In 2013, Andrew Forsdick got thirsty — like, really thirsty — while out on a run training for an Ironman Triathlon. “I just wished there was a tree with water that I could tap into,” he says. “I was doing a lot of long runs then, and I hated carrying water.” So, he asked a few friends to keep out a few water bottles in their yards along his path, and soon he came up with the idea for TapRoute, where individuals or businesses throughout the city could volunteer to offer free water to walkers, runners, or bikers at “taps” — often in the form of TapRoute-provided water coolers housed in wooden boxes, like the one pictured to the right.
For years, TapRoute was just a side project for Forsdick, and, over time, maintenance of the various taps fell off, with most going out of commission. But he says, “It had a rebirth in 2022. That’s when Hannah [Luckes] was hired in June, and she’s grown it from about five active taps to about 30 or 35 active taps.” Now the taps aren’t even just in Memphis; they’re in Nashville, St. Louis, and Olive Branch.
And this Saturday, thanks to Luckes, TapRoute will host its first event — Good Vibes on Tap — at Grind City Brewing Co. “We have created a three-mile challenge where we’re asking participants to do at least three miles of movement, whether that’s walking, running, or biking [on Friday, June 23rd, or Saturday, June 24th],” Luckes says. “They can also go further, but the minimum is three miles. They track it on a fitness app, and they show us that they completed it, and they’ll get $5 drafts all day.”
Those who complete the challenge will also be entered to win a $250 Grind City Brewing gift card, along with five other raffles in partnership with various local fitness organizations. The event will also have yard games and pizza from Diamond Dave’s Pizza food truck.
“It’s also a great way to check out the new North Memphis Green Line that just opened along the road right by brewery,” says Luckes. “They have built a completely new playground. The entire place has been done up so well, and it’s a beautiful place to bring kids and check out another view of the river. We are also building a brand-new tap for that, so we’re hoping to make it another resource where people can get water and hang out.”
Overall, Luckes and Forsdick hope that this event will capture the mission of TapRoute as a whole — “trying to bring the fitness community together to support and celebrate each other,” Luckes says. “And to get people outside,” Forsdick adds.
To become a tap host or to find a tap, visit taproute.com or follow TapRoute’s socials (@taproute).
Good Vibes on Tap: A Memphis Fitness Celebration, Grind City Brewing Co., Saturday, June 24, noon-6 p.m.
