I WON A BIKE!

I won a bike!  I still can't believe that I have a brand new New Belgium Fat Tire bike sitting in my living room.  Last month, my boyfriend told me I should enter their contest, Pairs Well.  You could either take a photo with a snazzy caption or just enter your e-mail address.  While I love taking photos, especially of beer, I decided to just enter the e-mail contest.

Yes, please, I would love a bike!

I had forgotten about entering until I received two e-mails within a few minutes of each other.  The first one thanked me for entering the contest and the second one was filled with congratulations on winning a bike.

I've never felt so lucky!

I was lucky enough to visit New Belgium last year while in Colorado for the Great American Beer Festival. While on the tour I noticed the wide variety of employee bikes and wondered how I could ever have one of my own.  Our tour guide told us that after working for the company for a year, employees receive their own New Belgium bike.  While I was pretty tempted to drop everything and relocate to Colorado for a pretty bike, I'm glad I won one instead.

Rad bikes at New Belgium Brewery

After I replied to the initial e-mail, I had to submit paperwork within two weeks.  Less than a month later, my bike was delivered to my doorstep.  The bike is manufactured by Felt Bicycles, which are known for their amazing reputation for creating fantastic bikes.  After a quick run to the hardware store to purchase a couple of tools, my boyfriend graciously put together my partially assembled bike.

I love all of the details on the bike and am excited for the many adventures that I will have with it!  Thanks again, New Belgium!

I love my new bike!

Beer filled Saturdays are the best kind of Saturdays!

Air conditioned beer event = rad!

This past Saturday was a whirlwind kind of day.  The day started off by driving out to Pechanga Casino in Temecula for their fifth annual Microbrew Fest and chili cook off.  

Glasses waiting for attendees

This event is sponsored by Habitat for Humanity's Inland Valley location, so the proceeds go to a fantastic cause!   

Bootlegger's Brewery

Besides beer and chili, there was also a silent auction with a wide variety of items available to bid on.  Instead of drinking beer at the event, I was helping pour beer which is always a fun experience.  A steady flow of festival attendees throughout the afternoon made the time pass quickly. 

Yeah, just because...

On our way back to Orange County, we had lunch at my favorite fast food Mexican restaurant from San Diego, Sombrero in Corona.  Having a good meal before heading back home was essential since the second part of the day I would actually be drinking!

Cheers!

Congrats, Mr. Nagel!

After leaving Corona, we headed to Anaheim to help OC Beer Blog celebrate his second anniversary.  When we arrived at Noble Ale Works we were greeted by many familiar faces.There was a steady line of people eager to drink standard Noble Ale Works beer as well as some of the special beers created just for the event. As we were getting ready to leave, Slaves Against the Machine were tuning up their instruments.  I wish I'd been able to hear them because they sounded great just from the few notes I was able to hear!

Cutest beer baby, ever.

Happy Birthday, Stephanie!

Our next stop of the day took us to Bootlegger's Brewery in Fullerton to help celebrate the Amazing Stephanie's birthday.  It also happened to be Stein Night!  It was great to see all of the creative steins that people brought in for the competition.    

Sam judging steins.

I'm glad I don't have to help judge because it would be hard to pick the winners!  Some of our friends had not been to Bootlegger's Brewery, so it was nice to introduce them to beers they haven't tried before.  The favorite of the evening was the Black Phoenix, which is a coffee chipotle stout.

A drink with Christmas added!

The final destination of the evening was Hopscotch in Fullerton for dinner and drinks.  Hopscotch always has unique items on their food and drink menus.  The birthday girl was very happy with one of the newest items on the menu, a mini loaf of bread served with freshly made peanut butter and jam.

Lynchburg Lemonade = yum!

I had one of the new summer cocktails, the London Lemonade which was great.  I was also happy that even though one of my favorite drinks was not on the menu, a Lynchburg Lemonade, the bartender happily made it for me, it was amazing!Saturday was a fun-filled day.  I'm glad I was able to see so many of my favorite people!

Beer Events this Saturday!

Living in Southern California, it seems there is a beer event every weekend, sometimes even during the week on school nights!  This weekend isn't any different.  On Saturday Pechanga Resort and Casino will host their fifth annual Micro-Brew and Chili Cook Off.  

For $45 attendees can enjoy unlimited 2 oz pours of refreshing craft beer as well as samples of chili.  Along with the craft beer and chili, there will also be a silent auction and live music.  Tickets for designated drivers are $25.  Proceeds from the event will go towards the Inland Empire Habitat Humanity.  The event is from 1:00-5:00 p.m..  Ballast Point Brewing, Bootlegger's Brewery, Craft Brewing Company, Hangar 24 Brewing, Ironfire Brewing, Kat Daddy Brewery, New Belgium Brewing Co, Ninkasi Brewing, Packinghouse Brewing Co, Refuge Brewery, Sierra Nevada, Samuel Adams, Track 7, Stone Brewing Co, and others will be pouring their beer at the event.  I had the opportunity to attend this event last year and it was fantastic.  One of the best parts?  The event is held inside one of the ballrooms at the hotel, which makes it even nicer to enjoy the beers available.


Another great event that I'm looking forward to this Saturday is OC Beer Blog's 2nd Anniversary Party which will be held at Noble Ale Works.  The party is free to attend, with attendees having to pay for their own beer.  There will be standard Noble Ale Works beer on tap along with specialty beers only available for the party.  Seabirds food truck will be serving up tasty food and Slaves Against the Machine will be playing some amazing music to help everyone better enjoy the yummy beers.  The party will be from 5:00 until close.  Celebrating two years of Mr. Gregory Nagel contributing to the craft beer community is something you definitely don't want to miss!

Baseball and beer, two of my favorite things!

Noble Ale Works Big Whig IPA

Going to baseball games in Anaheim are always a lot of fun.  Visiting a local craft beer brewery before hitting up an Angels game is a great way to start any game.  Noble Ale Works is a perfect location to have a beer either before or after an Angels game since they are located a short walk from the stadium.  Before I watch my Angles play, I like to have a delicious Big Whig IPA.  On game days, there are many fans who choose to beat the crowds and watch the game from the comfort of Noble Ale Works tasting room. 

After a short walk to Angels Stadium, the closest entrance just happens to be located near Draft Pick located near Gate 2.  Draft Pick is located on the field level of the stadium on the third base side of the stadium.  They have a great selection of craft beer including beer from: Bootlegger's Brewery, Firestone Walker, Goose Island, Hangar 24, Kona Brewing and New Belgium. 

Bootlegger's Brewery Palomino Pale Ale

Along with serving craft beer at Draft Pick located near Gate 2, you can also find craft beer at the Diamond Club, Knothole Club, Broken Bat Section 112, and of course in the swanky suites.  Being able to enjoy two of my favorite things, baseball and beer together makes my heart happy!