Bikes & Brews For Betterment

Don Draper on a classic bike was the
inspiration for the
Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

We are in the middle of Summer, and here is Wisconsin that means lots of activities - almost too many - as we cram in as much in during good weather as we can before Winter. Among the things to do, it is easy to find many that are philanthropic in nature. And no offense to other groups, but I always take pride in the fact that two of my interests are very prominent in charitable, fund- and awareness-raising activities - namely bikes (I'll include both kinds - motored and self-propelled) and beer. Often both are involved - it is Wisconsin after all so beer is involved most of the time.

I could explore why I think its the case that bikers and cyclists are often generous and charitable, but it is what it is. Instead, without further adieu, here are some of the upcoming socially-responsible events. Check back for updates/additions.

Follow The Golden Rule on 4 Wheels: Watch Out For 2 Wheels and Afoot

Watch out for Motorcyclists,
but also bicyclists & pedestrians

This weekend is Memorial Day, usually called the unofficial start of Summer (the astronomical first day isn't until June 20) since it kicks off the many Summer weekend activities. Summer means lots of new activity, but really that activity has started since Spring came (whenever that is in Wisconsin whether it be 1 day or 3 months). The new or increased activity I refer to is non-4-wheeled traffic: motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, even pedestrians. Oh, and also since its not Winter that means its also Road Construction season. Because of all these changes in May, the month is Motorcycle Safety Awareness month here and across the nation and Memorial Day wraps it up, but really amps it up for the rest of Summer.

The combination of vulnerable traffic, road construction, and mobile and in-vehicle devices makes for a dangerous brew. I know of 2 accounts of circles of friends of motorcyclists being hit by a car in the past few weeks, there was also a professional motorcycle racer, Nicky Haden, who was killed by a motorist while on a bicycle.

Please, if you are out and about in a car, watch out for others around you. I know its tough to get around right now, especially downtown Milwaukee with all the construction. But take your time, be patient and attentive, and be safe for you and others.

Give A Bike, Get A Ferry Ride On April 20

Milwaukee is great, just ask us. But sometimes you want to head out of town to see the rest of the country. For many destinations, if going by car that means heading through Chicago. That means Chicago traffic, tolls, and time. Since 2004 there has been a more relaxing way to head west, especially if going to or through Michigan: the Lake Express ferry. You can skip all that and have a relaxing ride across the lake to Muskegon, MI. Of course there is a cost to that convenience. It's not cheap, you could fly to Michigan many days depending on the current airfare rates, but then we know you are taking your car for some reason.

Luckily there is a great way to reduce the cost. For a few years now, the Lake Express has partnered with Milwaukee Bicycle Collective on a bike donation program on or around Earth Day. In return for a donated bike you get one free round-trip passenger fare. This year the donation event is Thursday, April 20.

Bucks Rookie Brogdon Great On & Off The Court

Bucks rookie G Michael Brogdon

If you are an sports fan you can probably name at least a few recent NBA MVPs, if you are an Association fan most or all of them. Rookie of the Year (ROTY)? Even the biggest fan probably can't name a majority. Maybe that was part of his thinking when Bucks rookie guard Michael Brogdon asked his team to cancel their plans to spend money on promoting him for the award and instead donate the money to charity.

Colectivo Three Rivers Coffee Supports Clean Water

Great coffee starts with clean water. Luckily in Milwaukee we have some of the best water in the world (there's a reason we have had so many breweries in town). But that water quality from safety to taste is always under attack by environmental issues. Brewers - of beer and coffee and even tea - are part of the ongoing activism in making sure we always have good water. Local coffee roasters Colectivo Coffee are one of those.

Colectivo has created a special edition Three Rivers with clean water in mind. For every bag purchased, Colectivo will donate $1 to Milwaukee Riverkeeper®. The combination of Fair Trade, organic selections from Nicaragua and Sumatra offers flavors of dark chocolate, orange, and dried fig with a hint of spice.

The mission of Milwaukee Riverkeeper® is to protect, improve, and advocate for water quality, riparian wildlife habitat, and sound land management in the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic River Watersheds. They envision a future in which people from all walks of life can enjoy the healthy waterways of the Milwaukee River Basin. Help support clean water and strong communities! Learn more at milwaukeeriverkeeper.org.

Head on over to a Colectivo near you and purchase your bag, its an easy way to support these important efforts for a community based around the lake and rivers.