Solstice Slog 122113

Not too long ago while on a run, some other guy I run with fairly often planted a seed of considering a run across some of the “east” county breweries.  By east county we meant east Boulder county.  Broomfield was a part of this until about ten years ago, so that ended up in the mix as well.  With breweries seeming to open more quickly than Starbucks these days, it could get to be too challenging to do them all in one run the near future.  I put a stake in the ground figuring if I did not do this in December, things would get too busy to get it done anytime soon.  With some input from others, I outlined a map of six breweries along a 20 something mile route, including Crystal Springs, Front Range Brewing, Odd 13, 12 Degree, Gravity Brewing, and the local one – Big Choice.

I put the invite out, expecting that most would think this was not a good idea, particularly on a cold day in December that also happened to be the shortest day of the year.  But actually several folks rose to the bait, and were game to play.  I won’t name them here in case for some reason they want to deny any knowledge of the event.  With that, there are no photo credits given to the folks who took these – again just in case they wish some degree of anonymity. 

Unlike other Fat Ass events, we could not really start this one early, as the breweries didn’t start opening until noon.  Shortly after the sun hit its high point for the day, and after some of us broke the ice with a Hang Nine homebrew, we headed west and north, towards the our first target:  Crystal Springs.  Along the way,we picked up a few others who were glad to join the shenanigans. 

This was a great place to start.  Even though we got there ten minutes before their doors were to open, they let us in, poured us brews, fired up some popcorn, gave us a tour of their back room, and were interested in our quest.  I had never been to this site, but I expect that given its proximity, superior brew, great service and comfortable tasting room, I will be back.  I had the “13” at this site – and I enjoyed it much.

Our legs were still fresh, and we headed north quickly to Front Range.  This was also another place I had not been.   The wait staff gave us more the “are you freaking nuts” look when they got word of our mission, but ah well.  It was nuts.  After this second brew (Trophical IPA, yes incorrectly spelled as such), we were beginning to realize the order of magnitude of this task.  There was still much work to be done in both brews and running. 

Our crew did start to splinter here as some decided to be wise and cut out before it got too dark, too cold, or too ugly. 

It was a short jaunt up to Odd 13 (I had visited once before) after Front Range.  There I had another IPA (some goofy name after some goddess that I cannot remember).  At this point it became clear that we were spending more and more time at the breweries. 
Another member split off and then we made a slightly longer trudge back west to Louisville to 12 Degree.  We were all realizing that we were only half way through the mission, and our splits were not setting up for a timely (or daylight) return of we intended to do the full route. 

12 Degree – a brewery specializing in Belgian brews.  I am no Belgian fan, and this place did not change that.  Of the places we visited, probably the only one that I would skip.  Great atmosphere, and clearly with the Belgian thing, different and playing to something else.  I just hate that dirty sock taste that the Belgian brews carry.  Our pit stop here was short, but we did nail a basket of fries here. 

It was less than a quarter mile then over to Gravity. 
         

It was getting dark, and I was feeling the effects of 15 plus miles and the quick turn around on a few of the brews.  But the tall task of getting all the way back to Broomstock was ahead of us.  Just to make it challenging – the snow started to fly.  The group “taffied’ out on the old 104th road as we headed south.  At the junction at the bottom of Lac Amora, our numbers halfed as some exercised better judgment and headed back to my house to break for home.  Three of us continued on, slowly picking our way through various roads, trails, and other interesting short cuts before ending back at Big Choice.  Some friends and family met us there, offering a ride home but to complete the trip meant a jogging back to the house.  I was definitely wobbling as we left B.C. but I managed to finish the run without any issues, and even matched some of the expected but painful “surges” we were then throwing in to test each other. 

Finished up the day with 23 something miles, with four hours of moving time, but over something like seven hours.  The whole thing was a bit harder than I expected for sure.  I debate whether I will put such a thing on again, but if I did, it would probably be less stops and more miles.  It was a great day checking out some local businesses, but more heart warming in sharing laughs and miles with friends.   Thanks to the guys who came out for sharing!

I think there are other pix out there so I will update this as I get those.