The 2nd fat tire race from the mouth of the Kenai River down the Cook Inlet beach to the mouth of the Kasilof was held Sunday, June 21st to promote clean water and healthy salmon in Cook Inlet. The idea of outdoor enthusiasts Kaitlin Vadla and Mike Crawford last year’s inaugural event had a healthy turn out. “It’s all about celebrating the wild in all of us and our wild rivers and salmon that we love so much and want to preserve as our legacy,” said Vadla. “The tide was low and spirits where high for this year’s Mouth to Mouth wild run and ride! 58 runners, fat bikers, horseback riders and their canine friends raced down the beach during the longest day of the year. Sponsored by Cook Inlet keeper, Tsalteshi Trails, Kenai Watershed Forum, Kenaitze Indian Tribe, & Kenai Peninsula Chapter Trout Unlimited, the community event celebrates wild healthy rivers, salmon and people in the Cook Inlet region. KDLL public radio DJs played tunes for finishers, local food trucks Beck’s Day 2 Day Gourmet and Cut the Cheese refueled hungry racers. Many participants celebrated at the finish line with cold beers from Kenai River Brewery and cookies from Odie’s Deli. Thanks to prize sponsors Raven Glass Works, Wilderness Way, Sportsmen’s Warehouse, and Homer Cycling Club. Thanks to all volunteers and participants,” said Vadla.
Adding a little horse play to the event this year, Mary Green and Terry Davis pioneered the inaugural racehorse division. “We had a nice fun easy ride,” said Green. “Terry’s horse crossed the finish line first. My horse was a bit leery of the red tape,” she laughed. The Mouth to Mouth race proved to be a family affair on father’s day for Dr. Tom Kobylarz who rode tandem with his daughter Teagen. When asked to comment on the technicality course, Teagen said, “Wheeeeee!” and Olivia giggled. The doctor said, “It was definitely easier with a fat tire and tagalong than our regular Mt. bike tires and tagalongs that we used last year!” You’ll find more photos and complete race results at the Mouth to Mouth Wild Ride Facebook page.
