Tour De BrewTah

In 1977, Martha Ham wanted more outdoor programming in Utah, so she created Splore. With indoor and outdoor rock climbing, stand-up paddle boarding and canoeing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and cycling in Salt Lake and river rafting in Moab, her dream has become a successful non-profit. Both the Moab and Salt Lake branches have small staffs, and create lasting and impactful experiences for their participants.

As a non-profit, the organization relies heavily on sponsors, donations, and fundraisers. Their biggest fundraiser, Tour de Brewtah, takes place on April 29^th this year.I spoke with Eric Bonin, Salt Lake Program Director, about the event. “The theme for Tour de Brewtah this year is Dynamic Duos in celebration of the merger between Splore and the National Ability Center,” Bonin said. The merger began in fall of last year and will bring more funding and expanded activities for both the Salt Lake and Moab programs.

              Between 10:30am and 1:00pm, riders will take off from the Gallivan Center and venture to three different breweries or pubs. Three courses remain available to register, Bonnie and Clyde (4.5 miles), Thelma and Louise (9 miles), and the epic Lewis and Clark (26 miles). The entry fee is $55/participant, and you can ride with as many friends as you’d like. After the tour is complete, riders are welcomed back to the Gallivan Center for lawn games, food trucks, and live music from Pixie and the Partygrass Boys. Participants are “highly encouraged” to don their best costume for the event. “It’s a great time,” Bonin said, “What’s better than drinking beer and riding bikes?”

Sponsors for the event include REI and a slew of Utah Breweries. To donate to Splore or become a sponsor of the event, check out splore.org/donate. For further questions about the event, contact organizers through the Tour de Brewtah page on Facebook.