Baristas to Fund "Bikes to Rwanda"
Pacific
Bay Coffee Co. & Micro-Roastery joins forces with non-profit organization
Bikes to Rwanda to outfit many of the Rwanda's coffee farmers with bicycles to
provide communities with basic transportation and enhance the production of
specialty coffee crops. The fundraising
effort, called "Baristas for Bikes," coincides with the Specialty Coffee
Association of America's (SCAA) Western Regional Barista Competition (WRBC) held
on March 28-30 at the Gaia Arts Center in Berkeley, Calif.
The goal of Baristas for Bikes is
to secure enough funding to purchase 200 bicycles for use by Rwandan coffee
farmers. Baristas (the Italian term for
skilled and experienced espresso bar operators) throughout the West,
particularly those participating in the WRBC, are being challenged to raise
enough money to purchase at least one bike each ($120) while increasing
awareness for the program. Baristas for
Bikes ends on the WRBC's final day of competition, March 30. All baristas raising enough money to buy one
or more bikes receive a limited edition "Baristas for Bikes/Bikes to Rwanda"
T-shirt and are eligible to enter the contest to win prizes valued at more than
$150.
Bikes to Rwanda establishes and
outfits shops with tools and parts to maintain the bikes. The organization was founded in 2006 by
Stumptown Coffee Roasters in Portland, Oregon.
Currently, walking is the primary mode of transportation for many Rwandan
farmers living in mountainous terrain.
Many times these farmers move hundreds of pounds of coffee cherries on
foot. Some farmers have hand-built
wooden bikes to transport their crop as well. The specially designed cargo bikes
provided by this program improve the lives of the farmers and their
families.
The WRBC, which is hosted by Pacific Bay Coffee Co. & Micro-Roastery,
will feature top baristas from California and Hawaii. Competitors prepare and
serve four espresso, four cappuccinos and four original signature drinks of
their own creation¾all
in 15 minutes.
One head judge, two technical
judges and four sensory judges will critique the contestants. Scores are based on drink taste,
presentation, technical skills and cleanliness. Current USBC champion, Heather Perry
of Coffee Klatch Roasting in San Dimas, Calif. has won the previous three WRBC
events. The event is free and open to
the public. For more information: www.wrbc2008.com.
The mission of the SCAA's 10 regional barista competitions, including the
WRBC, is to encourage and recognize the professional achievement in the art and
skill of espresso preparation and service.
SCAA's regional events culminate with the 2008 United States Barista
Championship on May 2-5 in Minneapolis, Minn.
The event coincides with the SCAA's 20th Annual Conference
& Exhibition.
POSTED: Tuesday, March 25, 2008
