It’s become another opportunity for people to come together safely while enjoying some outdoor exercise during the spring and summer months.
The Bike and Brew is held twice a week, departing at 7 p.m. from The Beef Bar on Monday nights and Willy’s The Tap House on Thursdays. Once they finish, participants are able to socialize, again safely.
Jeff Pierson from the Beef Bar said this is the third year the program has been offered. Pierson had seen similar programs in the U.S., and so he approached Pete Sereggela with the Tap House and Joe Lingelbach with JL’s Bike and Skate about bringing it to Estevan.
Most weeks they will get 10 riders, but on the nice weeks, they have had as many as 20 cyclists.
“We’ve had good turnouts so far this year. The weather’s been fairly co-operative for us. But we’re always looking for more to come out,” said Pierson.
Participating in the Bike and Brew carries a lot of benefits. People get to be outside and get some exercise, encounter new people and make some friends. It’s also an activity that can happen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“All of it’s done outdoors, and I think it’s one of the safer things to do right now during COVID,” said Pierson.
This year marks the first time they have had a Thursday night ride, and so far it’s proven to be as popular as the Monday sessions.
The bike ride is 15-20 kilometres each week, which sounds like a lot, but they’re usually finished within an hour. They don’t ride at a fast pace, and cyclists are able to ride at their own speed. It attracts cyclists of different abilities as well, from the novice rider to the very experienced.
Participants as young as 10 years old have been involved. Pierson said there are some misconceptions with the Bike and Brew because of its name, but there’s no obligation to have a beer or stick around for the social element.
“It’s just really meant for any level of rider,” said Pierson.
The Thursday night rides will typically take them down to Woodlawn Regional Park. They have a few different routes within the city, and they hope to have a ride that will take them out of town during the summer months.
If someone wants to participate, they need to show up and join the group, Pierson said. Helmets are encouraged but are optional.
