Check out the rest of Robjdlc’s keg ride photos on Flickr
A week ago today, the 5th Annual Pedal Pale Ale Keg Delivery ride happened, and yet again, broke the attendance record. We weren’t on track to our “normal” exponential growth, but we still beat last year’s 500 mark. The dust has finally settled, and we were able to get a better sense of the number of riders, topping out at about 700.
For those that don’t know about this ride, the formula is simple. The East End Brewing Company makes a summer brew named in honor of the bicycle. Since it’s inception five years ago, cyclists have met at the brewery in Homewood to help the owner deliver the first kegs of the Pedal Pale Ale by bike. The catch is that only the people pulling the kegs know where we’re going, so all riders must stay behind the kegs in order to arrive at the super secret tap spot. The first ride, five years ago had 35 riders on it.
Check out the rest of Jon Pratt’s Keg ride photos and videos
This year, after a bite from Salt of the Earth‘s bike taco cart, the ride left the brewery, went through North Point Breeze, wandered around Shadyside then straight through Bloomfield to Lawrenceville, ending about 15 miles later at Belvedere’s Bar at 40th and Butler St – one of the few venue that can even attempt to hold that many people. There also happened to be a CD release show for the band Horse or Cycle who were supported by Boca Chica, and the Get Real Gang.
The lines getting into Belvedere’s were a bit long, so many people ended up going to the numerous other establishments in Lawrenceville to wait it out. Bikes, cyclists, and blinky lights going every which way completely saturated the streets.
The ride itself is getting a bit big for it’s own britches, so expect to see some changes next year. I guess that’s a good problem to have. In the meantime, be on the lookout for the “return the empty kegs to the brewery ride” in the winter.
Crowd at the Brewery. Check out the rest of crazymacharris99’s keg ride photos on Flickr
Overall, the ride was able to raise significant funds for BikePGH and IN STRIDE with Therapeutic Riding. It was also able to highlight a great bar and venue in a the great neighborhood of Lawrenceville. We’d especially like to extend a thanks to the staff at Belvedere’s for putting up with a whole lot of demanding people all at once. We couldn’t have pulled this off without you.
You can join a lively discussion on the BikePGH Messageboard about the ride.
There were lots of cameras on the ride as well, here’s a sampling of what we found. If you have pictures, please post them to the messageboard and to the BikePGH Flickr Group.
Check out the rest of Jon Pratt’s Keg ride photos and videos
The scene inside Belvedere’s Bar. Check out the rest of Jon Pratt’s Keg ride photos and videos
Not a member of BikePGH? 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
NEWSLETTER