INTERVIEW: We Bike For Beer

Men’s Health magazine posted a super brief article titled, 30 Female Beer Lovers You Must Follow on Instagram in January 2017. However, for me, it missed the mark. Yes, these women love beer. Some are brewers, bloggers, photographers, moms, entrepreneurs and much more. The person(s) behind the Instagram stills has more dimensions than any photograph they take and post; that is what interests me. What are these ladies’ experiences and thoughts on the beer culture.

From my perspective, @WeBikeForBeer is a FUNumentary stacked full of engaging photo stills on what the beer culture is all about for them. @WeBikeForBeer was kind enough to share their thoughts.

@WeBikeForBeer are just two friends sharing their love for biking and craft beer. It is my pleasure to introduce Rachel & Vicky, the eye(s) behind the Instagram lens of @WeBikeForBeer.

If by the end of this interview you are not inspired to follow their travels alongside them as they peddle the San Diego and surrounding neighborhoods, then you must hate bunnies and pandas.

(L) Vicky (R) Rachel

(L) Valentina (R) Yoda

What is the inspiration behind your @WeBikeForBeer Instagram account? We were doing it anyway! We had been riding our bikes from brewery to brewery when we thought "what if there was a way to document & share all our experiences..." hence, We Bike For Beer was born. When did you start your Instagram account? Officially in March 2016 Tell me about the bikes that you ride to find your beer? Do you have names for your bikes? We both have @publicbikes, an amazing company based out of San Francisco. The design of our bikes are similar to dutch/city bikes. The great thing about them besides their sleek look, is how practical and comfortable they are to ride around. We each have a "step through" frame since we ride casually, but Public makes bikes for all skill levels. Vicky's bike is named Valentina & Rachel doesn't officially have a name for her bike although sometimes she calls it Yoda. What is the furthest distance you peddled on your bike to have a beer? About 15 miles round trip. For 4th of July last year we gathered a group of friends & biked alongside the San Diego Harbor, crossed the bay via a short ferry ride to Coronado, rode down to the iconic Hotel Del, & looped back around - this is one of our favorite routes because there are many beer stops along the way! What is a story readers would enjoy about an adventure you had bicycling to (or from) your beer destination? One afternoon we were biking in downtown San Diego to our next brewery destination, decided to take a short cut & saw a man relieving himself. He didn't think anyone was around & we were all taken by surprise. All three of us yelled "ahhhh" simultaneously, haha. Good thing we were on bikes because we got out of there quick. Sorry, random stranger! What is your spirit beer (like spirit animal)? Vicky: Cali Creamin' Vanilla Ale by Mother Earth Brewing because I'm a Cali girl through & through & can be sweet with a little spice. Rachel: Pure Project's La Vie en Rose because it's got sweetness with a kick! Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer of beer? Gatherer. We haven't gotten into brewing... at least not yet. But, we enjoy "gathering" all the craft beer that's out there. ​What is the funniest memory you can recall that involved beer? ​Can't recall the funniest but one comes to mind. I went out to dinner with my family at a big name San Diego brewery & the waiter came over for our drink order. I knew I wanted to try a lot of new beers so I ordered maybe 8 tasters. He looks & me and says, "Are you sure? That's a lot of beer." I replied with, "is that a problem?" (Rachel) How did you get into beer? Rachel: I've always been somewhat of a beer drinker, but it's when I moved to San Diego that I really got into craft beer. I got to try so many different brews & was able to really narrow down what my palate preferred, then it became all I drank. I'm always wanting to try what's new. Vicky: I got older & Vodka shots for every event were becoming a feat. I'm prone to migraines which are triggered by many things, but especially wine, so I ruled that out as a "casual drink" for me. I decided to try craft beer since just about everyone in San Diego drinks it - it's a part of the San Diego lifestyle. Safe to say I'm hooked.

Favorites

• Style of beer: Rachel: IPA; Vicky: Belgian

• Brewery: Hard to choose one, but currently we'd say Eppig Brewing & Thunderhawk Alements

• Taproom: Bottlecraft Little Italy or Half Door Brewing Company

• Beer festival: Tour de Fat by New Belgium Brewing

What beer is on your wish list and why?

Vicky: Been meaning to try The Bruery's "White Chocolate" but they only make it in small batches.

Rachel: Call me crazy but I haven't tried Russian River's "Pliny the Elder" it's always at the top of my list. What advice would you give someone that does not like beer? Even non-beer lovers can find something they like. The best way to find that out is through flights & tasters. Something we both love to do! That way you can try a little bit of everything & see what your taste buds prefer. What are your thoughts about the future of beer? It's not just about the taste now (although that's still super important), it's about the culture. We tend to be drawn to local breweries with down to earth "beertenders", people who are friendly & don't mind telling us more about their beer & their brand/company. Besides yourself, who is your favorite beer Instagrammer? We love the style of @brewstills, he's also a super chill guy! What tips could you give other beer Instagrammers? Don't know if we are in the position to give any advice (haha) but we try to keep our Instagram genuine & authentic. We don't claim to be beer experts, we just know what we like & what we don't like. Be(er) yourself! What is one question that I should have asked you, and your response? If beer isn't on the menu, what would your next drink of choice be? Rachel: I enjoy Whiskey, like an Old Fashioned. Vicky: Moscow Mule ​What is your “elevator speech” to persuade Instagrammers to follow you? If you like beer, bikes, and sunny San Diego you'll enjoy our -gram. We can show some of San Diego's most awesome tasting rooms, what to drink there, and even a nice bike route to get you there. Thank you ladies! Follow Rachel and Vicky on their beer adventures at @WeBikeForBeer Cheers, James