Sopo Bicycle Cooperative

Despite a record high temperature of 106 for Atlanta, 1,000 bike and beer enthusiasts (and over a hundred dedicated volunteers) came out for Atlanta’s first annual Tour de Fat, held in Historic Fourth Ward Park on June 30. The event kicked off with a bicycle parade, where 200 children and adults alike dressed up themselves and their bicycles with tutus, flowers, clown costumes and plenty of sequins. For the rest of the afternoon, crowds gathered together in the shaded bleachers to drink New Belgium brews and see bands cover Queen, improvisational rap artists mock each other’s hipster status, and superheroes perform sketch comedy. The event raised $6,500 for the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, Southern Off-Road Bicycling Association, and Sopo Bicycle Cooperative. We also signed up 45 new ABC members. (Welcome, ya’ll!)

The event culminated in the car-for-bike trade, where Atlanta resident Mandy Smith was chosen to give up her 1998 Toyota Rav-4–the proceeds for which will be given to bike organizations here in Atlanta–and commit to a car-free lifestyle for the next year. She was carried chariot-style in a cardboard car to the stage, where she burst free and accepted her prize: $2,250 to outfit a commuter bike.“I have agreed to give over my car for a pimpin’ new bike,” said Smith. “I have agreed to use the bike as my modus transportandi for no less than one year and the car auction peeps are going to hawk my 4-wheeler, god bless ‘em, and local bike advocacy groups like Atlanta Bicycle Coalition and SOPO will be the beneficiaries. These folks work to make cycling more accessible and more enjoyable for all kinds of Atlantans.”

To watch her winning application video go here and scroll down to her name. You could be next year’s lucky winner!