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MARQUETTE -- There were a lot of last minute preparations taking place Friday morning as Marquette gears up for the sixth annual Superior Bike Fest.

"There's always a lot of last minute repairs and tune-ups and tweaks needed to get everybody's bike working and in the best possible condition so they're ready for the races," said Jeff Stasser, co-owner of Downwind Sports.

Mechanics at Downwind Sports spent the day checking everything from tire pressure to chain lubrication and making adjustments requested by the owners of the bikes.  The mechanics also ran through a safety checklist to make sure the bikes were safe to race.

"Just having a proper functional bike that shifts well and the brakes are working well so they can compete better in the weekend's events," Jeff Stasser said.

The bike fest events vary, from kids races and mountain biking to road racing and downhill competitions.

"It's one of those handful of events a year that we have in Marquette that really puts Marquette on the map," said John Kivela, Marquette City Mayor.

The hundreds of racers and spectators visiting Marquette for the bike fest means a large economic impact for the area.  The Marquette County Convention and Visitors Bureau says each person in town for the events will spend $150 a day, plus their hotel room.

"It means the world to business owners--to the hotel, to the restaurants--it's just an outstanding event all the way around," John Kivela said.

Whether you're from out of town or just down the street, you're encouraged to be a part of the celebration of cycling this weekend.

"They're all great--everybody should come out and participate or at least watch," Jeff Stasser added.

Click here to get course maps for all the events, Friday-Sunday.