The Big Wheel Ballyhoo is back for 2009. We found a private stash of singletrack in Nebraska’s Sandhills that rocks for rollin’ the big wheels. It’s called Potter’s Pasture and guess what? We got good ‘ol Mr. Potter to let us camp on his land for the weekend, ride his trails and have a Big Wheel Ballyhoo on his incredible trail system near Brady, Nebraska. We’ll have to be sure to thank him when we see him riding on the trail (yep, he rides too).

Both a bash to celebrate the coming of the fall riding season, as well as previews and demo rides on the hottest new 2010 Big Wheel mountain bikes from Gary Fisher and Salsa Cycles, as well as a host of hand builders, local retailers and other manufacturers to-be announced soon, the 2009 Big Wheel Ballyhoo is an event 29er and 36er enthusiasts are making plans to travel to from several states away. Start making your plans now for the weekend of October 10-11. Highlights of Ballyhoo events for that weekend include:

• Guided trail rides for riders of all abilities ­– beginner to expert

• More than 40 miles of the best single- and double-track trails in Nebraska

• New bike and equipment demos from Gary Fisher Bicycles, local bicycle retailers and more

• The first-ever “Ballyhoo Brew-down” amateur beer brewing competition

• Nightly campfire cookouts, live music and plenty of hangin’ out under the stars

• Free camping

Who should attend? Anyone that loves 29ers, 36ers or 650b-wheeled mountain bikes, or wants to give one a try. Bring your family, riding buddies and even someone who hasn’t ever tried a mountain bike. The Big Wheel Ballyhoo is fun for all!

What is it? The Big Wheel Ballyhoo is a 2 ½-day mountain bike festival celebrating big wheel mountain bikes and off-road adventure. There will be riding, demo rides, food, entertainment and camaraderie.

When is it? The 2009 Big Wheel Ballyhoo will officially run October 10-11. There will be optional events and event check-in on-site the evening of October 9.

Where is it? Potter’s Pasture, near Brady, NE. (Map it.)

Tentative Schedule of Events:

Friday

• Check-in, 3-8pm

• Night ride 

• Campfire acoustic jam, 8pm-midnight

Saturday

• Breakfast (sponsored by Cycle Sport bike shop of North Platte, NE.)

• Guided trail rides – leaving at 10am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm

• Guided gravel road/off-road adventures – sponsored by the Salsa Fargo –10am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm

• Self-guided rides – leaving whenever you’d like, on trails you choose

• Test Loop – test ride the new 2010 Gary Fisher 29ers on a special test loop, 10am-5pm

• Campfire cookout Bar-B-Q Dinner – come hungry, because we’re bringin’ the grub – 5:30-7pm

• “Ballyhoo Brewdown” beer tasting/voting – 9-10pm – There will be a separate class for brewers competing to host the 2010 Big Wheel Ballyhoo.

• Live music – Bandit Sound (www.banditsound.com. ) Other bands to-be announced .

Sunday

• Breakfast

• Guided trail rides – leaving at noon, 2pm

• Guided gravel road/off-road adventures – sponsored by the Salsa Fargo – leaving at 10am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm

• Self-guided rides

• Test Loop – 10am-2pm

• 2009 Big Wheel Ballyhoo ends at 4pm