Bikes, music and costumes… oh my! Tour de Fat 2016 is fast approaching and we at the SF Bicycle Coalition can hardly wait.
New Belgium Brewing’s annual celebration of beer, bikes and bemusement is one of the most fun-filled events of the year, and with entertainment from three-wheeled bikes to live shows, it takes the work of over 200 member-volunteers to pitch in and make the event a success. But with all the fun, volunteering hardly feels like work, which is one of the reasons that volunteers love to come back to Tour de Fat.
Two exceptional volunteers have been coming back to Tour de Fat year after year: Thierry and Vaghar. Both have contributed to the festivities by pouring beer. We checked in with them to hear what encourages them to come to Tour de Fat year after year and what they’re looking forward to in 2016.
For Thierry, a seasoned Tour de Fat volunteer, working at the festival is a way that he can have fun while supporting the advocacy of the SF Bicycle Coalition. “I liked volunteering at the beer booth, but have done that for three years,” he said. This time I decided to mix it up and help out with the Valet Bicycle parking.”
As to what he’s looking forward to? The sweet bikes! “My favorite part of the event is the area where they have all their tricked out bicycles to ride around.”
For Vaghar, who works as a bartender, Tour de Fat is an opportunity to put his skills to use in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
“I keep coming because I really enjoy working with people and don’t get to do it on the job. So I get my fix from volunteering,” Vaghar said. “Plus, it’s always a good time!”
Vaghar was also encouraged to participate for the chance to meet new people and have a fun shared experience. “I really wanted to get out more, meet people and try new things,” he said. “I love beer, so I figured I would provide it to others.”
If, like Vaghar and Thierry, you have a love for brews and bikes, help us make San Francisco’s Tour de Fat 2016 the best yet. All volunteers get complimentary admission and one free drink token, so sign up today to volunteer.
Please note that you must be a current SF Bicycle Coalition member to volunteer at Tour de Fat. Not a member? Join today!
