Thanks to everyone who came out and biked to Brewfest this year. Our first Bike Valet was a success! Hopefully this is the start of something good in Birmingham.







Thanks to our volunteers…we couldn’t have done it without you.

Okay everyone, here are the bike bus routes that we will be leading to the Brewfest this Saturday.

So at 2:15 we will be departing from the Botanical Gardens. Here is the route.



By 2:30 the Botanical Gardens group should be at the Bici HQ at 1211 28th St South to pick up Brewfesters from that location. At that point they will continue to Sloss.

In addition to the Over the Mountain-Southside/Highland ride there will be a group leaving from Crestwood Coffee at 2:45. WE STILL NEED A LEADER FOR THIS RIDE! If you are comfortable leading this ride please email me at alan {at} bicicoop {dot} org. This is the route:



Hope to see you there!

Bike love,

Alan

Last night, Anna and I biked to the Free the Hops meeting (side note: never, EVER bike down Valley Ave!) to propose Bike Valet at Magic City Brewfest.

It literally took about 30 seconds to convince them to get on board. The idea of making Brewfest a completely green event is exciting and we are happy to be a part of it. They gave us primo parking location…right next to the entrance. We are hoping to get a good buzz going about this and show that Birmingham is not as backwards and behind as most people think!

What is Bike Valet?
Like Car Valet or coat check! You ride up (we will also be posting routes and having group rides to the event), drop off your bike, we give you a ticket…you drink and be merry while we make sure your 2 wheeled friend stays safe and cozy. At the end, show us your ticket, we give you back your ride. You go home feeling happy and good about doing something good for Mother Nature (can’t speak for your liver!)

Why Bike Valet?
Have you tried to park down there? Yeah, it is bad. Plus, you get to enjoy the scenery and park for free (donations welcome!), knowing your bike is safe and secure. Can you say that about your car? nope.

What is Free the Hops?
Alabama has a stupid law that limits beer sold to be 6% alcohol by volume or below, which prevents us from getting delicious “craft” or “gourmet” beers. Free the Hops has been lobbying to change the law for a number of years. We’re on pins and needles right now because the bill has passed the senate, but we’re waiting on the Governors signature for the law to be changed. He has until Monday night I think so fingers crossed!

Why are you doing this?
To be kind to our earth, promote cycling and hopefully set a precedent in Birmingham for other large events. Bike Valet is the future!!!

How do I get there?
More info to come, with routes from various locations as well as meeting places for group rides there.

How can I help?
We need volunteers to help us. We have no idea how many bikes to expect. If you can help (PLEASE!) either night, shoot Anna an email at anna@bicicoop.org

Stay tuned for more details!

check back for more info.