Hamden, Conn. – Local craft beer enthusiasts and cyclist will converge upon The Outer Space craft beer bar on Dec 8th with toy donations in hand to support the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.
The CT Beer Trail and the Devil’s Gear Bike Shop of New Haven will host a late season bicycle ride there to raise awareness for the charity.
The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community.
Those interested in donating gifts and enjoying the event’s after party are not required to take part in the bike ride, but event planners are hoping for a fair amount of riders despite the winter weather.
“I’m sure the Dec weather will keep some from riding on Saturday,” said Bryon Turner, CT Beer Trail Founder. “But I’m hoping it won’t keep people from coming out to donate gifts to support the kids, and while they’re at it they might as well have some fun too.”
Those brave enough to face the elements on two wheels will drop off their gift donations and then take part in a relatively short 7.8 mile ride from The Outer Space in Hamden to the Luck & Levity home brew shop in New Haven. Riders will make a brief stop at the shop where some fun surprises await them. From there they’ll make their way back to The Outer Space for a festive after party which will include some special discounts on local craft beer and some great food offerings from area gourmet food trucks.
The ride will kick off at 1:00 p.m. at The Outer Space, but those wishing to forego the ride have the option of either seeing off the cyclists, or coming later around 2:30 p.m. to see them as they return. After that the party begins. Anyone donating a gift, cyclists or otherwise, will get a bracelet which they will need to receive discounts at The Outer Space after party.
The CT Beer Trail will be selling “Bikes & Beers” T-Shirts and Trail Blazers' Club incentive program memberships at the event for $20.00 each; 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the charity for each item sold!
