Tune up your taste buds for our latest specialty beer, dedicated to Southern Oregon’s great mountain biking terrain, the annual Spring Thaw bike race, and this week’s Go By Bike Week celebration: Hardtail Ale.

Hardtail is a category of mountain bike that features front suspension and no rear suspension, as opposed to a dual or full suspension bike. With all the mountain biking enthusiasm in our brewpub (thank you, David Conley), we thought it would be appropriate to honor our patrons and friends with a namesake that credits their love of cycling outdoors.

This beer comes at an especially appropriate time as the annual Spring Thaw Mountain Bike Festival returns to Ashland next weekend, May 18th and 19th. The cross-country race on Saturday and downhill races on Sunday draw crowds from all over the Northwest. In it’s 22nd year, this festival is one of the longest-standing bike festivals in the state of Oregon, and we’re proud to be involved the last few years as a sponsor. For those of you signed up, check your packets for a $5 gift certificate to Standing Stone and grab a pint of the Hardtail to reward yourself after the race!

This week, we also celebrate Go By Bike Week, an event sponsored by goRogueValley. All week long, bike lovers can pledge to commute by bike for opportunities to win prizes and discounts, as well as join in the daily activities all around Southern Oregon. Tuesday, May 14th we’re hosting a “happy hour” for the occasion with free appetizers on the back patio from 4-6pm for anyone commuting by bicycle. There’s lots of parking on our large bike rack out front, so two-wheel over to socialize with other bike lovers and celebrate cycle opportunities in our community.

About the Beer

This light golden ale has mild spicy aroma and biscuit-like flavor. The light body and mouthfeel make this beer a refreshing finish to a day spent on the trails or simply relaxing outdoors. 4.5% abv, 18 IBU

Malt

• Organic Two Row
• Organic Munich
• Acidulated

Hops

• Bittering: Organic Magnum
• Flavor/Aroma: Organic Sterling, Willamette Valley

Food Pairing Suggestions

This light bodied ale will pair great with seafood, breads or spicy foods. While hearty and heavy foods would overpower the lighter palate of this beer, dishes with citrus and fresh ingredients let this ale shine through. Here are our suggestions from our menu:

• Fish Tacos with Salsa Trio
• Calamari
• Grilled Cheese with Stout Cheddar
• Fish and Chips
• Caesar Salad

Whether you’re an avid biking fan or lover of light-bodied ales, we hope to see you enjoying the Hardtail Ale while it lasts. And to all you Spring Thaw riders, we look forward to cheering you on next weekend!