Hulka Mania strikes Alvadore!!!!

That’s right, Ron the “Hulkster” is King of brews! After a grueling night of fierce competition, Ron rose to the top. Kegs were flying in places no kegs had flown before (oops!). BBQ sauce caused people to hallucinate with joy. Mensa would be proud of the questions and some of the answers on the beer test.

But the true test was the belly test. None could stand up to the belly blast from the great Hulkster. His skills were unmatched. Grown men ran with fear (to the kegs of beer)! Ahh, but it was too late. Ron was crowned before anyone could drink enough to challenge such a beast. Thankfully, we were spared further damage and most survived.

We had lots of fun trying to do our share of work on the keg situation. Through careful calculations and a head count it was estimated there was about 2 gallons of beer per person. Those of us who stayed the night did our part, the best we could (remember). The thirst was maintained by a bold game of midnight Frisbee through the trees. Nary a drop of beer was spilled. Our gracious host provided great accommodations. We even got a nice wake-up call from the rooster. Chicken for breakfast!

With the busy month of August we have the Hop Ride as the meeting. I know what some of you are thinking: you haven’t been on a bike in years. Blah blah blah. This is going to be a blast. We should have adequate chase vehicles so if you run out of gas there will be cool refreshment and rest available. With the tall, cool hop vines waving in the breeze, and rest (beer) stops every five miles or so, we should have plenty of energy to go to the bitter end (bad hop joke). Bring something to drink and snack on. A helmet and riding shorts would be good. If the helmet has Bud cans on it you will be disqualified. Make sure you give your bike a good look-over before you ride. We don’t want any unnecessary stops along the way.

Chip and Chris are getting married at the Clark Creek Organizational Camp on the 25^th. Ceremony at the creek side at 1:pm. Hopefully you got a flyer at the BBQ. Best of wishes to both of you.

From the Brewpot

This month’s recipe is from “Sacred and Herbal Healing Beers”. Heather ales have been brewed well before the advent of hops in beers. The British and Scandinavians were using heather in place of hops to preserve and flavor their ales.

Heather Ale recipe for 5 gallons:

6 # U.S. two-row malted barley

¾# Amber malt

12 cups lightly pressed flowering heather tops.

Irish moss

Your choice of yeast.

Mash the malt at 153 degrees F for 90minutes. Sparge and collect 5 gallons. Add about ½ gallon of the heather tips and boil vigorously for 90 minutes.

Run hot wort through a sieve filled with 2cups of heather tips into the fermenting vessel. Allow to cool and ferment at 60 degrees for 7 to 10 days. When gravity reaches 1.015, usually the fifth day, remove ½ gallon of ale and add two cups of heather flowers and warm to 158 degrees. Cover and steep for 15 minutes, then strain and return to fermenter. When fermentation is complete, prime bottles, fill and cap.

Free Hops:

Yup, some things in life are free. Scott Weech has a bumper crop of hops free for the picking. Hallertauer and Tett’s are on right now with Cascade and Hersbrucker soon to follow. Give Scott a call and set something up. 935-7074.

Calendar of events:

Sunday, August 19^{th -} 9:30am. Ride starts at 10 a.m. sharp!

Directions: I-5 north of Salem, West on the Brooks exit to River Rd. Go north several miles. Fruit stand / farm on left just before intersection of River Rd. and French Prairie.

After the ride we scare the hell out of the Ram Pub in Salem. Any questions call Chris Studach 687-7871

Monday August 20^{th -}6:30 p.m. Planning meeting at Steelhead. Drag your sore legs down to the pub and bring your ideas. We need a meeting for October and November. We also need to start planning for the Christmas party. Closer than you might think.

Saturday September 22^{nd -}Chili Cook-Off at Mark Smith’s house. Start working on your best chili recipe. The annual Chili Cook-Off is just around the corner. I promise I won’t make my chili as hot as last year ;)

Club Officers and Contacts:

President: Mark Smith 461-6779

Treasurer: Janie Tucker 935-5711

Newsletter Editor: Dean Bautz 935-7143

Secretary: Kristina Measells 302-6255