Havent seen any announcement about this yet on here but New Belgium is bringing back the Tour de Fat in a few weeks. Big bike carnival sponsored by one of the most eco-conscious breweries in the world. Last year ended up being on the hottest day of the summer so it's been pushed back a few months to May 11th and has also moved to the much more easily accessible Candler Park. There's a MARTA station just a few blocks from the park and car parking is limited around the neighborhood so plan accordingly. "For those who haven’t experienced Tour de Fat, it is a thrilling rite of passage that includes an unparalleled costumed bicycle parade, New Belgium beer, eccentric entertainment, local food, unusual bike contests and much more. The free event, which raises money for local nonprofits through beer and merchandise purchases, will soon exceed the $2 million mark for total funds raised." Tour De Fat Partners this year include the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, SORBA, and the Sopo Bicycle Cooperative. This festival is a fundraiser for all three organizations. Free all-ages entry but you have to be 21+ to drink. May 11th: 10am - parade registration begins 11am - parade starts, 6.5 mile relatively flat police escorted parade through Candler Park, the Highlands, Inman Park, and Little Five Points 12pm - casks are tapped and the festival begins 2pm - Futurebirds playing - awesome Athens psychedelic modern folk band 4pm - Beats Antique playing - electronic world music I know a lot of you ride bikes and most of you like beer so come on out and drink beer to support local bike advocacy.
I have yet to summon the courage to venture into downtown Atlanta for a weekend event. However, Fat Tire is my favorite beer, and I've been to their Colorado brewery.
If it rains out the Rome Bike event I usually do on this date every year this is a nice alternative, wish there was more advance notice - link: http://www.newbelgium.com/events/tour-de-fat/atlanta.aspx
HTFU. Rain is damn refreshing on a bike, just bring the bike that already needs to have the hubs/bb/headset repacked. Bring it for the parade, been wanting to see it in person since you mentioned it forever ago!
So the New Belgium guys were joking earlier in the week that it never rains on the Tour de Fat. Ended up raining as soon as everyone got home - volunteers and workers got a little wet loading up but festival goers were able to make it home dry. Good to catch up for a few minutes on Saturday, need to get out to a dinner meet sometime soon.