It is no secret that Ben Kraus, head brewer and owner of Bridge Road Brewers in Beechworth, is a keen sports fan and exercise junkie. Whether it be intense training for a boxing bout or a brisk Sunday morning 7km run around his home town in regional Victoria, Ben is a testament to the physical benefits of being a fit beer lover. It is also well known that his favourite sporting pursuit is cycling, a fact made clear by the inclusion of an official Bridge Road Brewers cycling jersey in his merchandise range.

Beechworth is a popular destination for keen cyclists sitting at the mid-point of the 95kmMurray to the Mountains Rail Trail. Close to the Victorian snowfields, the location provides both accessible and challenging options for all levels of cyclists. So it’s no surprise that when it comes to the most prestigious event on the world cycling calendar – the Tour de France – Bridge Road Brewers is going to celebrate the tour with their own bit of Beechworth blended in.

On July 16, coinciding with the final stage of the Tour de France, Bridge Road Brewers are hosting guided bike rides of the region and French themed dinner at the brewery.

The festivities will commence with afternoon rides around scenic Beechworth that will cater to cyclists of all ability, allowing you to tour the town the shadows of the Victorian Alps. Two separate groups, based on riding skill, will leave the brewery at 2pm. If there is enough interest, a third mountain bike group may also be run.

That night, riders can rest and recover over fine food and beer as they watch the professionals tackle the Pyrenees mountains. The Beechworth brewery will treat cycling fans to a french inspired menu, including entree, mains and cheeses, along side Bridge Road’s french style beers such as the Saison and Bière de Garde.

The dinner will lead into a live screening of the Tour de France’s most exciting leg, the mountainous 168.5 km Stage 14 Saint-Gaudens Plateau de Beille. Festivities will continue until the winner of the Yellow Jersey is standing on the Champs Élysées podium.

EVENT DETAILS:

When: Saturday July 16th, 2011.
Where: Bridge Road Brewers, Old Coach House, Ford St, Beechworth, Victoria.
Cycling loop: Departs at 2pm.
French themed Dinner: 8pm for 8:30pm dinner.
From 10pm: Live on the big screen at Bridge Road Brewers. Beer, wine, cheese and coffee to keep you awake!
Cost: 3 course French dinner, $60.
Bookings: Call Bridge Road Brewers – tel. 03 5728 2703 or or email info@bridgeroadbrewers.com.au

To learn more, view the full Bridge Road Brewers flyer here.