Hogs Back Brewery’s ‘Biker’ hits the spot with cyclists

Brewery team completes Farnham Bike Ride for Mind Cyclists competing in Sunday’s Farnham Bike Ride were rewarded with a welcome glass of refreshing beer as they crossed the finish line. Hogs Back Brewery offered every adult who took part a taste of its new seasonal ale, Biker, a golden summer beer brewed to celebrate the Bike Ride and the nation’s enduring love of cycling. Biker is a light beer with floral and citrus hints and is big on flavour, despite having an ABV of just 3.4%. Brewed with Aramis aroma hops from France and American Amarillo hops, Biker reflects the growing consumer trend for lighter, mid-strength craft beers that provide refreshment and flavour. Sunday’s cyclists were among the first to taste Biker, which will now be sold throughout July in a number of pubs across the region. It is also available on draught to take away from the Hogs Back Brewery shop in Tongham. Among the record field of 1,475 at Sunday’s ride were three Hogs Back Brewery employees. Nigel Hyde completed the 50-mile route, while Andrew Thompson and Liam Davies opted for the 16-mile ride. In return for the trio’s two-wheeled efforts, Hogs Back is donating £1,000 to Mind, which is the beneficiary of the company’s Charitable Trust this year. Liam said, “It was a perfect day for cycling. Andrew and I found the course pretty manageable up to the 10-mile drink station, but after that we hit Hole Lane - a steep climb up to what you think is the top of the hill – and then another steep climb! It was a great event though, welcoming cyclists of all ages and abilities, not just lycra-clad pros! “We were glad of the glass of refreshing Biker at the end of the course and followed it with a pint of TEA – we certainly felt we’d earned it!” Hogs Back Brewery managing director Rupert Thompson said, “As Farnham’s local brewer, we were delighted to support this popular local event with our new and very appropriate seasonal ale. Biker certainly seemed to hit the spot for hundreds of thirsty cyclists and we hope many more people will try this refreshing, lower strength beer over the next month. “We are pleased that our three cyclists completed their challenges and happy to contribute to Mind, a worthy charity who do great work locally as well as on a national scale.”