Tour de Fat

Dust off the costume, shine up the bike and get ready for another epic and bewildering day as Tour de Fat kicks off the 2015 season in Washington, D.C. New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat arrives in Yards Park on Saturday, May 30. The daylong event is free, yet all donations and proceeds from beer and merchandise sales go to Washington, D.C.-area non-profits.

“Maybe you already bike all over town, or you’re a weekend warrior, or just a little bike curious,” said Matt Kowal, New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat Impresario. “If so, this is for you. It’s a summer stew of sorts where we all come together, let our alter egos shine with no inhibitions. You’ll find dancing, contests, bike swapping, music making and a tiny tent where anything can happen. It’s one carnival you’ll actually regret missing.”

In D.C., some of the eclectic entertainment includes Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, Charles Bradley, yo-yo performers and vaudeville acts. Brewing education, a bicycle revival, rideable art bikes, a “Thousand Person Dance Contest” to win a New Belgium cruiser bike, and even a fashion show are in the mix. In addition, Tour de Fat’s Le Tigre Grande variety tent and Sputnik mobile stage up the ante, adding more entertainment options from past years.

Everyone 21 and older can sample new and classic favorites from New Belgium, including the brewery’s flagship brew, Fat Tire, New Belgium’s latest year-round offering, Slow Ride Session IPA, and selections from the acclaimed Lips of Faith series.

As for the fundraising, the entire 2014 season raised more than $625,000, with the Washington, D.C. stop bringing in $57,047. This year, all funds raised in Washington, D.C. will go to Washington Area Bicyclist Association, Black Women Bike DC, Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling, Phoenix Bikes and Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE).

Car-for-Bike Swap
Every year, New Belgium gets one brave role model to step on stage to trade in his or her car keys for a bike, pledging to live car-free for one year. Each swapper is awarded a stipend to buy his or her own commuter bike. Car-for-Bike swappers are chosen after submitting an application describing why they are ready to give up their vehicle for the gift of two wheels. We’d love to hear from interested swappers. Apply at –NewBelgium.com/Events/Tour-de-Fat/CarTrader.

Tour de Fat – Washington, D.C. Details

Date:                                      
Saturday, May 30

Location:                              
Yards Park

Main Stage:              
11:40 a.m. — Fashion! (Best Costumes of the Tour de Fat)
12:00 p.m. — Lips Lounge Tapping: La Folie, Oatmeal IPA, Cocoa Mole
12:10 p.m. — Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds
1:00 p.m. — Lips Lounge Tapping: Pear Ginger Beer
1:10 p.m. — The Slow Ride Races
2:00 p.m. — Lips Lounge Tapping: Carnie Whiskey Barrel Love
2:10 p.m. — 1,000 Person Dance Contest – Winner receives a New Belgium Cruiser!
2:40 p.m. — Car for Bike Trade
3:00 p.m. — Lips Lounge Tapping: Transatlantique Kriek
4:00 p.m. — Charles Bradley
5:00 p.m. — Finale

Stage Stage:
12:20 p.m. and 3:10 p.m.
Superfriends Variety Hour: Death Defying Comedy, Chain Saws, and Bananas

Le Tigre Circus Tent:
11:15 a.m. – Marnie Sams Muffin Show (Kids Show)
11:50 a.m. – The Other One
12:20 p.m. – Fire Leopard
1:10 p.m. – The Kroup
2:05 p.m. – Yo-Yo Time Machine
2:40 p.m. – Honeymoon Cabaret
3:30 p.m. – The Other One
4:20 p.m. – Etiquette School

Benefiting:                           
Washington Area Bicyclist Association
Black Women Bike DC
Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling
Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts
Phoenix Bikes

Price:
Admission – FREE!
Donations for non-profits are accepted
Beer – $5

Pre-Registration
You can pre-register and donate to receive a limited edition Tour de Fat license plate, bike light or sunglasses at http://bit.ly/1zIuyeP.