FAT CHANCE

The 24th Fat Tire Bike Week is June 23-27 in Crested Butte. The biking blowout at the oldest mountain biking festival in the country hosts a slew of events built around fun.

With a chainless bike race, poker run, bike rodeo and more, the atmosphere always is amped.

Plenty of parties help participants finish the day in style.

All levels and ages of riders attend the events, which include tours and clinics.

• More information: Check out www.ftbw.com

GOTTA-GET GEAR

• Buzz Off Clothing

• Cost: $18-$84

• Why you need it: Get this insect-repellent clothing to keep bugs at bay when you - and they - return to the high country. It used to be we layered up, lathered on repellent or laid ourselves bare to the bloodsucking masses. Now, there's a new choice. Ex Officio's Buzz Off apparel has an odorless repellent (permethrin) bonded to the fabric. We dressed our most flea-bitten tester in the stuff and it did an admirable job of warding off mosquitoes, providing a no-bite zone even on adjacent uncovered skin. Ex Officio claims the deterrent will last through 25 washings. Available in men's and women's shirts, pants, shorts, socks and hats.

• Where to get it: 1-800-644-7303; www.exofficio.com.

Dennis Lewon, equipment editor of Backpacker magazine. For more high country gear, see the May issue of Backpacker magazine.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ken Salazar, Colorado's 36th attorney general, founded and was the first chairman of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund, which serves to help people preserve, protect, enhance, appreciate and enjoy the state's parks, wildlife, trails, rivers and open space through grants, partnerships and leadership.

Great Outdoors Colorado receives 50 percent of proceeds from the Colorado Lottery, its only source of funding.

• More info: www. goco. org