Over 75 cyclists, 200 craft beer drinkers, and droves of barbecue lovers came together and raised upwards of $5,500 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at the third annual Bike Brew Q event at the Great Bend Expo Complex on Saturday, July 28.
Cyclists headed out in the morning and routes were available from 20-72 miles and included road and gravel routes. All routes included support and gear (SAG) stops sponsored by local businesses and philanthropy groups giving riders a chance to rest, hydrate and refuel.
The SAG stops were sponsored by Golden Belt Bicycle Co., Barton County Young Professionals, The Errand Lady, Yoga Central, Rhythm Makings, Perks Coffee Shop, Eric and Janet Dowson, and Christine Wondra.
Following the cycling event the Craft Brew Expo took place from 1-4 p.m. featuring 15 breweries from four states. The breweries brought their own personnel and beer to the event. Expo attendees had access to unlimited samples, free giveaways by the breweries and all ticket holders received a free commemorative Bike Brew Q can glass.
The expo included the following breweries represented: Wichita Brewing Company, Lawrence Beer Company, Tallgrass Brewing Company, Three Rings Brewery, Salt City Brewing Company, Rogue Ales, LB Brewing, Kansas Territory Brewing Company, Dodge City Brewing, Defiance Brewing Co., COOP Ale Works, Augustino’s Brewing Company, Aero Plains Brewing, Goose Island Brewing and Shock Top Brewing.
The event was presented by Red Barn Pet Products and sponsored by: Stone Sand Co, INC., Eagle Radio, Panzer Insurance, Charlies Place, Stueder Contractors, Innovative Livestock Service, Golden Belt Bicycle, Clara Barton Hospital, Henjy Liquor, Farmers Bank and Trust, Western Beverage, Demel Family, Benefit Management
Event chair Ryan Fairchild said he was very happy with the event.
“2018 showed us that the community has embraced us,” Fairchild said. “The amount of support leading up to the event was amazing. This was our biggest year yet and we have no plans of slowing down. We have raised education in the community on both Cystic Fibrosis and craft beer! That is what I’ve wanted from the beginning and will continue to push.”
Craft Brew Expo Director Joe Vinduska said the event was a success.
“This was a landmark year for the event,” he said. “We are so thankful to every single person that came out, all of our volunteers and of course our sponsors. The vibe this year was just so much fun. From the cyclists, to the food vendors to the beer drinkers and the brewery representatives; it was just this large mass of people having a good time. The energy was way up all day and you could just feel it. I loved it. Very excited for next year and to keep raising money for the CFF.”