com. There's only one week left to register at the reduced rate of $30, after which it goes up to $35 until August 31. On site, the price is $45. So head over to www.gnome-fest.net today to save yourself a few bucks and help us put on the event you have come to love over the years.
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Pretty nice video of the trails at Levis Trow - Home of GnomeVega$even
I was just at Levis for Memorial Day weekend.
In this video, right after the first rock chute, is where I fell and broke my arm - 9 screws and a plate were placed in my arm surgically at Gunderson Lutheran 5 hours later.
Still, I've been a ton of different places and the trails at Levis are some of the most fun I've ever ridden.
I'm gonna have to make it to this year's GF and conquer Toad Road again!
This was the recommended packing list from last year's gnome rodeo - GF-666 - from the Office of the Honorable Keiker T and the MG's - Assistant Mayor of Gnome City.
* - Large Reinforced Heavy Duty Trash Bags - the park staff will have our garbage removed from a central location.
* - Beer - I just didn’t want to list beer first.
* - Beer for the Beer Pot-Luck. Bring a 6-pack of your favorite local brew to toss in the kiddy pool.
* - A dish to pass at Saturday’s feast and cook-off.
* - Beer to enter in the Homebrew contest.
* - All your car camping stuff*
*especially the camp chair~stratolounger~loveseat arrangement, with cupholder.
* - Night riding gear - Don’t forget Sept can either be really warm, really cold, really wet, and sometimes all 3 at once. Also, it gets dark out there, so don’t forget your lights!
* - A costume for the mini-bike death race. It can never hurt to sway the judges with some flashy duds. And there’s a gal in charge this year, guys. Show ‘er what you got (but not too much, please, you can’t re-live the past).
Soda can be substituted for beer, if that's the way you roll....I would also bring a bike and a bike cozy......a swimmingly good natured attitude pill.....a butterfly net and an industrial sized vat of gooch cream with a couple dozen applicators.
What kind of beer do you guys want me to pick up? I'll bring some for the potluck. Any recommendations on bike lights? I can see about ordering one, unless the ones they sell at LBS can be considered good, but the last one I bought was trash.
What's the theme this year for the food pot luck? What ethenicity will we be honoring with our eats?
This is from the web-site
Saturday Evening – GNOME FEST’S SEVENTH ANNUAL POT LUCK. A whole lotta GNOME-FEST LOVE, FOOD LOVE THAT IS. GF7 ENCOURAGES AND DARES YOU TO COOK IT UP, VEGAS-STYLE, AND GET YER SEXPLOSIVE TASTE BUDS ON IN THE NORTH WOODS.
I would also add that it would be great idea to add a small note of what your food item is and ingredients for anyone that may have food allergies, etc.
When is everyone arriving for the festivities? I've got the week off between Labor Day and Gnomefest and will be road trippin' around the state getting some riding in starting at Nicolet Roche on the holiday weekend and ending at Gnome headquarters. I may be arriving on Thursday night.
When is everyone arriving for the festivities? I've got the week off between Labor Day and Gnomefest and will be road trippin' around the state getting some riding in starting at Nicolet Roche on the holiday weekend and ending at Gnome headquarters. I may be arriving on Thursday night.
Most folks start arriving Friday afternoon and evening. Some come on Saturday morning and a few dedicated souls arrive on Thursday. Those arriving on Thursday typically get together on Friday morning to start arranging for the festivites such as collecting the firewood and then all go out for a nice relaxed group ride before the main crowd shows up. Really a good time and you're more than welcome to join us for helping and riding.
I have a question... How do I heat up a big pot of chili at a campsite? I have this strange picture in my head of a pot catching fire as I try to heat it over a firepit. D:
I'll find some kind of source of heat to stick it with, I'm sure. Good news, my bike light should be arriving soon enough to take it with me. You guys get to show me how to use it, just like you had to show me how to use my camelback. Thanks for not sucking on it, by the way.
I will be camping at Gnome Village, but a relative of mine has a cabin 2 miles from the Levis Trow parking lot that he rents out. He will rent it out for the weekend for $125, so if anyone has a family they are bringing up, or just like to pamper themselves shoot me an email.
I understand the probability is low, but if you’re aware of anyone that would like to go to http://www.gnome-fest.net/ but would rather not camp at ground zero we’ve got an extra bed available at our cabin at Lake Arbutus Resort (http://www.lakearbutusresort.com/doghouse/) which is 3.5mi from the campground. It has a full service bar, restaurant and Tiki lounge.
Your roommates would be five of the coolest people you’ve ever met… We’re heading up for 3 nights, Thu-Sun. Fully-loaded, the cost would be $33/night plus tax.
Please feel free to pass on to anyone that may have interest.
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Weeeee!
Originally Posted by wheelock
I owe you a man hug Adam.
