Ninety-nine percent of Denver residents have an opinion on three things: beer, bicycles, and something else that doesn’t start with a B. (This is an unproven statistic – but most likely true.) The multitude of breweries and the increase in bicycle traffic in this city make beer and bikes points of popular debate. When it comes to opinions on the beer and bikes, it’s hard to argue with Patrick and Charlie. They believe that beer and bicycles have a symbiotic relationship, and nowhere is that more evident than at their brewery, Denver Beer Co.
Brewing and bicycling complement each other nicely, especially when you own a bike that powers a barley-grinding machine. This past spring, Denver Beer Co. and BikeDenver collaborated to create the Incredible Pedal IPA, the ultimate coming-together of bikes and beer. Event participants pedaled away grinding barley used to make the IPA. The mayor of Denver even gave this special bike a spin earlier this fall to aid in the production of some pumpkin ale! Patrick explained the idea for the pedal-powered mill arose when he looked at the mill and thought, “Hey, a bike can power that!” With the help of Salvagetti Bicycle Workshop, the idea became reality.
Over-zealous barley-grinding bicyclists aside, Denver Beer Co. attracts bicyclists of all types in its everyday operation. From recreational riders and those out for a serious spin on the weekends, to mostly commuters on weekdays, the communal atmosphere and refreshing German-style beers bring the bicycling community together. It also helps that the brewery sits right off the Platte River Trail, a popular pathway for bikes. The bike parking situation isn’t too shabby either…sixty bikes can fit in the racks out front. Don’t be surprised if they are all full though!
Denver Beer Co. is open to anything when it comes to making their place more bike-friendly. They recently released a sweet new bike jersey, so stop in and check it out! After all, 100% of Denver residents agree that Denver Beer Co. is the most bike-friendly brewery in the city! And that’s 100% fact.
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BikeDenver’s Bicycle-Friendly Business (BFB) of the Month Award highlights organizations that are making standout contributions and offering great success stories from among BikeDenver’s Bicycle-Friendly Business (BFB) Program members. The BFB program, with more than 140 honorees to date, recognizes businesses, organizations and workplaces that are leading the way to make bicycling an easy and accepted form of transportation in Denver. Nominate a workplace as a Bicycle-Friendly Business here.
BikeDenver is Denver’s bicycle advocacy organization. BikeDenver promotes and encourages bicycling in Denver and works to make Denver a better place to ride your bike. Why? Because more bicycling has great benefits for you, and for Denver! www.bikedenver.org
Clif Bar & Company started on a bike ride. Founder Gary took a bite of another energy bar and thought he could make a better bar. Today, Clif Bar is a leading maker of all-natural and organic energy and nutrition foods and drinks.www.clifbar.com
Bicycle Friendly Business of the Month Awards: Since partnering in July of 2009 to launch the monthly awards program, Clif Bar and BikeDenver have recognized over 35 work places for their bicycle friendly practices.
November 2012 – Whole Foods Market Capitol Hill
October 2012 – The Nichols Partnership
September 2012 – Downtown Denver YMCA
April 2012 – Cactus Advertising
February 2012 – Cake Crumbs Bakery
December 2011 – greatBIGcolor, Inc.
November 2011 – Kentwood City Properties
October 2011 – Gates Corporation
February 2011 – Snooze a.m. eatery
December 2010 – Grand Hyatt Denver
November 2010 – Holland & Hart
October 2010 – Solera Green Living
September 2010 – REI Denver Flagship Store
June 2010 – Sweet Action Ice Cream
May 2010 – Denver Regional Council of Governments
March 2010 – Little Man Ice Cream
February 2010 – Salvagetti Bicycle Workshop
January 2010 – The Alliance for a Sustainable Colorado
December 2009 – Denver Pavilions
November 2009 – Human Powered Transit Authority
October 2009 – Jones Lang LaSalle
September 2009 – Downtown Denver Partnership & BID
August 2009 – Historic Denver’s Story Trek
July 2009 (Inaugural) – Watercourse Restaurant
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Fantastic choice! These folks were kind enough to lend some of their brews for a bicycle brewery tour I put on to fund raise for the American Cancer Society this summer. Well deserved.