Just like riding a bike: Inaugural Santa Fe Brewing Co.'s Pedals & Petals event aims to help nonprofits

Rozanna M. Martinez, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
·3 min read

Mar. 22—Spring has sprung and it is time to get out and enjoy the season.

That is why Santa Fe Brewing Company is hosting its inaugural Pedals & Petals event throughout the day on Saturday, March 23, at Green Jeans Food Hall, 3600 Cutler Ave. NE.

A selection of bicycle routes will take place during the morning, with the All Bodies on Bikes/RAR-LED ride meeting up at 9 a.m. at Tiguex Park, 1800 Mountain Road NW. The ride out will start at 9:30 a.m. with a break at Roosevelt Park at 10:15 a.m. and later a break at the University of New Mexico's Duck Pond at 10:45 a.m. This is a 7.5 mile ride.

The Kidical Mass ABQ Family Ride will meet up at 11 a.m. at Summit Park, 3000 Constitution Ave. NE. The ride out takes place at 11:30 a.m. with a ride back at 1:30 p.m. This is a seven mile, round trip ride.

Back at Green Jeans, the event kicks off at 11 a.m. Attendees can take part in educational workshops on bicycle safety and maintenance as well as gardening session that encourage sustainable living. More information on the event can be found at santafebrewing.com/events.

A suggest donation will be accepted upon entry to the event. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits, Story Riders, Cornucopia Adult & Family Services, Food is Free Albuquerque and Sembrando Salud! The organizations are dedicated to cycling advocacy, youth security, urban gardening and addressing food insecurity.

Evan Wrons, director of marketing at Santa Fe Brewing Company, said the brewery intends on holding the Pedals & Petals event annually.

"We're excited to create a space for New Mexicans to come together and support the causes they love," Wrons said. "Bicycling culture, gardening, recreation and youth security ultimately connects everyone in New Mexico, one way or another. All of our nonprofit partners at the event not only align with our mission, but they're dedicated and unified in reconnecting people back with nature, culture and supporting the youth in a place they call home."

Santa Fe Brewing Co. will have drink specials as part of the event for eventgoers who are age 21 and older. The brewery's recently released Starter Fluid, which is a double hazy IPA, will be available.

A bike valet will be available for guests who ride their bike to the event at Green Jeans.

"The other piece that I'm pretty excited about is that we're gonna have a bike valet powered by Esperanza Bicycle Safety Education Center," Wrons said. "So you can ride to the event, drop off your bike, and you don't have to worry about the parking. (It) really kind of lives up to the bike party."

The event is part of Santa Fe Brewing Co.'s 4NM initiative that helps support four areas that the brewery is passionate about though fundraising, events, limited releases and sponsorships. The four areas the 4NM program concentrates on are outdoor recreation, the environment, arts and culture, and youth security and education.

"Pedals & Petals is a hands-on community building experience dedicated to providing material resources, people resources, and space to local non-profit organizations that are dedicated to the improvement of our community," Gabriela Gonzales, Green Jeans Taproom manager, said in a statement. "We support the work of these community builders and aim to build long-term partnerships with them that enrich our community and connect people within our unique Green Jeans space."