Ft. Collins, CO, September 28, 2012 – Hold on tight, Austin, we’re headed back to finish up another fantastic season in your backyard! New Belgium Brewing’s cycling circus, Tour de Fat, is returning to town for one day on Saturday, October 20 at the West End of Fiesta Garden. Tour de Fat rookies and veterans alike are encouraged to grab a bike and join us for a whimsical day of entertainment and two-wheeled revelry, all while raising money for Austin Cycling Association and Austin Ridge Riders.
For those who haven’t experienced Tour de Fat, it is a thrilling rite of passage that includes an unparalleled costumed bicycle parade, New Belgium beer, eccentric entertainment, local food, unusual bike contests and much more.
The free event, which raises money for local nonprofits through beer and merchandise purchases, has exceeded the $2 million mark for total funds raised since its inception 13 years ago. Last year’s Austin Tour de Fat festival raised nearly $13,400 and had about 2,000 attendees.
The free event, which raises money for local nonprofits through beer and merchandise purchases, has exceeded the $2 million mark for total funds raised since its inception 13 years ago. Last year’s Austin Tour de Fat festival raised nearly $13,400 and had about 2,000 attendees.
The pinnacle of Tour de Fat is the ceremonious car-for-bike swap. In each of the 15 cities, one person will become the center of the show as he or she gets up on stage, hands over their car keys, and pledges to live one year car-free. Tour de Fat is now seeking volunteers in the Austin area to accept the swapper challenge. Each car-for-bike swapper will choose a local bike shop to help turn a $2,250 budget into an ultimate car-replacement commuter bike. Vehicles for Charity will auction the car, with proceeds benefitting local cycling organizations.
To submit a swapper application, go to the New Belgium Tour de Fat Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/
“As if riding in the most colorful bike parade known to mankind isn’t enough, our entertainment this year will make your heads pop off like dandelions,” said Matt Kowal, Tour De Fat Impresario. “So put together a snazzy costume, hop on your bike and enjoy a day in the park. You won’t be disappointed!”
Date:
Saturday, October 20
Parade Registration:
9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
Ride Times:
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Entertainment: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location:
West End of Fiesta Garden
West End of Fiesta Garden
Benefitting: Austin Cycling Association – https://www.austincycling.org
Austin Ridge Riders – http://www.austinridgeriders.
Sustainability Support By:
Ecology Action of Texas – http://www.ecology-action.org
Performances By:
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe – http://karldenson.us
Sean Hayes – http://www.seanhayesmusic.com
Yo-Yo People – http://www.yoyoshow.com
Sssnakenstein – http://www.snakenstein.com
Price:
Admission – Free
Parade – Suggested donation of $5 or more
Beer – $5 for a 16 oz. pour
In celebration of Austin Craft Beer week, special tappings will also be available for $5 for a 12 oz. pour at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., to highlight New Belgium’s Lips of Faith series.
In celebration of Austin Craft Beer week, special tappings will also be available for $5 for a 12 oz. pour at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., to highlight New Belgium’s Lips of Faith series.
A few tidbits about Tour de Fat:
- Start sewing, collecting and dreaming up something to wear as Tour de Fat encourages embracing your inner costume-loving self. Come dressed up to help put on the most colorful, respectful and creative bike parade ever witnessed.
- Tour de Fat seeks to leave as small an environmental imprint as possible and composts and recycles waste. Bring only what you need and watch for proper receptacles. We’ll do the rest!
- All performers grab your attention from alternatively empowered stages decked out in recycled materials; trucks and transport use biofuel sourced from recycled waste oils; and all vendors operate off the grid.
- This is a pro-bike celebration, not an anti-car rally. Non-cyclists are more than welcome to join the festivities.
In 2011, Tour de Fat traveled to 13 cities, attracting a total of 69,550 festival attendees and 41,150 parade cyclists. It also raised $401,563 and boasted an impressive 90 percent diversion of waste from landfills.
See https://www.facebook.com/
About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces nine year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Ranger IPA, Belgo IPA, Sunshine Wheat, Shift Pale Lager, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces nine year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Ranger IPA, Belgo IPA, Sunshine Wheat, Shift Pale Lager, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.
