DRAFT Magazine

Jeremy Banas of Ruination Press

Beer Runner: What are your beer runner credentials?

Jeremy Banas: Many years ago I was nowhere close to fit. I was 60lbs overweight and not happy. When I was younger I was always on a bike, running a 10K and just getting out there. Then life changed in my mid-twenties and I became complacent, and literally stopped exercising for years. Eventually I got off my tush and back to the gym. After I shed close to 70lbs, I felt confident enough to get back out there. I get out on my bike as often as I can and hit the gym frequently. The last two years, I’ve used the MS bike tour in my area as motivation to get in shape and stay in shape. It’s become an addiction for me. When I’m not riding, I feel guilty. I’ll hook my bike up to a trainer in the house and ride after the kids have gone to bed. It allows me to have a beer or two without killing myself.

BR: How did you get into cycling?

JB: I was always into cycling. Like most kids I had a BMX (although we called them dirt bikes) and rode all over the neighborhood and hitting the makeshift BMX track my friends and I built. As I got older I got a road bike and road to school, work and just everywhere. I dropped off for many years, but picked it back up a few years ago when my oldest son said I needed to get out and ride with him. Best thing I ever did. That kid of mine is smart. I picked up a used Felt road bike and a new mountain bike. Now, I’ve upgraded the mountain and road bike and haven’t looked back. I don’t think I’ll ever give this up. My oldest son has ridden with me on two rides and now wants a road bike, so that he can start doing much longer routes with me. His goal is to do the MS ride with me in a few years. A lofty goal to be sure, but we’ll get him there. There has been nothing like having my kids there when I set off in a race and when I cross finish. However, there’s nothing better than crossing the finish with them. My father has even begun to ride.

BR: Any other memorable cycling stories?

JB: Last year, my sister and I drove to Rosarito, Mexico, for a 50-mile ride. The ride took us from Rosarito to Ensanada, Mexico. Although we had a brew the night before and after the ride was over, it was what happened along the way I will always remember. We were about halfway through the ride and had just climbed almost a 1000ft in elevation when we came upon a local roadhouse in the middle of nowhere along the route. This was not an official break point, but many riders were stopping here. My sister’s arm was bothering here, so we decided to stop there. We grabbed a tostada and a couple of Dos Equis (all they had, of course!) It was a blast, beer and cycling. All the while wearing my Arrogant Bastard jersey.

BR: How did you get into craft beer?

JB: It all started with a bottle of Pete’s Wicked Ale. I know, don’t judge, my palate wasn’t much of anything then. The Pete’s introduced me to something other than the the usual $1.99 special at the local place down the street. As the years went by I tried more and more. Each trip to the store I tried to get something different, try something new. It morphed into hitting breweries and brew pubs anywhere I went, trying whatever I could. Inspired by my uncle who is a wine sommelier and who as been reviewing wine for several publications for many years, I decided to venture into writing about beer. I launched my website about a year and a half ago. It’s mostly reviews, with some articles and news at this point. I’m working to expand it in the near future.

BR: How is your journey to 200 beers going?

JB: The quest for 200 at The Flying Saucer has ended. I hit the mark a week ago. A nice little thing to be sure, however the journey is just beginning. There is so much great micro and craft beer out there, that it will take a lifetime to try it all. It’s the journey not the destination, right? I started homebrewing as well, so my education into beer will never end.

BR: Do you have a favorite bike-themed brew?

JB: The Pike Tandem is quite good. A smooth double ale. The Stumpjumper IPA from Grand Lake Brewing Co in Grand Lake, Co is very nice.

BR: Where are your favorite places to bike in Texas?

JB: The Texas Hill Country is amazing to ride in. It’s not what I was used to growing up in Colorado, but it’s gorgeous. I haven’t gone on rides elsewhere in Texas at this point. It’s often way to hot to ride most of the year. I often have to get an early start in the morning to beat the heat. There are some races up north and I’d like to head up there at some point.

BR: What about your favorite Texan watering holes?

JB: The Flying Saucer in San Antonio is quite nice, good selection on tap an bottle. A kind of German bier garden feel. Freetail Brewing Co in San Antonio is flat out fantastic brew pub and some of the best beers I’ve had. The Draft House and Gingerman in Austin Texas are all very good places for a wide variety of craft beers on tap. However my favorite of favorites is The Tap Exchange Alehouse and Grill in north San Antonio.

BR: What’s behind the name Ruination Press?

JB: Quite honestly, it’s named for my favorite beer in the world: Stone Brewing Co’s Ruination IPA. I add ‘press’ after it since I was writing about beer. Just seemed to make sense at the time.

BR: Anything else to add?

JB: riding non motorized two wheeled contraptions, getting outdoors is just incredible. Especially with family. Oh, and beer is good. Period.