Tinker Juarez to Lead Rides at Pedrosfest

David "Tinker" Juarez will be a special guest at the 11th Annual Pedro's Mountain Bike Festival, Aug. 5-7 in Western Massachusetts' Berkshire Mountains.

Juarez is a legend of mountain bike racing. A native of Southern California, he powered to stardom in the late 1980s as off-road cycling rose from a fringe activity to an Olympic sport.

After success in BMX during the 1970s, Juarez crossed over to mountain bike racing in 1986. He has been America's most consistent international racer. Juarez won three NORBA national championships, earned a spot on two Olympic teams, won a Pan American gold medal, and earned a berth in the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Long after most of his contemporaries retired, Juarez moved into the world of endurance racing, winning four 24 Hour Solo National Titles. At 44, he continues to race endurance events and has announced plans to compete in the 2006 Race Across America.

But Juarez is especially noted for his rapport with fans. He is often seen working with first-time mountain bike riders and kids, helping them to develop their skills.

"I think that going to Pedrosfest is a chance to meet a lot of people who want to know about and have fun with cycling," said Juarez. "I've gotten so much out of mountain biking but it's also good get back to the sport by just going out and riding with a bunch of people and not worrying about who's going to beat who."