Bikes and Beer in the Northland!
Growing up in Johnson County, I never really knew a lot about North Kansas City- my NKC friends can vouch for me on that one as I would drive to their house and inevitably, wind up at the airport.
“There’s more to North of the River than the airport, Hope.” They would tell me this, but not until I moved here in 2013 did I really start believing them! Technically, I am in Kansas City, on the edge of Parkville and close to Riverside so exploring those areas have been easy. It has just in the past few weeks, while following and fighting for the Food Truck Pod have I really gotten to know NKC and the area surrounding Macken Park.
This weekend, on September 19th, there is a really cool, inaugural event that definitely allows the adventurous at heart to explore the area. Pint Path, an all day event spotlighting the restaurants and bars in this area will kick-off for the first time and boy, does it sound fun!
Sponsored by BikeWalkKC, participants are encouraged to bike or walk the “Pint Path” of NKC. Each place will offer a special from 12pm-12am. Tour on bike or foot the tucked away hidden gem that is historic downtown North Kansas City. This day is scheduled to be a day chalked full sampling NKC food and drink — ranging from classic neighborhood pubs, to new craft brew powerhouses along a 1.5 mile stretch of historic Swift Street. For a limited amount of registrants- and it is free to register- there will be bike-sharing available! One can also “BYOB(bike in this sense)” and bike or walk the route! If you register and check in, you can also receive a commemorative pint glass from the occasion. Details can be found here! Registration is free and open to the public!
The Specials of the Day
Some of the noteworthy specials: Big Rip Brewery will be offering $1.50 off drinks and year-round beers, $1.50 off El Burrito Tacos, Grain to Glass will be offering $5 for an Prairie Artisan Ale + a wedge of Green Dirt Farm Tomme Cheese, Screenland Armour will offer $1 off craft beers, and Tay’s Burger Shack will offer a buy a burger, get one half off special as well. There are a lot more specials throughout the day and Helen’s on Wheels will be serving up delicious food outside Big Rip Brewery from 2-5. Additional participants and specials can be found here!
If you think NKC is “too far away” think again. The Missouri Dept. of Transportation has approved of a temporary one-day closure of the turn lane on Burlington/Heart of America Bridge extension from 10th Street (by Big Rip) all the way up to 18th (by Cinder Block) for the day of Pint Path. This will provide a great way for cyclists and visitors from the River Market to cruise up Burlington and see its potential as a slimmed-down traffic-controlled corridor, rather than the high-speed pass-through it is today.
So if you are looking for something new and fun to do, give this area a shot! Pint Path should be a great way to spend the day. Happy Cycling!
