Why would a group of craft brewers travel 1400 miles from Austin to Denver by bicycle? Well, just in time for National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we are pedaling to raise awareness about prostate health, eliminate the fear of talking about the issue, encourage regular screenings, and promote early detection of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men. One new case of prostate cancer occurs every 2.3 minutes, and a man dies from it every 18 minutes. This is an opportunity to let the world know this…one mile at a time.Men don’t exactly jump at the chance to go to the doctor. After my friend and fellow craft brewer Don Thompson was diagnosed with prostate cancer, I realized how little men speak about prostate health, and how crucial being able to discuss it with a doctor and family member can be to prolong a life. I wanted to raise awareness, so I used my two passions–bikes and beers– to begin to break down the social barrier, and spark a conversation about prostate health.

So 1400 Miles was born—a nonprofit that organizes ‘The Big Ride’ where brewers and bike enthusiasts alike come together to ride. This year’s journey will kick off on September 18 in Austin, TX and culminate on October 2 in Denver, CO, where just days later, one of the largest beer events in the country, the Great American Beer Festival (GABF), will take place.

At the end of “The Big Ride” in Denver, all welcome to board The Beerliner—the coolest 74’ Bluebird Bus on the road—which will serve as the home base for the Brewers Health Initiative. This is a 4-day men’s health screening courtesy of 1400 Miles and partners Pints for Prostates and Prostate Conditions Education Council (PCEC). Free blood drawings will be available during the day and fundraising events with rotating craft beer taps will occur each night.

Our goal is to encourage men not to ‘fear the finger’ by providing prostate cancer screenings in a comfortable environment and biking with an incredibly strong crew to increase overall awareness. We hope using a little humor will encourage more men to talk about this important issue.