TOUR DE SHINER

HANS LAMMEMAN, STAFF WRITER HANSPLAMM@GMAIL.COM   More than 700 hundred cyclists flooded the streets of Shiner, Moulton and Fayette County to enjoy a hill-studded route, live music and locally brewed beer on Saturday, April 2.

The Shiner Gasp is an annual endurance cycling event dating back to the 1970s that began behind the gates of  the Spoetzl Brewery before sending riders on bluebonnetlined rides of 25, 50 and 100 miles.

The ride attracted participants from various regions of Texas and beyond. Public Relations Coordinator Jackie Wegener of Spoetzl Brewery explained that it has historically drawn people from far and wide to help raise money for an organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their families.

“We have a little over 700 riders this year,” explained Wegener last Saturday. “All the proceeds from The Gasp goes to the Boot Campaign, which helps the military when they come home with services such as housing, medications, and things like that.”

Following the ride, cyclists and their families enjoyed an afternoon filled with live music by The Emotions, drinks and homemade grub courtesy of Assistant Brewmaster Greg Hybner. Many participants reported thoroughly enjoying the event including self-proclaimed Shiner faithfuls Jerry and Brigette Sparks from Harker Heights who reported participating in the annual ride over 20 times.

“It’s a nice ride, I recommend it highly,” said Brigette Sparks. “It’s fun.”