Bikes and Beers: Celebrate the cycling community Philly Style

Beers and bikes go together like, well, beers and running of course! Come celebrate the Philadelphia biking community with the Second Annual Bikes and Beers Event on Sunday, October 18.

Started in San Diego by a group of friends, Bikes and Beer events are now in Baltimore, Salt Lake City and Philadelphia as well as San Diego. A ride in Delaware is also coming next summer.

Sam Accardi, the local organizer for Bikes and Beers events, says that he hopes they get people out on their bikes that normally wouldn't bike in the city and increase their confidence to ride after the event.

The 15 mile bike ride around downtown Philly will start at Yards Brewery, 901 N. Delaware Ave., and then will head to Rembrandt's, Dock Street Brewing and McGillin's Ale House. Riders will enjoy sample brews at each stop.

The circular route will end back at Yards, where there will still be plenty of fun to be had, including local food trucks, live music and outdoor games. On their return, riders will be presented with their official event pint glass and a free fill of their choice. Each participant will also receive a free raffle ticket for a chance to win several brand new bikes, restaurant gift certificates or cycling gear.

Randy LoBasso, communication manager for the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, describes the event as a slow ride where you get the chance to see a lot of Philly. "It is a good chance to meet people and see businesses you might not know very well."

"You will also get a chance to see what Philadelphia has to offer cyclists by way of community and infrastructure," he added.

Feel free to wear your Philly Pride to the ride. You are encouraged to wear jerseys and even super hero costumes.

There will be several waves of riders every half hour starting at 9:30 a.m. up to 11 a.m. Registration is $45.

Two musts: You need to be 21 or older to participate and please bring helmets and a valid form of I.D.

Worred about drinking and biking? LoBasso reassures that it will be a responsible ride. They are not worried about people getting drunk because they will be only drinking small samples at each brewery.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to The Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia to help improve the cycling conditions in the city of Philadelphia. At last year's event, the Bicycle Coalition received a $1,000 donation.

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