During the winter months Camden SnowBowl is known as the place where you can ski the slopes while taking in awesome views of the ocean. But in the summer the recreation area in Camden owes at least some of its popularity to the annual Ragged Mountain Fat Tire Festival.

The festival, which takes place Saturday and Sunday, offers a smorgasbord of options for mountain biking enthusiasts at super reasonable prices.

Need examples? How about unlimited rides up the chairlift (with your bike) and down the downhill course for $15 starting at 10 a.m. Saturday? There's also a guided downhill ride for $10 at 5 p.m. and a short-track race ($10) plus a free balance bike boogie parade for the kids and a free pump track jam.

There are also featured events to compete in or get out and watch on both days. Saturday has the Ragged Mountain Ruckus Enduro Stage Challenge at 1 p.m. (entry fee $30). Sunday's big event is the Eastern Fat Tire Association Runoff Race, sponsored by Maine Sport Outfitters. Expect the course to be over eight-plus miles of trails with an entry fee of $26. There are several divisions (starting around 10 a.m.) and the riders from the Camden Hills Regional High team are always among the bikers to beat.

And one of the coolest events - literally - will wrap up the weekend: The Big Air Jump Contest. It has competitors landing in the pond, which should make for some exciting tricks and some entertaining splashes.

Check out the full schedule of events here.

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About the Author

Karen Beaudoin is an online editor for Maine Today Media and contributes two blogs to the company's websites.

In the City tells readers what to know if they want to know Portland. Pedal On offers info, events and advice for people who love their bikes more than, well ... almost anything.

Get in touch at kbeaudoin@mainetoday.com

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