The front of the pack on Highland Ave in East Liberty

About 500 cyclists showed up to escort this year’s first delivery of Pedal Pale Ale. The annual ride, now in its fourth year, has literally experienced exponential growth, beginning with a modest 60 riders four years ago and doubling every year since. Organized by the East End Brewing Company and BikePGH, the idea of the ride is to deliver the first batch of the seasonal ale by bike.  This year’s ride was part of the Bike to (and from) Work Day events.

The East End Brewing Company’s Brewery in Homewood

Cyclists met at the brewery in Homewood for a quick look at the facility and to sign in.

Signing in.  Thanks Snake Guy!

The crowd shot

Scott Smith, Brew Master, addressing the masses outside the brewery.  Scott Bricker also spoke about the importance of BikePGH Membership.

Once the kegs are strapped onto the bike carts, we’re off…only there’s a catch. Nobody but the keg pullers know where we’re going. In order to redeem your free beer at the end of the ride at the super secret location, you must stay behind the guys pulling the kegs.  The only hint this year was that, for the first time, we would be crossing a river.

Getting the kegs ready

This year’s ride went from the brewery in Homewood to the Over the Bar Bicycle Cafe in the South Side.  In order to throw people off a bit, we took a detour to show off the new bike lanes on East Liberty Blvd.  From there, we took Highland Ave into Shadyside, snaking our way through Walnut St.

Heading from the brewery to Hamilton Ave.  Is that an octopus?

Cyclists enjoying the new East Liberty Blvd bike lanes

From Walnut it was on to Ellsworth until it ends at Neville St, in order to dip down into Junction Hollow to catch the trail.

Make sure to stay behind the three wise men

Once on the Eliza Furnace Trail, we dipped over to the Hot Metal Bridge, where we were greeted by an incredible sunset over the Monongahela River.

Hot Metal Bridge and its amazing view

We then made our way through the SouthSide Works to end at the OTB Cafe, an East End tap location.  Looks like we should promise one free beer for all of our events.

Thanks to everyone and the weather who helped make this such an amazing event.  Enjoy some photos from Jon Pratt and Brad Quartuccio.

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Not a member of Bike Pittsburgh? Join today! We need you to add your voice!  Bike Pittsburgh works to protect cyclist’s rights and promote the vision of making Pittsburgh a safer and more enjoyable place to live and to ride.  For more info, check out: www.bike-pgh.org/membership