The bad news comes via the Grizzly Growler blog.

Dear City of Missoula,

It is with great regret that after eight years, we at New Belgium Brewing have decided not to bring the Tour de Fat back to Missoula in 2008.  We never thought that the day would come when our little bike celebration would grow into the behemoth that it has become. It is our hope that the Tour de Fat has benefited the community of Missoula and the bike shops and non-profits who have contributed so much over the years.

As our show grows, sadly the number of weekends in the summer does not, and with our current limitations, we cannot add other worthy cities without passing the torch from the groups we have worked with in existing cities.  It is our hope that you will find ways to bolster your support even in the absence of our shenanigans and tomfoolery.

As we end this chapter of Tour de Fat, it is not our desire to leave our partnering non-profit’s missions unattended.  Future events, sponsorships, and philanthropic grants are tools we have available for those who have helped us for so many years with so many shows, trials, and triumphs.

May your good work continue for many years to come.

Sincerely,

New Belgium Brewing
and Team TDF (the now sad Clowns) 

Getting into Drag II

Originally uploaded by love not fear