Real Ale Ride

UP THE HILLS, DOWN THE BEERS!

The 15th Annual Real Ale Ride is rolling through the scenic hills of Blanco, TX again on Saturday, October 26, 2024. It’s a ride for all cyclists, with distances of 15, 30, 50, 60, and 75 miles to choose from. Routes are fully supported and they all end at Real Ale Brewing Company for a post-ride celebration with local beer, music, and food trucks.

The Real Ale Ride helps to support Blanco area nonprofits. The beneficiaries of the 2024 ride is Friends of Blanco State Park and Blanco Fire/EMS!

SAFETY

Real Ale’s number one priority for all rides is safety. All riders must wear an assigned number bib to prove his/her registration. We go to great efforts to provide as much help as possible along all the routes with paid First Aid responders, volunteer corner marshals, SAG drivers, and Rest Stop crews. Real Ale can only be responsible to those who are registered with their assigned bib number.

COST

The cost is $70 ($15 off for 15 years!) through June 15, 2024 and will increase to normal rate of $85 through October 20th, 2024. Real Ale Ride registration fee includes a fully supported ride route, parking at the brewery, souvenir beer glass, beer from Real Ale (or soda), music and a lot of fun.

NOTE: As we are sure you all have been experiencing, prices on everything have been increasing significantly over the past year. In an effort to keep the ride affordable and accessible to all, we have made some adjustments in order to do so, including removing your prepaid lunch as a part of your ride registration. Food trucks will be on site with food available for purchase, or you are welcome to bring your own food for after the ride.

FEE SCHEDULE: 

$70.00 through June 15, 2024

$85.00 through October 20, 2024

$95.00 October 21 – October 24, 2024

$110.00 October 25 – October 26 (Ride Day), 2024

All registered riders will receive a RAR Beer Glass!

Online registration closes at 11:59pm CST on Friday, October 25. If we have not already sold out in advance, on-site registration will be available at Packet Pickup on Friday, October 25 or before the ride on Saturday, October 26 at Real Ale Brewing Company in Blanco, TX for $110.

The distance you choose during registration does not define the route you must ride at the event, but we use it to help estimate the amount of rest stop supplies needed, etc for the different routes. You can change your distance after you register for no additional charge.

NOTE: You can transfer your registration to another person through the registration site for a $5 fee through Friday, 10/25/24 at 8:00pm. No refunds will be issued.

VIP UPGRADE!

We are offering a limited number of VIP Upgrades with the following perks:

• VIP Parking Pass for 1 vehicle located directly at the brewery (no RVs, buses or trailers – must be able to fit in a standard parking space)
• VIP Packet Pick-Up at the brewery on the morning of the ride (no waiting in long lines for you!)
• 1 Complimentary 6pk of Real Ale
• 1 Entry into the Real Ale Crispy Business Paddle Board Random Drawing

The VIP Upgrade is $75 and must be purchased in addition to your ride registration. You will receive an email with additional details the week before the ride.

VIP OVERNIGHT RV UPGRADE! All of the benefits of the VIP Upgrade PLUS:

• VIP Overnight Parking Pass for 1 RV (max length 50’) + 1 vehicle
  • This is a beautiful grassy field located at the brewery.  Prime access!
  • NO HOOKUPS available and NO tents allowed.
  • All guests must stay inside the RV overnight.
  • Arrival time no later than 8pm Friday 10/25, no exit from VIP Parking before 9:30am on 10/26.
• VIP Packet Pick-Up at the brewery on the morning of the ride (no waiting in long lines for you!)
• 1 Complimentary 6pk of Real Ale
• 1 Entry into the Real Ale Crispy Business Paddle Board Random Drawing

The VIP Overnight RV Upgrade is $95 and must be purchased in addition to your ride registration. You will receive an email with additional details the week before the ride.

PACKET PICKUPS

• Wednesday, October 23, 11 AM to 7 PM, Trek-S. Lamar, 517 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
• Friday, October 25, 4 PM to 8 PM, Real Ale Brewing Company, 2250 US-281, Blanco, TX
• Saturday, October 26, 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM, Real Ale Brewing Company, 2250 US-281, Blanco, TX

ROUTE MAP

Mileage options include 15, 30, 50, 60, and 75 miles. Click here to view the 2024 RWGPS Route Maps.

While we ask that you sign up for the distance you plan on riding, we understand that plans may change and you are not required to ride the route you signed up for.

RIDE-DAY SCHEDULE

• 6:30 AM – Parking and on-site registration opens at Real Ale Brewing Company
• 8:00 AM – On-site registration closes
• 8:00 AM – Riders depart in 15-minute waves starting with 75 milers
• 10:30 AM – Expo, food trucks, and bars open
• 3:30 PM – Expo ends
• 6:00 PM – Venue closes

REST STOPS

Fully supported Rest Stops will be situated along the route every 10-20 miles. There will be an assortment of products available to refuel along with hydration, restrooms, and mechanical support.

Examples of food products include small packs of cookies, crackers, assorted candies, chips, whole oranges and bananas (not cut). When preparing for your ride, please take this into account and supplement your needs accordingly by carrying any specific nutritional items you may need to help you ensure a good ride.

LUNCH

In an effort to have a variety of lunch options, we will have food trucks on site for riders and non-riders to directly purchase meals from. You are also welcome to bring your own food for after the ride.

This year’s food truck lineup currently includes (subject to change):

• Old 300 BBQ 

• Yapa Empanadas

WHAT TO BRING

• Bike Helmet – You will not be allowed on the bike course without it.
• A bicycle in good condition.
• Cycling shoes, gloves, sunglasses and other cycling accessories to make your ride more comfortable.
• Tire change kit, including tubes and pump or CO2 cartridges.
• Two water bottles or a hydration pack.
• Towel for post ride activities.
• Sunscreen and lip balm.
• Personal Nutrition – We will have water, electrolytes and snacks on course.  If you have special dietary needs, please bring your own nutrition.
• A photo ID.
• A photocopy of your medical insurance card.
• CASH! Food trucks, massages and merchandise may not be able to handle credit cards so be prepared and have some cash on hand.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer Registration Coming Soon!

Volunteer for pre-ride or ride day duties and enjoy the rewards!

Pre-ride volunteers (who complete their volunteer shift before 10/26/24) will be eligible for a free ride registration. You will be manually registered for the ride at the end of your shift.

Ride day volunteers will receive lunch, beer tickets (must be 21+) and access to all of the post-ride festivities.

SPECTATORS

Spectator passes will not be required for the event. Attendance and parking is free, food and drinks will be available for purchase.