Beer + Bikes in Breckenridge, Colorado

Bikes and beer pair well, especially in Breckenridge, Colo., where outings on unmatched singletrack are often followed by a round (or more) of locally-made beer and bourbon. Breck Bike Week, Aug. 15-18, makes the match clear with events that speak both to the ride and the post-party. Here are three you won’t want to miss:

Breckenridge Cruisers Ride: Costume up and fly the bike-inspired freak flag. Stay tuned for theme updates – past have ranged from Tight & Bright to Naughty Ninjas – and be prepared to bike tour through the Breckenridge bar scene. Thursday, Aug. 15

Mechanic Panic: More of heckling opportunity than a participatory event, Mechanic Panic features top wrenches competing in common tasks such as bike building and wheel truing. Champions rise to the top with additional events such as track stand competitions and bike-by disc golf. Pre-game at The Motherloaded Tavern with a White Trash Russian (Stoli Vanilla and Yoo-hoo … really). Thursday, Aug. 15

IMBA Pedal Party: It’s probably not difficult to picture yourself drinking some Oskar Blues brews with friends on a Saturday. Add a super d race ripping through the backyard, a rock and roll band, a screening of Anthill Films' “Not Bad” and you’ve got the IMBA Pedal Party. The best part? Imbibe knowing your efforts support the International Mountain Biking Association Colorado Region efforts. Saturday, Aug. 17 More info here.

More opportunities for pairing two of Breckenridge’s best assets include the Poker Ride, its prize-heavy after party and additional bike-in movie nights. Round it out with free demos by Cannondale, BMC, Niner and Rocky Mountain; women’s mountain bike skills clinics; guided backcountry rides and more. See the full schedule at BreckBikeWeek.com.