Spring Break
The skinny on the Tour de Fat
Chris Seegers
Issue date: 9/21/07 Section: News
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And organizers estimate it to be even bigger and more successful than ever.
The Tour De Fat began in 2000 and initially toured six cities spread across the Western United States. It has been growing each year since and now includes 11 cities, including San Francisco, Portland and Durango, with the attendance in each city skyrocketing.
"The Tour De Fat was started as a tour of bikes and beers," said Tour De Fat spokesperson Brian Simpson. "We team up with local non-profit organizations and all the money made during the day is given to the organizations."
Alternative modes of transportation has been a hot topic in local and national news and the New Belgium Brewing Company is taking a stance on the issue by hosting events such as the Tour De Fat.
"The idea behind the Tour De Fat was a way to reach out to the bike community and to advance bike advocacy," Simpson said.
Simpson also said the focus of the day is not drinking, but rather raising awareness in the community and raising funds to support local organizations.
"The tour is just like anything else, you get what you put into it," said Simpson.
Simpson also described the events that would take place during the day of the tour.
"The bike tour starts at 11 a.m., will go through Old Town and get back to New Belgium around 12 p.m.," said Simpson. "We'll tap the kegs at 12 p.m. and there will be a ceremony and then the activities will start and continue on all day."
The activities that attendees can look forward to are live bands, a magic show, bike raffles and $3 cups of beer. New Belgium has also come up with a new activity that is sure to draw attention.
"This is the first year of the bike trade. We are having someone trade their car for a custom bike and then the car will be sold and the money given to non-profit organizations," said Simpson.
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