The annual Real Ale Ride, one of Bicycle Sport Shop's most popular events, rolls through the scenic hills of Blanco on Saturday, May 16, 2015. It's a ride for cyclists of all levels, with distances of 15, 30, 50, 65 and 80 miles. Routes are fully supported with rest stops that provide water and nutritional snacks for participants along the way, as well as "SAG" vehicles to help cyclists with mechanical issues or those who need help getting back to the finish line. Afterwards, everyone gathers at the Real Ale brewery for a post-ride celebration with local beer and barbecue. Old 300 BBQ will provide delicious food and beer is, of course, provided by Real Ale Brewing Company.
Adding to the party atmosphere will be post-ride live entertainment performed by Michael Milligan and Texiana Bluez and Swamp Pocket.
Bicycle Sport Shop always makes a sizeable charitable donation from the proceeds of the ride. This year, a portion of the proceeds from the Real Ale Ride will go to Bike Austin and Friends of Blanco State Park. Bike Austin improves quality of life for all of Austin and Central Texas by growing bicycling as a form of transportation, exercise, and recreation. Friends of Blanco State Park is a volunteer, non-profit organization committed to the preservation, protection, and improvement of Blanco State Park. Bicycle Sport Shop and Real Ale Brewing Company are thrilled to be able to assist both organizations and their mission.
For over 30 years, Bicycle Sport Shop has sold countless bikes and accessories to Central Texas cyclists. Sharing their passion for cycling is a tradition that began with Hill Abell and Laura Agnew in 1985 when they bought a small bike shop on Barton Springs Road in South Austin. Back then, what Hill and Laura lacked in business experience they made up for in sheer exuberance for riding. In 1983, the tiny Barton Springs Road location was one of only a handful of stores in Texas that sold mountain bikes. Soon, that little specialty store gave way to a second, larger store that carried mountain bikes, road bikes and an expanding selection of cycling accessories. Today, Bicycle Sport Shop's three Austin locations offer a large but thoughtfully chosen selection of cycling products, as well as services, educational programs, weekly group rides and special events, from a diverse staff of passionate cyclists with a common love for riding.
It is not too late to register to participate in the Real Ale Ride. To register, or for more information, go to RealAleRide.com. Participation will be limited this year to the first 2,000 registrants.
