By Robyn Schindeldecker
As the place that wears the spoked crown of most bikeable city in the country, Minneapolis doesn’t lack displays of two-wheeled exuberance. This Saturday, the revelry races into the hub that is Loring Park with Tour de Fat, a celebration of biking and sustainability.
Sponsored by New Belgium Brewery, the traveling festival is a perfect confluence of bikes, beer, and community. While the event itself is free, the proceeds raised from beer and merchandise sales and donations will be granted to bicycle-centric nonprofits. This year’s beneficiaries are Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, Midtown Greenway Coalition, Minnesota Off Road Cyclists, and Minneapolis Off-Road Cycling Advocates.
Wake up early, don a costume, and join in the family-friendly parade that will kick off the festivities. After returning to the park, participate in a host of activities, such as the Bike Rodeo Corral, a showcase of bikes with shoes, swivels, and other atypical features. Other noteworthy diversions include an oversized game of Connect Four, tire toss, and entertainment provided by the appropriately dubbed Yo-Yo People.
The Revival Stage will host musical acts Sean Hayes and Los Amigos Invisibles, as well as the Stunt Pepper Game Show. With the goal of leaving as small a carbon footprint as possible, the stage is solar-powered and adorned with recycled materials. The Car for Bike Trade will take this spirit of sustainability one step further as one person swaps his or her vehicle for a bicycle and pledges to live car-free for a year. Want to take the pledge yourself? Here's how to register for your chance to participate: http://www.newbelgium.com/events/tour-de-fat.aspx
Don’t forget to take a piece of Tour de Fat with you in the form of a handmade silk screen shirt or button before leaving the same way you came: Pedal-driven down the bike-friendly paths of our fair city.
What? Tour de FatWhere? Loring Park
When? Saturday, July 28, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Schedule of Events:
9:00 AM Parade registration
10:00 AM Bike Parade
11:00 AM The Devil Dan Show
11:30 AM Yo-Yo People
12:15 PM Slow Ride
12:30 PM Sean Hayes
1:20 PM Stunt Pepper Game Show
1:40 PM SsssnakenStein
2:30 PM Car for Bike Trade
2:55 PM Los Amigos Invisibles
3:30 PM Finale
No comments:
Post a Comment