On Saturday morning, bikers and biking enthusiasts of Louisville joined Mayor Greg Fischer on the inaugural Lou's Brews Bike Ride and tour of local breweries as the city and Louisville Visitor's and Convention Bureau launched the Lou's Brews map and trail.
The event started at 10 a.m. at Great Flood Brewing and made its way to five local breweries in the city. Bikers grabbed their bikes, helmets and water and ventured from Great Flood to Apocalypse Brew Works, and from there headed to Goodwood Brewing. After leaving Goodwood, the biking crew rode to Against the Grain Brewery and Smokehouse at Louisville Slugger Field on Main Street. From there they ended their trek at Falls City Beer around 1 p.m. Here bikers enjoyed a street festival at Falls City Beer near 10th and Market that was also open and free to the public. During the duration of the inaugural Lou's Brews ride, bikers visited these five local breweries, as well as took tours and heard from the local craft brewers themselves. They were also able to sample some of the craft beers.
So, the inaugural ride is over, but what do you need to know? The Lou's Brews Trail is now open! Similar to the popular bourbon trails around the city and state, the Lou's Brews trail has been set up for residents and visitors alike to dive into the local craft beer scene that is hopping in Louisville and Southern Indiana. I spoke with President Cezary Wlodarczyk of Falls City Brewing who told me in part, "Ten years or so ago, drinking bourbon was "strange" to people. Like something you shouldn't really do, taboo. Now, look where it has come from in its very beginning stage. Craft beer and brewing has been around for 100 or more years in Louisville, and it's making its comeback. This Lou's Brews trail is a great new thing for the city, and it's exciting to be part of it."
The street festival at Falls City was a great example of bringing recreational activity to the local flair of the streets of Louisville. Bikers from all over the city, who are part of several different riding groups, ended their trek from the start of the trail and enjoyed some live music from DJ OkDeeJays. Falls City Beer was serving up their brews on tap, and Holy Mole Taco food truck was there as well as Funtime Concessions. The hot dogs and Falls City Authentic German Beer brats (simmered with spices and Falls City beer itself) from Funtime Hotdogs were a big hit. The event was well attended and many people stepped into Over the 9 for some food and drink as well. At the Falls City Brewery, they brew Falls City beer as well as house the Old 502 Winery, and at Over the 9 you can enjoy a taste of both in the taproom. You can also nibble on small plates with items such as salads, mashed potato balls and cashew butter & jelly plus devour a burger or meatball, grimanti or porchetta sandwich as well as sample desserts.
For more information about biking in Louisville, visit the Bike Louisville Facebook page. A fellow friend of mine and avid biking fan of Louisville, Tippi McTyeire, shared her thoughts on the Lou's Brews Trail and ride. "The camaraderie notwithstanding, which was instant, this is a Bambi Walk on Wheels. A flat course that takes one through Cherokee Park to Lexington Rd to a beautiful tree lined paved bike path I didn't know existed running from Lexington Road to Spring Street. It was such a treat to explore the atmosphere of each brewery and meander through different neighborhoods. I would definitely add the Big 4 Bridge and go to Red Yeti and a trip to New Albanian is a must because no discussion of microbrews in this region can even begin without toasting the influence of Roger Baylor at New Albanian. This could be a walking route with some minor adjustments. I loved it and my biking friends are tweaking the order a bit and heading out again as a group to do this as a regular ride. And thank you Falls City for your hospitality." The Lou's Brews Trail is completely bike-friendly, but is not just for bikers. People can walk some or all of it depending on your style, and of course drive to any local brewery on the map. Don't forget about New Albanian and Flat12 Bierworks in southern Indiana as well!
Photos by Erin Nevitt and Tippi McTyeire
