2012 Tour de Fat achieves off-grid power production and ultra-low emissions while bringing bike lovers together for a good cause

 
Fort Collins, Colorado, June 20, 2012 — New Belgium Brewing announced today that it has partnered with Boulder-based recycOil, LLC to fuel the 2012 Tour de Fat with biofuels from recycled cooking oils coming out of Colorado restaurants.
 
The two Colorado companies are working with Decker Truck Lines, which has furnished three tractor trailers that will allow the national tour to travel about 40,000 miles on the “recycled feedstock” biodiesel. In addition to using the fuel for transportation, Tour de Fat will produce off-grid power for its musical entertainment and theatrics by powering on site generators with the fuel.   
 
“We are excited to be fueling Tour de Fat with recycled feedstock biodiesel. This is what recycOil’s 100% biodiesel commitment is all about,” said recycOil Grease Guru, Aaron Perry. “We’re literally putting the ‘fat’ in Tour de Fat, and helping New Belgium to achieve its broad sustainability goals at the same time.”  
 
Studies conducted by the National Renewable Energy Lab and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that biodiesel made from recycled cooking oil, when compared to petroleum-based diesel, required 81% less energy in its lifecycle, emitted nearly 80% less particulate matter, and reduced lifecycle CO₂ emissions by more than 90%.
 
“New Belgium’s business decisions are based on minimizing environmental impact, and being a socially responsible member of the communities we serve” said Matt Kowal, Tour De Fat Impresario.  “It's rewarding, challenging, educational and what makes us who we are.”
 
At the first stop of the 2012 tour, Tour de Fat exceeded the $2 million mark for total funds raised for local nonprofits.  Although Tour de Fat is a free event, money raised through beer and merchandise purchases goes to local nonprofits in each of the cities along the tour. Funds generally go to organizations in the world of bike advocacy, with money spent in a wide variety of ways, including trail maintenance, safety education, lobbying for better bicycle communities and a wide variety of other impactful initiatives.  Tour de Fat began 13 years ago and has grown into a 15-city nationwide tour.  For more information about Tour de Fat, visit https://www.facebook.com/TourDeFat
 
About recycOil, LLC:
Boulder-based recycOil, LLC works with the nation’s top biodiesel manufacturers to produce competitively-priced, high-performance biofuel for Colorado consumers. The company recycles waste cooking oil from more than 1,600 restaurants, businesses and sporting and cultural venues in the Rocky Mountain region. For additional information, please visit www.recycOil.com.

About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces nine year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Ranger IPA, Belgo IPA, Sunshine Wheat, Shift Pale Lager, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases.  In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship.  For more information, visitwww.newbelgium.com.