Seattle, WA – If you were reading the local news today, our Mayor (Mike McGinn) has been making strides to make Seattle a bike friendly city. Already there is discussion about the “missing link” in Ballard getting attention, the Ballard Bridge receiving bike lane treatment, and even the neighborhood of Maple Leaf, might get some new ink, all in support of you the two wheeled commuter.

It is because of your support for riding your bicycle instead of getting behind the wheel of a different kind of vehicle, that the Tour de Fat was created. Now in its 11th season, this unique festival offers 13 lucky city residents (one from each city) a chance to give up their car in exchange for a commitment to lessen your impact by bicycling around town.

For the fourth year in a row, Tour de Fat is looking for volunteers to accept the swapper challenge. One volunteer in each city will give up their car and receive a hand-built Black Sheep (http://www.blacksheepbikes.com/) commuter bike. The volunteer is chosen after submitting a video or essay describing their desire to live sans-car for a year. To submit an application, log on to http://www.newbelgium.com/tour-de-fat.

“The car-for-bike swap is the pinnacle of the day, illustrating one person’s true belief in all that a bicycle can offer,” said Bryan Simpson, spokesman for New Belgium. “Bikes represent freedom, fun and fitness while helping the environment. It’s a way of life that we live and share at New Belgium.”

Much like their events in the past, you are welcome to show up and enjoy the music and entertainment, but should you decide to buy a beer or maybe some NB merchandise, you should feel good knowing that the money spent goes to The Bicycle Alliance of Washington as well as Bike Works. To further punctuate the seriousness of your participation, last year’s Tour de Fat has raised over $1 Million, so far.

“Riding bikes is more than going fast and wearing spandex – bikes are fun!" said Bike Works' Executive Director Jake Beattie. "Tour de Fat is a fantastic way to celebrate and welcome people into the two-wheeled community, Bike Works is ecstatic to be a part of it.”

“Tour de Fat is a perfect fit for the Bicycle Alliance of Washington. The event celebrates bike culture, community and sustainability and these values are shared by the Bicycle Alliance and our members,” added Executive Director Barbara Culp. “We’re honored to be part of the Tour de Fat family and we look forward to its return to Seattle each summer!”

Included below is the schedule breakdown so you can choose when you want to show up, although we wouldn’t suggest waiting till 5:00 PM.

Tentative Schedule:

• 10:00 a.m. Bike Parade Registration
• 11:00 a.m. Bike Parade Launch
• 12:00 p.m. Performances Begin
• 12:20 p.m. The SLOW RIDE
• 1:30 p.m. The Great Bike Story Contest for New Belgium Cruiser Bike
• 2:35 p.m. Car for Bike Trade Celebration
• 4:50 p.m. Faux Finale
• 4:55 p.m. Faux Real finale
• 5:00 p.m. Curtain Closes

Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt (http://theterrorpigeondancerevolt.com/hi.html)
The Dovekins (http://www.myspace.com/dovekins)
A Honeymoon Cabaret (http://www.daredevilchicken.com/honeymoon.html)
Jonathan Burns (http://www.comedystunts.com/)
Americaine: Stupide (http://www.zombie4hire.com/)

More about Tour de Fat

• Tour de Fat encourages everyone to embrace their inner-cyclist and ride the streets as a cohesive carnival of creativity. Each show begins with a costumed bike parade that stops traffic and turns heads along the way. (Costumes are highly encouraged!)
• Tour de Fat seeks to leave as small an environmental imprint as possible and composts and recycles waste from each tour stop. The waste diversion rate for 2009 was 94 percent.
• Tour de Fat is free to participants, but beer and merchandise proceeds go to local cycling non-profits. So far, Tour de Fat events have raised more than $1.25 million for philanthropy.
• All musical acts perform on a solar-powered stage with decorations made from recycled materials, trucks and transport use biofuel sourced from recycled waste oils, and all vendors operate off the grid.
• This is a pro-bike celebration, not an anti-car rally…non-cyclists are more than welcome to join the festivities.

If you can’t make it to Tour de Fat but happen to be in Portland (August 14th) or Boise (August 21st) you can visit them then!

About New Belgium Brewing Company

New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces eight year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Ranger IPA, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, Mothership Wit and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases.  In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship.  For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.

July 31st, 2010 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tour de Fat, Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park Seattle, Washington 98103

Cheers