Braking the Cycle at the Brooklyn Brewery

Bicyclists and beer-enthusiasts alike turned out in droves to Brooklyn Brewery on Wednesday evening, to eat, drink, watch performances and support the Braking the Cycle three-day annual bike ride for HIV/AIDS, which will this year run from Boston to New York City, ending at the LGBT Center in Chelsea. In celebration of Bike Month, the Brooklyn Brewery—who, for seven years and running, has organized a team of cyclists to participate in the Braking the Cycle ride—invited registered riders, their, friends, family and supports and prospective participants from all over the country to drink dollar Brooklyn brews and pre-party for a cause.
“I’ve always liked cycling, and this seemed like a great thing to do,” said Brooklyn Brewery General Manager Eric Ottoway, who first organized a brewery team seven years ago. “And riding with a team is so much better than riding alone. We all support each other, it’s like a family.” Though over the years, Team Brooklyn members have rotated, Ottoway has been a steady staple, and remains committed to the race, and to the cause.
The Breaking the Cycle ride, which will take place on September 11, 2009, is a 275-mile bike tour, with approximately 150 participants—each of whom are required to raise $3,500 in sponsorship. The funds raised from the ride will be donated to the LGBT Center, to be used to support HIV/AIDS services. In addition, there is a full-time coach, ready to assist riders physically and mentally in training and on the road.
While some cyclists organize themselves into teams—Team Brooklyn, the Positive Peddlers (all of whom at HIV positive)—many riders fly solo, because the entire ride is designed to foster a warm, welcoming and supportive environment for its riders. Good luck, everyone!