Tour de Fat NEEDS Volunteers!

Lots of news has been released recently about the up-coming Tour de Fat, including the following badass poster (click for a bigger one):

That gives you all the details of the whens, wheres, and what fors, but what it doesn't mention is that THEY NEED VOLUNTEERS! I'm not the most eloquent of individuals (though I can be rather verbose) so instead of prattling on I'll just re-post what Simon has to say about their needs:

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NOTE: We all enjoy a good bike event, but volunteers are what makes the Tour de Fat happen. Find out how below the event info...

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WHAT: Yes it's time for another one of the best bicycle subculture events of the year, New Belgium Brewery's Tour de Fat... it's kind of a bike-themed tent revival meeting meets circus midway, while poking fun at car culture and making the alternatives much more fun (as if they weren't anyway). The event is FREE, but ALL proceeds from merchandise, beers sales and parade entry go to local bike non-profits: Austin Yellow Bike Project, Austin Cycling Association and Austin Ridge Riders.

Here are some badass photos from last year - RudeboyRobbo, Brooks G, That Other Paper

WHEN: Saturday October 18th, 9am-4pm

WHERE: Fiesta Gardens (west end) on North side of Town Lake in East Austin *

9-10am - Bike Parade registration

10-11am - Bike Parade through downtown

11:00am-11:15am (Bicycle Revival Stage) - Welcome

11:15pm-11:45pm (Bicycle Revival Stage) - Scot Nery – Pancake Juggler

11:45pm-12:15pm (Bicycle Revival Stage) - ACT #1 “SLOW DOWN or THROW DOWN”: Annual Slow Ride Competition

12:15pm-1:15pm (Longhorn Music Stage) - 1st band: Paperbird

1:15pm-1:45pm (Bicycle Revival Stage) - ACT #2: “Carpocalypse Now”: Funeral Procession & Puppet Show, Culminating in Ecstatic Commuter Bike Raffle

1:45pm-2:45pm (Longhorn Music Stage) - Squirm Burpee Circus

3pm - Juggling Camp

2:45pm-3:15pm (Bicycle Revival Stage) - ACT 3: “Would you Trade Your Car for a Bike?” (Not just any bike, a New Belgium, fully-loaded, hand-crafted, Fort Collins-built commuter bike and trailer). More info here

3:15pm-4:00pm (Bicycle Revival Stage) 2nd Band: Mucca Pazza

4:00pm “THANKS FOR COMING TO TOUR DE FAT!”

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VOLUNTEERING INFORMATION

One of the reasons this event goes off so smoothly and makes money for local bicycle non-profits, while staying free to attend, is because folks from local bike community step up and volunteer to help with different jobs. It's only a small time commitment and you can still take part in the revivalations...

Please email me your name, phone number, contact email and job/shift preferences. Jobs with an * require TABC certification. This is a minimum 4 hour online process and costs $17.95 if you use this link, but you will be fully reimbursed and it lasts for 2 years.

Set up Crew - 8am-10am-ish

Tear Down Crew - 4:30pm-7pm

Beer Token Crew - Shift #1: 10am-1pm / Shift #2: 1pm-4pm

ID & Wristbands - Shift #1: 9am-1pm / Shift #2: 1pm-4pm

Beer Booth (Pouring or Serving) - Shift #1: 10:00am-12:01pm / Shift #2: 11:45am-2:15pm / Shift #3:2:00pm-4:30pm

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The Ten Commandments of the Tour de Fat:

1) Put no means of transport before thy bike: Come by bike because not only are bikes are fun, but they help stave off some of our most wicked ills: Traffic, obesity, and pollution. Tour de Fat has a solution – ride this day, every day, and definitely when Tour de Fat heads your way!

2) Honor all other bikes: All bikes are good bikes, and all those who ride them are good people. This is the one Bike Festival that cherishes bicycle diversity on our Cruise-ade through town.

3) May every generation come forth: This is a family friendly event. Costumes, bikes and a parade? We were thinking like kids when we created Tour de Fat.

4) Thou shall come as a participant not a spectator: It’s a costumed celebration of human-powered transportation. Muscles not motors, coasters, v-brakes and rotors. Come in your favorite alter ego, because when everybody’s weird, no one is.

5) Thou shalt not bring booze; But enjoy the supplied malted adult refreshments responsibly: Please do not bring any outside alcohol on the ride or into the park. It could result in getting the event shut down...don’t be that guy. And when you imbibe in our tasty brews, remember this is a Bicycle Festival with beer, not the other way around.

6) New Belgium shalt not profit: Our goal is to raise money for bicycle and environmental charities. New Belgium Brewing Company does NOT retain any of the events’ proceeds. Please think of your $5 beer tokens as donations to a worthy cause. All sales are final; beer tokens do not expire and will be accepted next year.

7) Remember the purpose, and bring not your pooches: No canine friends allowed this year. We’re a dog-loving Brewery, but sadly not all municipalities and parks are. Please leave your best friends at home for their safety and the safety of others. Besides, it’s not much fun for dogs with all the noise and crazy people around.

8) Keep the day true with thy good juju: The ride is free, but we suggest a $5 donation to the good bike advocates who are putting it on for you. If you give more, you will not incur flats, mechanical troubles, or dry skin for a while…maybe. This is a celebration of the bike, not an anti-car rally. All tools have their place.

9) Thou shall rise early: Since Tour de Fat is a free show, we sometimes get more folks than we can accommodate. Once we’re full, we will handle overflow like a restaurant or bar: one in, one out. We reserve the right to determine the appropriate crowd size in the name of safety and enjoyment for those inside.

10) Thou shalt not steal thy neighbors’ bike: Don’t even think of leaving with a bike that doesn’t belong to you. Modern-day horse thieves will be dealt with by angry mob, pitchforks, and torches.

Cheers and See you on the Streets

Simon

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So there you have it! Email Simon if you're interested in volunteering at the event. DOO EET!!!