Saturday, R&E Cycles for the seventh year in a row hosted their Bike and Pike fundraising event. The annual event not only showcases two of Seattle's entrepreneurial icons, R & E Cycles and Pike Brewing Company, it donates those proceeds to Northwest charity, Food Lifeline. Hosting other small local businesses and personalities, R&E serves Seattle's own Pike brews, offers a silent auction from which 100% of the proceeds will benefit Food Lifeline, and treat loyal customers, bicycling enthusiasts, the curious and the dedicated to a day of one-on-one consultations about bikes, touring, commuting and camaraderie.

Only the uninitiated are unfamiliar with either R&E Cycles and Pike Brewing Company. Both have been visionary Seattle companies. R&E Cycles was founded in 1973 by Angel Rodriquez and Glenn Erickson. More than a bike shop, R&E has produced bicycles and frames that are respected and desired beyond Seattle. Though the company has seen ups and downs over the years, current owner Dan Towle has carried on the legacy for nineteen years.

Pike Brewing Company establish in October of 1989 by Charles and Rose Finkel is synonymous with local and sustainable, the brewery runs on steam from neighboring Enwave Steam Plant (formerly Seattle Steam Plant). Though not the oldest craft brewery in Seattle, according to Seattle Magazine, September 16, 2011, " - Redhook was-but the Finkels had a vision, and loved Pike Place Market." From importers to brewers, Finkels brought everything they loved and learned from their travels to Pike Brewing Company.

Besides Pike Brewing's fine beer and the silent auction, Saturday's event offered a great opportunity for Seattle bicyclists to indulge their preferences with small, local businesses in an intimate setting. Highlights included Madi Carlson and her recently published book, Urban Cycling, conversations with local bicycle adventure legend Willie Weir and purchasing handmade bags by Ballard's Swift Industries.