East End Brewing Company’s 9th Annual Keg Ride – Recap W/ Pics
I have always thought that biking and beer go extremely well together. Apparently, over 600 other cyclists share a similar outlook as they came out to participate in the East End Brewing Company’s 9th Annual Keg Ride as a part of Pittsburgh Craft Beer Week. The event, which was held on the morning of April 27th, led bikers on a nearly 8 mile ride through Pittsburgh’s city streets to deliver the season’s first kegs of East End Pedal Pale Ale to a local tap-spot via bicycle. Traditionally, the location of the tap-spot changes every year and remains a secret for the duration of the ride. For this year’s Keg Ride, the bikers finished their journey at The Porch in Schenley Plaza, where they were treated to a complimentary first-pouring of East End Pedal Pale Ale.
The morning kicked off around 9AM at the East End Brewery located at 147 Julius Street, Pittsburgh, PA. Before the riders departed at 11AM, participants were able to enjoy tacos from PGH Taco Truck and coffee from Commonplace Coffee Co.. Keg Ride T-Shirts, which were designed and printed by Commonwealth Press, were also available for purchase. Music was provided by Zombo, who also came along for the ride, as a mobile DJ station was pulled via bicycle.
Aside from a great celebration of local craft beer, the Keg Ride served a few other, even more important purposes. The proceeds raised from this event will benefit two local non-profit organizations, In Stride Therapeutic Riding and BikePGH. Additionally, the Keg Ride helped to raise bicycle awareness and to promote environmentally sustainable brewing.
Scott Smith, owner of the East End Brewing Co., couldn’t have been more thrilled with the large turnout and the enormous support from the community. After the ride, he and a few volunteers poured the East End Pedal Pale Ale while participants enjoyed the refreshing brew and soaked up some sunshine on the Schenley Plaza lawn. If you were unable to attend this event, you shouldn’t worry, because there is a Reverse Keg Ride that is held in the fall. For information about this ride, check out the East End Brewing Company’s website or follow Scott on Twitter as the season approaches.
