Tour of BoulDurango

3 Colorado breweries embark on a five day, 470 mile ride for charity and craft-brewing brotherhood
5 days ~ 10 brewers ~ 470 Miles ~ 42,000 Vertical Feet Climbed
Boulder, CO - On Monday, July 19th 2010, 10 brewer-cyclists from Avery Brewing, Oskar Blues Brewing and Ska Brewing, will depart on their bicycles from Avery Brewing Company in Boulder to kick off the Second Annual Tour of BoulDurango: a five day, 470 mile odyssey over 6 majestic mountain passes from Boulder to Durango. En route, these 10 hearty souls will be stopping at craft breweries and brewpubs in an effort to bring together Colorado brewers, raise a boatload of money for local charities, and encourage the spirit of collaboration and camaraderie that has taken hold in the craft beer industry.
The Tour of BoulDurango is the cycling incarnation of the attitude that these three breweries have always taken towards the brewing business. "Craft beer isn't about getting rich and cutthroat business practices; it's about following your passions and doing what you love, it's about being part of your local community and working with people who are just as psyched to be in the business as you are" said Adam Avery, President and Brewmaster of Avery Brewing Company. Dave Thibodeau of Ska Brewing added, "We’ve had quite a few brewers from around the country express interest in this-- I think it has the potential to become huge, whether evolving into a Colorado stage race, a brewer’s tour or just a fun way to hang out with our craft-brewing brethren while we try to make a positive difference in our communities.”
Each evening, after the days riding is finished, the brewers are teaming up with other craft breweries along the course to hold fundraising parties, with profits from pint sales, raffles and auctions going to local charities. Participating breweries along the route include: Tommyknocker Brewing, Breckenridge Brewery, Eddyline Brewpub, The Brick Oven Restaurant, Ourayle House Brewing, Colorado Boy Brewery and Ska Brewing Company.
The ride will be marked with a Kickoff Release Party on Sunday, July 18th for Wheelsucker Wheat Ale, a collaboration beer brewed by Ska and Avery to commemorate the ride. The party will raise money for Community Cycles (a Boulder bike charity) and will take place at the Avery Tap Room in Boulder on Sunday, July 18th from 5PM to 7PM. The ride concludes with a Finish Line Party at 5PM on 7/24 at Ska Brewing in Durango. Proceeds will go to the La Plata County Safe Roads Coalition.
High Mountain Passes Climbed:
Loveland Pass - 11,992' ~ Fremont Pass - 11,318' ~ Cottonwood Pass - 12,126'
Red Mountain Pass - 11,008' - Molas Pass - 10,910' - Coal Bank Pass - 10,640'