Beer and bicycles don’t always mix, but this weekend is a notable exception. Marin’s Biketoberfest offers bicycling beer lovers a chance to burn off as many calories as they consume.

Located in Fairfax, Biketoberfest is a relatively flat, 20-mile ride from downtown SF. If you prefer to ride with friends, join the SF Bicycle Coalition’s casual-pace group cruise from the Ferry Building at 9:45 a.m.

Biketoberfest is a free, family-friendly event that combines bikes, food, music, and local craft beer. If you’re interested in sampling from among the 35 brews available, you can buy $25 tickets for unlimited tastings at the event’s web site, or for $30 at the event. Proceeds from the sale of beer tickets benefit the Marin County Bicycle Coalition and Access4Bikes.

Although the price is the same as last year, this year there are a few more taps and several additional breweries including: Mavericks (Half Moon Bay Brewing), Mill Valley Beerworks, Beer Guy, and Calicraft Brewing Company. While enjoying the beer, food, and live music, be sure to check out the bikes. Biketoberfest will have over 70 bike exhibitors, organized mountain and road rides, a parade, vintage bicycle show, cargo bike jubilee, valet bike parking, and kid-centered events.

Even though biking conditions are epic in Marin at this time of year, if a 40-mile round trip sounds too ambitious, especially after an afternoon of beer samples, you can take the Larkspur ferry for either the return trip or both directions. The ferry landing is seven miles from Fairfax.

When: Saturday, October 13, 2012 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: FairAnselm Plaza 765 Center Blvd. Fairfax, CA 94930 (next to Iron Springs Pub)
Beer Tasting: $25 advance, $30 day of event