2nd Annual Bikes and Brews
Red’s Alehouse, Joe’s Place, Blackstone — Saturday, Aug. 16 at 8 a.m.
This Saturday, Aug. 16, the Bikes and Brews bicycle ride between Reds Alehouse and Blackstone is back for its second year.
Sam Hall, the general manager at Blackstone, said this year’s route is reversed from last year’s, when riders both started and finished at Blackstone. A layover at Joe’s Place in downtown Iowa City has also been added. At each stop, riders will be able to enjoy a selection of beers brewed by co-sponsor Boulevard Brewing Company.
Registration is free and begins at 8 a.m. at Reds (405 N. Dubuque St. in North Liberty). Complementary water and bagels will be available. The ride begins at 9 a.m. and riders will make their way to the first stop, Joe’s Place, where a Boulevard beer tent will be open to quench riders’ thirst. At noon, the ride will head to Blackstone for lunch, followed by a return trip to Reds at 2 p.m.
Technicians from Geoff’s Bike and Ski will be on-hand throughout the day to provide bicycle maintenance support.
Each stop on the ride will feature two signature Boulevard beers. Single-Wide IPA and Grainstorm Black Rye IPA will be at Joe’s Place; Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale and Imperial Stout will be available at Blackstone; and Unfiltered Wheat Beer, Boulevard Pale Ale and 2012 and 2013 vintages of Rye-On-Rye will be served at Reds. Ginger-Lemon Radler will be available at all three stops.
On the ride, participants will receive discounts and opportunities to receive prizes. Along with receiving a one dollar discount on beer at Reds and Joe’s Place, Hall said all registered riders will receive a dollar off their lunch at Blackstone. Prizes — including Boulevard bike jerseys, t-shirts, key chains, gift cards and coolers — will be given away at each stop. Limited-release Boulevard beers will also be given away, and the grand prize is a Boulevard grill set. All riders are eligible to win but must be present to claim their prize and have made it to all previous stops.
