A snowy winter bicycle ride was just what Eastern Iowans needed to fight cabin fever and blow off a little steam. At least, that was the theory of staff at Big Grove Brewery.

Big Grove, which has locations in Iowa City and Solon, branched out from its craft beer and scratch food niche and tried something a little different — hosting a bike ride that took place on Sunday, February 11, 2018.. The chillier and snowier it is, the bigger the badge of honor will be for completing it, they said.

“It’s an excuse to go outdoors in February,” said Audrey Wiedemeier, a Big Grove staffer who organized the ride and has created other rides, such as the Culinary Ride, under her business, Radtour.

They are calling it the Big Grove Brrrewery Ride. It went from Big Grove in Iowa City to Solon and back to Iowa City. The free event was 30 miles round trip, with a 43-mile scenic option.

If all goes well, Danny Standley, co-owner of the Iowa City location, said additional bike rides should follow.

“I am not sure it would be weekly but maybe a few bigger ones,” Standley said. “We want to be active with our outdoor space and engage the community. We want to be part of the bike culture, and not just another stop on people’s rides.