The art of the Tour de Fat costume — with Jordana and Dana

As you can imagine, Tour de Fat is a pretty big deal in Fort Collins. Bicycle parades and masqueraded philandering philanthropists have flooded New Belgium's hometown streets for the baker's dozen years that the Tour has been in operation. As such, we're expecting about 20,000 of our fair city's inhabitants to join us Saturday morning.

The brewery's coworkers are some of the Tour's most die-hard fans, and few are more into it than Jordana Barrack (right), coordinator of love and calendars, and Dana Villanueve (left), sustainability generalist.

If you're new to the craziness that is Tour de Fat, well, don't worry. Jordana and Dana have your back. They've been doing this for a while, and for them — who are we kidding, for everyone — the Tour is as awesome as the Fourth of July, or a birthday, or a day when you're actually able to sleep in.

Anyway, they've got some tips for the procrastinators out there. Here's some good news: you don't have to spend months planning to corral a jaw-dropping get-up, though it probably helps.

First, don't worry if your outfit doesn't match. To be totally honest, some of the best costumes are haphazard arrangements of neon lycra, feather boas, wild wigs and a touch of glitter. The wonkier, the better, really. Don't be afraid to get crazy — you'll be joined by 19,999 crazy people doing the same crazy things. Sounds crazy, we know.

But say you've wrangled a group of like-minded procrastinators — greater organizational feats have happened, after all —and you're ready to pull out all the stops. Well, it's time to put in the group effort. Grab some brightly colored sweaters and try your hands at Alvin and the Chipmunks(!). Maybe you'd rather be jubilantly morose, in which case you could go as Rockies fans (they're currently 63 and 72, and I'm not happy about it.) There are millions of possibilities — *cough* a group of (literal) Fat Tires *cough* — pick something and commit. It'll turn out great. And if it doesn't, well, see the above recommendation on why mismatched outfits are actually a good thing.

Something to keep in mind throughout the process: sustainability is a very, very good thing. Strive for it. Reuse clothing you've got lying around the house. Convert those empty beer bottles in the recycling into radical nunchucks. Tie those empty two liter bottles to the sides of your backpack and call yourself Buzz Lightyear. Or stick a kitchen chair to your bike saddle and, I don't know, say you're "The Really Comfortable Cyclist." This guy did it:

See, it's really not that hard. The only thing left to do after you've figured out your threads is to head to Meldrum and Maple at 10 a.m. for the bike parade. Then it's time to dance — something Jordana and Dana are really great at even while sitting.

Well that's all for now. Hopefully you feel inspired. If you don't, that's okay, too. Even the Tour-goer in their Saturday morning pajamas will be welcomed with open arms. Actually, on second thought, that would be pretty cool, not to mention comfortable.

Cheers until next time — Nic The Intern

Boy oh howdy ... Boise was big!

Yep, you read it right. Boise was wild. Not that we expected anything different. You see, we've been coming to Boise for 12 years now — that's nearly as long as the Tour de Fat has been in existence — so we feel we've made a pretty strong connection with our fine Idahoan hosts. 

That feeling was reinforced today. Record-breaking crowds turned out for the parade; estimates put the number near 7,000. What's more, attendance only seemed to grow throughout the day, resulting in $55,000(ish) raised for our nonprofit partners, the Boise Bicycle Project, Southwest Idaho Mountain Biking Association and Treasure Valley Cycling Alliance.

We'll have more exact numbers — and a whole bunch of super photos to go along with them — next week. So check back on the blog to get the fine details and fine faces from the Boise Tour de Fat. For now we're off to the after-party at Mulligan's. Boy, it's been a long day ...

Cheers — Nic The Intern

This is what Portland's Clips Beer and Film Tour looked like

Portland sure is a beautiful city — the picturesque bridges spanning the Willamette River, bicycle-filled streets, world-famous food carts and friendly people make it a phenomenal spot to call home. It's no wonder so many transplants (many of them from Colorado, it seems) migrate toward Stumptown.

It's also why we get so excited any time New Belgium Brewing holds an event in Portland. Put simply, it's one of the best cities in the country.

The Aug. 1 Clips Beer and Film Tour in PDX didn't disappoint — in both good and bad ways. You see, Portland is known for being a rainy city, but during these last few summer weeks not a single drop has fallen from the sky. At least that's what the locals told us. So we were ready for a sunny and warm Thursday night to show experimental films and drink experimental beers.

Things didn't turn out that way.

Rain came down all day Thursday, and while Portland residents are accustomed to the wetness, we'd be lying if we said it didn't (ahem) dampen some spirits. 

No matter, Portland's cycling community braved the elements, and we had ourselves a mighty fine Thursday night filled with beer, films and food. What else do you need? 

Did we mention the Tour's location in Portland? We were situated just south of the Hawthorne Bridge in Waterfront Park. For those not familiar with Portland, that means that the films were practically being screened on the mesmerizing Willamette river. It was certainly one of the more breathtaking spots on the Tour's 21-city schedule.

Portland feels like the older, wiser and happily married sister to New Belgium's hometown of Fort Collins. So, in a way, we were simply visiting family. Visiting family can be a total drag sometimes though, and this definitely was not a drag. So Portland, thanks for being the awesome older family member. We can't wait to visit you next year.

Cheers — Nic The Intern

Let's talk about IPA Day!

August 1st is International IPA DAY! It's a pretty great day. We all get to think about, and drink through, some of our favorite beers in one of our favorite styles. And then, hopefully, tell the internet all about it. 

The history of this event dates back three, long years. And the best part– it lives in the open-sphere. That's what makes IPA Day so great, it's something that all of us can share in. It's the day we rally around the India Pale Ale like ferrets to a pile of almonds. All you have to do to participate is drink an IPA, and then shout at the top of your lungs (using the hash tag #IPADay) about what it is that is so great about drinking an IPA. It's a day we can all feel comfortable trying something new, or cracking something that we have been saving for some special occasion. And then we can post about it on Facebook, or Twitter, or whatever. It's going to be the day that Untappd gets all cranked up on some hoppy beers. 

In the spirit of the IPA Day festivities I would like to show you New Belgium's hoppier side: 

Ranger IPA: A very great one. This beer was our first foray into the bitter side of the force, debuting in 2010. It weighs in at 70 IBUs and 7.5% ABV. A nice IPA full of Simcoe, Chinook, and Cascade hops. A beautiful grapefruit leaning to refresh and surprise. Give it a toss back, it's totally worth your time.  

Rampant Imperial IPA: The big and bold cousin of Ranger, Rampant comes out swinging. More ABV and more IBU and shockingly delicious – 85 IBU and 8.5% ABV. The ample dry-hopping of this beer leads to major stone-fruit and tropical tones, and a drinkability that is off the chart. Take it in, Rampant is amazing. 

French Aramis IPA:  Part of our rotating Hop Kitchen Series, French Aramis packs a wallop with the (relatively) new Aramis hop. Very floral, and very grassy, this beer is a big 75 IBUs and 6.5% ABV. Tasty and dry, French Aramis is sure to delight the hoppy beer lovers. 

Here they are, all gussied up for your eyeballs to take in:

Get these beers while they're hot (or, cold, but you get the idea).  Remember to tag all internet interactions with #IPADay and tell all of your friends to do the same.

And then, if you happen to be in Fort Collins, the Liquid Center (our tasting room) is playing host to all sorts of IPA Day specials and shenanigans. Be there (if you can).

See you in the future!

Juicebox

Let's relive Tour de Fat Minneapolis

Tour de Fat Minneapolis only happened three days ago, but why not relive one of the best parties that's ever happened in the history of the bipedal human race? Overstatement? Maybe, but we're pretty sure there wasn't a better party in all of Minnesota Saturday. 

It's true that the rain fell off and on all day. And yes, Minneapolis was rather cold for late July — the high temperature was 72 degrees, but it felt colder. Twin cities' cyclists yelled a collective (and fictional) "Who Cares!"and came out in force, albeit wearing an extra layer. The beer began flowing as soon as the bike parade wrapped, and, you know what? It seems Minnesota likes its beer.

Moreso than previous stops this season, Minneapolis seemed to be a family affair. As in multiple generations of beer-drinkers could be seen cheers-ing together from when the taps opened until they finally closed at 5 p.m.

And look at this guy and his cool belt — he won it in the slow ride race. Also, further evidence of the whole family thing. Though the babies weren't drinking beer, which is a good thing.

It's unlikely the day could have been more fitting for The Moth, which brought out a few of its great storytellers to dazzle the Tour de Fat crowd. Their theme was "shifting gears" — clever, right? — and they successfully wrangled what's usually a raucous party into an attentive crowd buckling for the next revelation in an intimate story-tell. That's not easy; there's a reason storytelling is a craft.

But that couldn't last forever.

On it was to the dance competition, which will go down in the Tour de Fat Carnies' history books (which may or may not exist) as an all-time favorite. The structure of the dance competition goes as follows: four dancers are chosen out of the crowd, then they dance-battle until a winner is crowned. That winner walks away with a sweet New Belgium cruiser bike. What made Minneapolis special, though, was that there was a tie for the first time in Tour de Fat history. Two winners means two bikes were given away, something unlikely to happen again.

Here's Sara. She traded her car for $2,500 toward building a sweet bike on which she'll commute for at least the next year. Sara is really cool. Everyone likes Sara.

The day came to a close with a set from Nashville's Those Darlins, and they did the Tour de Fat justice. Also, more than $20,000 was raised for our nonprofit partners in Minneapolis, which is pretty sweet. 

Well the Tour is off until Aug. 17 when we'll be in Boise. More on that as it draws near.

Cheers — Nic The Intern

Great couples: "Quicksilver" and Shift

Welcome to New Belgium's film and beer pairing, "Great Couples." If you'd like to read our previous peas-in-pods, you can check them out here and here. For this week we've got another blast from the 80s.

While Shift is inarguably a very good beer, 1986's Kevin Bacon-starring bike messenger film "Quicksilver" is arguably very, very bad. This difference aside, though, it's hard not to think of the two as being synonymous. Well okay, that's probably a stretch, but allow me to make my case.

First things first: bicycles are rad. Even a poorly scripted, comedy-that-didn't-intend-to-be-a-comedy comedy with flat characters can't change that. We've always loved bikes here at New Belgium — from Fat Tire to Shift, two-wheeled transportation has always been displayed on our bottles and cans. The relationship goes deeper than just our packaging, though. Most of us ride bikes on a regular basis, whether it be to work, for exercise or just because they're fun.

Naturally, we love "Quicksilver," a film starring Kevin Bacon as Jack Casey, a stock trader who, after managing to lose lots of money for both himself and his clients, decides to get into the more modest game of bike messengering. Little does he know that it's an underground culture fraught with danger and drama. It's a film that, despite it's badness — and possibly thanks to it — is one easy watch. 

That curious word — "easy" — it's where this bad film meets this good beer. While wonderfully complex in its own way, Shift is a brew best sessioned on the front porch during a breezy summer's eve with some pals. Have one, watch as the afternoon drifts into twilight and you into another Shift. Soon enough you're playing cards by candlelight and, well, you're still drinking Shift. 

Put differently, it's an easy drink.  

What's the saying? Opposites attract? Well in this case it's 100 percent correct. While "Quicksilver" may be bad, and Shift may be good, neither demands too much from you. Just lean back and enjoy. Also, they're both linked to Kevin Bacon, and Paula Abdul thinks opposites attract, too. 

Cheers until next time — Nic The Intern

Tour de Fat and The Moth, reunited

That's correct. The Moth podcast and Tour de Fat are teaming up in Minneapolis, Fort Collins and San Francisco to bring you amazing live storytelling in between bike giveaways, good music and carnival acts. We're so excited, we made a really impressive picture to show you:

The Moth, if you aren't familiar, is a great podcast that records and airs live storytellings. It makes for some pretty moving stuff. Usually you can find Moth events in clubs, bookstores, theaters and other enclosed, intimate settings. So a broad daylight, middle-of-the-day show? It's pretty rare, and we feel dang lucky that The Moth chose to hold a couple of them with us.

And if you're interested in telling a story up on The Moth stage, well, you can! Head over to their web site for info on how to submit a story for selection.

Awesome, right? We think so, too. 

Cheers — Nic The Intern

Chicago & Tour de Fat 4 Ever

Seriously, this year's Tour de Fat in Chicago was incredible. We're not just paying Chicago lip service, either. The Windy City gave our carnies the complete package as far as good-timeage goes. It began with blue skies and a high temperature that didn't require any of us to take our shirts off. Some of us might have anyway, but it's because we wanted to, not because we needed to. We promise. 

Don't take us at our word, though. We have definitive proof that Chicago was totally awesome. Here are some pictures — and maybe some words — so that you can make the decision for yourself. We're pretty sure you'll have to choose between "The Chicago Tour de Fat was awesome," or "The Chicago Tour de Fat was super megaton awesome."

Costumes, costumes and more costumes. It seemed that just about every ballyhoo seeker was wearing some sort of get-up. Take this picture, for instance. Not only are the three main subjects in regalia (yes, we are insinuating the Mario™ franchise is royalty), but so is the dude photo-bombing them. Hang loose, freedom-loving photo-bomber.

People had fun — like this guy. He was hoola hooping before the festival even kicked off. Throughout the day the hoola hoop station, pedal-bike misting tent, life-sized Connect 4, Portaoke (it's karaoke in a non-disgusting portable toilet), and thunderdome were swarmed by many a beer-drinking, smile-toting happy person. Chicago sure knows how to channel the inner-child. 

Alright, the Portaoke is a little disgusting, but not, like, too gross.

The parade was a big one. Thousands of Chicagoans took to the streets around Palmer Square in force. There were tall bikes, chopper bikes, cruiser bikes, bikes that were barely staying together and flashy road bikes. In short, an assortment of bikes — and people — surely made an impression on the motorists we were riding alongside. 

The slow bike contest was extra slow. If you've seen a slow bike contest, you know what that means. If you haven't, well, allow me to explain. Slow ride is exactly like every other race, except it's the complete opposite. The last rider to cross the finish line wins. The catch? You can't stop moving, and your feet can't touch the ground. It's a show of balance, slowness and sheer determination. Also, people usually fall over, which, more often than not, is funny.

Mucca Pazza killed it. 'Nuff said.

There were tons of families hanging around and making memories. We're fans of memories, so this made us very happy.

The Car for Bike trade was radical. This fine gentleman — name Johnny — traded in his truck for a sweet two-wheel, pedal-powered whip. He then rode off into the sunset, and was likely seen again.

Reggie Watts mystified the crowd with a set of music + improv comedy in a fine close-out to the Chicago Tour de Fat. Thanks Reggie. You were Reg-tastic. Or should we say Watt-erful? Do either of those work?

Really though, a lot of Chicagoans joined us for a wonderful Saturday. Attendance climbed well past the 2012 turnout, which translated into a whole lot more money for West Town Bikes, our Chicago nonprofit partner. 

Thanks for such a great time Chicago. Now we're setting our sights on Minneapolis (<cough> July 27 in Loring Park <cough>). We're confident the Twin Cities will be just as much fun.

Cheers — Nic The Intern

Great Couples: "Top Gun" and Fat Tire

Nic the Intern is killing it. His posts have been very funny, and his photoshop skillz are of the topnotch nature. And that "Die Hard" post the other day? Whew, what a hoot. And very thought provoking. He got me railing on my favorite movie and beer romances, one stuck out– "Top Gun" and Fat Tire.

The movie is wonderful, literally one of my favorites of all time. It has action (fighter jets, fighting), excitement (again, the fighter jets), and a love story (Kelly McGillis did, in fact, take my breath away, meeee-ow). But, do you know what else it has? Balance! That's right, the relationship between Pete Mitchell (call sign: Maverick) and Nick Bradshaw (call sign: Goose) is the Hollywood definition of togetherness. Maverick is a dangerous firebrand, concerned with pushing limits, going inverted, and driving on the highway to the danger zone. Goose is a family man, a bit nervous in regards to Maverick's antics, but ultimately fighting in the same corner as his best friend and pilot. 

Fat Tire is also one of my favorite things. And it too has balance. That's the whole point of the beer, it's malty and delicious, carries a hoppy bite, and, as a whole, sings in the best of beer harmonies. I like to think that one half of the beer, the matliness, is Goose, and the other half, the hoppiness of Fat Tire, is Maverick. Let's go further. Say the hops (Maverick) has the idea to sing "I've Lost That Loving Feeling" to a stranger at the bar, and the malt (Goose) doesn't really like the idea. But you know what the malt does? He sings his heart out for the sake of his friend, because one has to support the other. Or, say the hops needs a volleyball partner, or somebody to do a fly-by with? They are there to support each other.

The one part of this analogy that I haven't figured out yet is what to do about Fat Tire when Goose dies. I first saw this movie in 1988, when I was 10 years old, and when Goose died I cried. And then I cried again when Maverick threw Goose's dog tags into the ocean. It was heartbreaking. And I can't come up with anything that's heartbreaking about Fat Tire.

As I ruminate on this maybe you should crack a bottle of Fat Tire and re-watch "Top Gun." It will be worth it.

Hugs,

Juicebox 

This is Johnny. He traded his car for a bike at Chicago's Tour de Fat, and pledged to go without an internal combustion engine for the next year. He did it in the name of sustainability, and New Belgium is proud to say we helped.

Well Chicago, we had a lot of fun

Let's have a quick recap of today's Tour de Fat in Chicago. There was beer (and plenty of it) a MASSIVE bike parade, the world's biggest and best adult high school marching band in Mucca Pazza and a closing set from the one and only Reggie Watts. If that sounds like a fabulous day, well, it's because it was. 

Chicago, you came out in force, seeming at times like attendance doubled over 2012. And you know what? It really might've. What we do know for sure is that we raised $26,000 for our nonprofit partner last year. This year that figure ballooned to well over $35,000 (we don't know the exact figure just yet), and all of that goes toward Chicago's own West Town Bikes.

So, everyone, give yourself a pat on the back, because your purchasing of beer and enjoyment of ballyhoo and merriment made a beneficial impact in your community today; it's not too often that claim can be factually correct. And if you can't reach your back, go ahead and sip your beer. Both will make you feel good.

More to come from the Chicago Tour de Fat later this week.

Cheers — Nic The Intern

Chicago things made better by New Belgium beer

Well, Tour de Fat Chicago is right around the corner (this Saturday at Palmer Square), and that got us thinking about all the things the historic city is famous for. Then we started thinking about how those things are made better by New Belgium beer. Then we made a list of those things. Here it is:

1. The Cubs

Being a Cubs fan isn't easy. The historic and goat-addled club hasn't won the World Series since 1908. Of course there was hope in 2003, but after a seven-game series loss in the National League Championship — and the now-infamous "Steve Bartman Incident" — it's harder than ever to root for the Cubs. Luckily, New Belgium beer makes cheering for the perpetual loser a bit easier. Cheers, Cubs fans.

  2. Chicago-style hot dogs

Relish, pickles, mustard, peppers and an all-beef franfurter. Few things are less American, less Chicagoan and more heart-burn inducing. But what rounds out this summertime favorite better than just about anything else? Beer! Well, actually a Cubs win might be better, but we all know those are hard to come by.

3. Navy Pier

Everyone is sick of taking their visiting family members to the most-visited tourist destination in Chicago. Sure, there's a ferris wheel and a bunch of water. Those things are cool. But how many times does a Chicago-native need to visit Navy Pier? Don't fret, beer is here. And it makes any tourist trap a world of wonder.

4. Sue

Dinosaurs are rad. The T. Rex is way rad. T. Rexes drinking beer is even radder. FMNH PR 2081 — affectionately nicknamed Sue — is one mean looking dinosaur skeleton, and Chicago is darn lucky to have her. It's actually hard to think of a reason why beer makes Sue more enjoyable, but looking at a photoshopped picture of a dinosaur skeleton holding a beer is funny.

5. The Bean

Speaking of funny, have you ever drunk some beer and looked at yourself in a wonky mirror?

Well Chicago, we're really excited to bring Tour de Fat to your wonderful city this weekend. Come down to Palmer Square on Saturday and join us! There'll be music, performances, bikes and beer. Doesn't that sound nice?

Cheers — Nic The Intern

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!!

The great day is upon us. It's the day of the greatest American holiday. The fourth day of July. July Fourth is the day when we get to drink beer with no shirts on, and shoot off fireworks (unless you live in the West (like me (sometimes I miss fireworks and Missouri summers (sometimes)))). We get to hang out with friends, and not go to work, and we get to remember (to remember) that America looks really good for being 237 years old. This day is about freedom and enjoying the spirit of freedom, and America, and partying for America!

In that American-party spirit, I have three recommendations:

July Fourth Recommendation One: 

On the Fourth of July drink Rolle Bolle. It's a great summer beer. And, with the way seasonal beers are timed these days, it's not going to be around much longer. Rolle Bolle is brewed with Soursop and Monk Fruit and has just the right amount of tartness to be more refreshing than a frozen pineapple, right to the gizmos. Feel free to stretch recommendation one into the yard game front too. Rolle Bolle is a traditional Belgian yard game, kind of like bocce, but less Italian and played with wheels instead of balls. Read all about it here...

July Fourth Recommendation Two: 

Glue a boat to the top of a school bus and start partying like only boot-strapping, build-it-yourself, American heros can party:

July Fourth Recommendation Three: 

Drink Fat Tire out of the can. This is the choice for the out-of-doors-type partiers. If you, and your party, find yourself partying by the river, or at the pool (or where ever, as long as it's wet and people are barefooted) cans are the perfect choice. Even if your not by water, drink Fat Tire out of the can, they are awesome and feel/smell/taste like summer. Or maybe, if you take recommendation two, drive your boat-bus right into a lake, climb up to the boat and give your partying friends a couple cans of Fat Tire (none for you, you're driving the boat).  

In closing, please take some my advice. I know a lot about partying and America, and celebrating birthdays. The Fourth of July my favorite day of the year. I like it more than my own birthday. And I have hundreds of miniature American flags to prove it. So get out there, sing This Land is Your Land, drink some beers, and try not to give America too many hugs (it gets awkward)...

I Heart You (America),

-Juicebox

Great Couples: "Die Hard" and Rampant

At this point you might be familiar with the New Belgium Clips Beer and Film Tour, which brings experimental beers and experimental films to cities all across the U.S. Well, we thought we'd take the beer + film association one step further, because they go together as well as milk and cookies, up and down, and boats and water.

So here it is, our first beer and film pairing. 

Have you had Rampant? Have you seen "Die Hard?" If you answered yes to both those questions then this should come as no surprise. On one side we have Rampant, an Imperial IPA that takes no prisoners. It puts everything out on the line and leaves you with a bitter taste in your mouth. Fortunately, that's why it's so good.

Then there's 1988's classic smash/bang/BOOM flick"Die Hard," which stars Bruce Willis as a bitter (in a different sorta way) off-duty cop who gets wrangled in to an international terror plot.Via sheer bull-headed determination Willis manages to thwart the plot and pretty much destroy a skyscraper in spectacular fashion. One could even say he runs rampant, if they wanted to.

Getting mildly metaphysical it's easy to make the case that both Rampant and "Die Hard" keep their audience on the edge of their bar stool, wondering what's going to reveal itself next. When it's finally over — the beer and/or film — it's not unheard of to hear a captivated "whoa" escape through slack lips.

So there it is. Now I'm going to go drink a Rampant and watch "Die Hard." Yep, all five of them. Oh, and have you seen this awesome pun piece from the artist Hanksy? It's very relevant.

— Nic The Intern

Some pics from the Clips Beer and Film Tour

Ever been to Clips Beer and Film Tour? It's swinging through 21 cities this year, and chances are one of them is pretty close to you. If you've been, then you know why it's rad. If you haven't, well, here are some pictures to give you an idea:

Clips partners New Belgium's Lips of Faith beer series — they're the rare, usually-small batch brews not often found outside Colorado —with experimental short films created by our fans. We think drinking interesting beers while watching interesting films is interesting, and other people seem to think so, too.

Clips Beer and Film Tour isn't really for pounding back beers — though you can if you'd like; it's more about celebrating different and unique styles. That's why we give out these cool-looking notebooks. Jot down your thoughts on Cascara Quad, Paardebloem, La Folie and Hoppy Bock Lager. What do you like? What don't you like? Don't worry, you won't hurt our feelings (though we do think all of our beers are the bestest.)

Seriously, there are a lot of different beers to try.

And we've always got staff on hand if you have any questions. Or maybe you just want to chat about how great beer is. That's a conversation we'd love to have, because beer really is pretty great.

There are lots of games, like life-sized Connect Four, Cornhole and Rolle Bolle, which our summer seasonal is affectionately named after. There's also this game. I'm not sure what it is; Throw The Dart At The Empty Beer Can Game? Who knows, but this guy is having a really good time playing it.

Oh, and it's always outdoors (weather permitting), so bring a chair, blanket and/or Snuggie™ and get comfortable in front of our giant inflatable movie screen. 

Also, 100 percent of the proceeds from beer sales go toward a local nonprofit; more than $117,000 has been raised since Clips began. 

So now you know all about Clips Beer and Film Tour. I told you it was rad, didn't I? Hopefully we'll see you at a Clips soon. Maybe we could even talk about how great beer is.

Cheers — Nic The Intern

FYI, this is what happens in the Le Tigre Tent at Tour de Fat. 

Dear Diary,

Last weekend I went to my first Tour De Fat in Durham, NC, and boy was it boondoggling. I mean, I knew it was a celebration of beer, bikes and bemusement — who wouldn't be interested in that? — but people's dedication to having fun far exceeded my thoroughly un-hyped expectations. 

Bemusement-seekers started flooding the gates as soon as they opened. What's more, they were wearing some great costumes. There was Mario/Luigi, Lord Humungus (from Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior aka the second-best film ever made), a couple in tiger suits, a steampunk fighter pilot and even Jesus appeared. It was cool to see all of the creativity devoted to a charitable beer and bike-celebrating festival, but it made me feel rather inadequate. You see, I didn't wear a costume ... NEWBIE MISTAKE. I'll be sporting the most eye-catching get-up at the next Tour; you wait and see, diary.

Alright, maybe I won't dawn the most eye-catching costume, but I'll go almost all-out. Speaking of all-out, the performers, including the nearly-naked guy with a saxophone, were great. I had a really good time watching acts in theLe Tigre Tent, listening to tunes from He's My Brother, She's My Sister and Those Darlins and catching different routines on the Stage Stage (it's the second stage, but it's called Stage Stage ... idk w/v). Oh, and there was this group called Down To Earth Aerials that suspended themselves in the air with two sheets of fabric and did wild acrobatics. It simultaneously impressed me and made me feel bad about my lack of upper-body strength. It also made me feel bad about my lack of lower-body strength, too.

People had a good time. It turns out that bike culture, sunny skies, good music and beer pairs well, and more than 3,000 people in Durham knew it. The crowd meandered a bit after the bike parade wrapped up, getting their bearings and beers, but by early afternoon things were swinging. I didn't realize just how excited people in states outside Colorado are about New Belgium, both its beer and its culture, and it was fun to be part of the team that helped them enjoy it to its fullest.

  I watched one Tour-goer win a New Belgium cruiser bike in a dance off, and another trade their car for an all-purpose commuter. That got me pretty excited myself, being a cycling fan and all. Bikes are just fun, and it was nice to see that Durham agrees. And the Tour raised more than $20,000 for local non-profits, so hooray to that.

Well, diary, that's all for now. I'll be sure to let you know how my next Tour goes and to show you my costume. Right now I'm thinking it'll either be a Bohemian kangaroo or a life-sized bottle of Fat Tire. They both sound like uncomfortably warm options, so we'll see.

— Nic The Intern