Tour de Fat sets off in San Francisco

July 20, 2007: The annual Tour de Fat — a ballyhoo of bikes and beer, with environmental sustainability at its heart — hits the San Francisco Bay area tomorrow. The tour will pass through 12 cities throughout the summer while traveling on B100 biodiesel fuel.

Tour de Fat began seven years ago in Fort Collins, Colorado, to increase awareness and participation in cycling as the sustainable transport alternative. It has captured the imagination of communities across the West, bringing people together with fanciful entertainment, contests, art displays and, of course, New Belgium beer. Last year Tour de Fat travelled to 11 cities, attracted more than 31,000 people and raised more than $166,000.

"Tour de Fat is a one of a kind, must-see summer event," said organiser Chris Winn. "People and bikes parade around decorated in outrageous costumes, great musicians take to the solar-powered stage, and fascinating performers entertain with creative antics, all while we raise money for local organizations that support the two-wheeled lifestyle."

Tour de Fat is free to participants, but money spent on beer and New Belgium Brewing goods goes towards local charities. The San Francisco stop will raise money for San Francisco Bike Coalition, which encourages people to use their bicycle for everyday transportation, and Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, a non-profit-making organisation forming a trail around the San Francisco Bay for people to enjoy the outdoors with activities such as biking, hiking and jogging.

Consistent to New Belgium Brewing's commitment to environmental sustainability, Tour de Fat seeks to leave as small an environmental imprint as possible.