THE BEER DRINKING TRADITION

Introduction   |   Timeline: Pre-1990   |   Timeline: Post-1990

circa 1990

Now that water can be chugged in addition to beer, new cans are introduced to deliver the same amount of water as found in commercially available cans of beer. The chug can rule is amended as follows:

All chug cans must consist of at least one on the following requisites:

1. All chug cans must be commercially available as beverage cans. All men's cans must hold 24 ounces as purchased, or be composed of two cans each holding 12 ounces as purchased. All women's cans must hold at least 12 ounces as purchased. The can must serve as the principal container for the beer (water). Over 50% of the original container must remain intact. Containing portion of the can must retain the original shape and original capacity. Can must be filled to the top of the original container.

2. If the can is not commercially available, it must be constructed of a rigid material, and cylindrical with dimensions similar to that of a commercially available beverage can. (For reference: Foster's: 5 15/16 in. long, 3 1/4 in. diameter; standard 12 oz: 4 9/16 in. long, 2 9/16 in. diameter.) The container must have a minimum volume of 24 fluid ounces for the men and 12 fluid ounces for the women, and must contain at least that volume of liquid for chugging purposes.

No "beer bongs." Mouthpieces are permissible, but cannot extend into the throat or beyond. All cans are subject to inspections at any time on or before the exact time of the appropriate race!

The present

As has long been the tradition, many of the non-participants at Beer-Bike drink the day of the race. College spirit runs high as drunk undergrads throw water balloons at each other and cheer from the stands. Some student perspectives on beer's role at Beer-Bike:

• "Last year, the cops were going to take away our keg, so we moved our keg to the Outer Loop and gave away beer to the runners. It was awesome."

• "My freshman year, I was on the Brown pit crew in charge of pushing the riders and we were all so wasted that we accidentally pushed a girl over."

• "To be honest with you, I have no idea who won any of the races that I've been to."

• "I think the best part [of Beer-Bike] is seeing some people act like complete idiots. I mean, you see people who have never drank before get belligerent at 7 o'clock in the morning. It's definitely a one-of-a-kind experience."

Introduction   |   Timeline: Pre-1990   |   Timeline: Post-1990