The Pachyderm Pedalers of Stevensville, a group of local cycling enthusiasts, ride swiftly into the weekend as they host the 4th Annual Beer:30 fundraiser, this Saturday September 10th at Watermark Brewing Company. This 30 mile tour through scenic ‘craft beer country’ will raise funds for Cycle-Re-Cycle of Benton Harbor, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Southwest Michigan residents through cycling and the enrichment that the bicycle world brings.
The designated bike routes, complete with beer sampling for participants over 21, begin and end at Watermark, and will feature stops at some of the area’s most delicious breweries. Check-in begins at 9 a.m, and the ride kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Red Coach Donuts and Infusco will provide carbs and caffeine for your day, with a delicious assortment of fresh doughnuts and coffee for riders.
Registration for the ride is open until Friday, September 9th, at $45 per rider, and day-of registration will be $50. Your registration fee includes a premium Beer:30 water bottle, commemorative beer tasting mug, beer samples from participating breweries, and entrance into the post-ride party at Watermark.
Cycle-Re-Cycle of Benton Harbor is more than just a bike shop: they are advocates of community engagement, bicycle education, and developers of the L’Earn-A-Bike program, which offers bikes to youth, ages 12 – 17, in exchange for workshop hours. This volunteer-run organization began as a friendly conversation between cyclists, and has since expanded into Southwest Michigan as an entire movement.
“A bicycle can be a vehicle for positive social change,” says Cycle-Re-Cycle. “We’re committed to cycling to improve our community.” Throughout the summer, you could visit them at the Benton Harbor Farmer’s Market making smoothies with their bike-powered blender, or join in their ongoing participation of the virtual Tour De Fox ride to end Parkinson’s.
All proceeds from Beer:30 will benefit Cycle-Re-Cycle, and if you are unable to attend, you can always donate to their cause. You will find their shop at 159 E. Napier, and witness how the building serves as a showroom, community space, classroom, and forever home for Cycle-Re-Cycle.
Pachyderm Pedalers, created from two guys and a desire to ride, gathers over 100 riders for cycling fun, and is now in its sixth season. Thursdays nights through the Summer, you’ll find them participating in “Pedals to Pints”, as well as occasional weekend treks.
“Since we have so many great breweries within a 30-mile circle from Stevensville, we thought it would be a fun idea to theme a ride based on the old saying, ‘What time is it? Beer-Thirty!’ and raise money for a great community organization!”, Pachyderm Pedalers founder, Greg Collins recalls. Since the very first Beer:30 in 2018, this event has raised more than $15,000 for Cycle-Re-Cycle.
The brewery stops on Saturday will include Round Barn Public House in Baroda, SideYard in Sawyer, Transient Artisan Ales in Bridgman, Haymarket Taproom in Bridgman, and Peat’s Cider Social in Stevensville. The after-party commences at noon, where commemorative Beer:30 t-shirts and food will be available for purchase. Watermark Brewing Company, located at 5781 St. Joseph Ave, will be filled with celebration and live entertainment, in appreciation for your support of this worthy event. Purchase your Beer:30 tickets in advance here, and prepare for a fantastic Saturday!
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
