Best Bike-friendly Bars Around the U.S.

One thing we know for certain when it comes to cyclists is that they love two things: coffee and beer. Whether you’re traveling over the holidays or planning for a trip into the new year, our list of the best bike-friendly bars across the country will come in handy when building your “must-see/must-do” lists.

“The community feel at bike-friendly bars is great,” says Trek Travel guide, Marquette Edwards. “Cyclists love a cold brew at the end of a ride, so it’s nice to find a place where you can go to - decked out in your kit and all - and enjoy the company of other cyclists.”

Bike Dog Brewing // West Sacramento, CA

When you hear about four friends creating their own brewery from their shared passions of dogs, beers and bikes, what automatically comes to mind? For us, brilliant! Located in Sacramento - with two taproom locations - this neighborhood watering hole is a great spot for cycling enthusiasts and local dog owners alike looking to kick back with a cold craft beer. Both locations feature 18 taps - pulls made from colorful rubber bike handles - along with food options ranging from on-site food trucks to a full-service menu.

GESTALT HAUS // Fairfax, CA

Outside Magazine didn’t name it the second best place in the world to have a beer and brat after a ride for nothing. If the giant gear on the sign outside doesn’t scream “bike-friendly place” the bikes aligning the walls inside will. Ride your bike right inside, store it up on the wall then chat with fellow cyclists about your ride over a beer and brat.

Birds Fly South // Greenville, SC

The Swamp Rabbit Trail in Greenville is a must ride for any cyclist, local and tourist alike. The popular 20+ mile paved trail runs between Greenville and Traveler’s Rest, and offers many alluring stops like Birds Fly South. Slightly off the trail sits this local brewery known for its range of inventive and traditional styles. Enjoy indoor/outdoor seating, live music, special events like movie Sundays and food options from either on-site food trucks or next door at White Duck Taco Shop. Also, a new extension is in the works that will connect the brewery directly to the trail, making it convenient for pedestrians and cyclists to get to and from it.

Caboose Brewing Company // Vienna, NE

After a 45+ mile ride on The Washington & Old Dominion Trail, a cold pint or two sounds just about right, doesn’t it? Luckily, Caboose Brewing Company is conveniently located right on the trail. Not only does Caboose offer an array of beers to choose from, they also serve wine, cider and locally sourced small plates. Caboose strongly encourages healthy living which was a major reason for why they choose to be situated along the W&OD Trail; to encourage folks to walk, run or bike for a beer. They even host running and biking groups as well as yoga classes on Wednesday mornings.

Over the Bar Bicycle Café // Pittsburgh, PA

Don’t be fooled by the cafe part at the end. This cafe isn’t serving up only coffee. Situated a short distance from the Southside Trail and the Great Allegheny Passage, cyclists flock to Over the Bar Bicycle Cafe for coffee AND tasty taps. If the name hasn’t convinced you that this place is about all things bikes then the stunning ceilings decked in bike art, the bike-themed menus and constantly packed bike racks most certainly will.

Flickr: Joe Flood

The New Belgium Brewery // Fort Collins, CO

It all began in 1988 with a man and his bike. After traveling through Europe on two fat tires, Jeff Lebesch, New Belgium Brewing Company founder, returned to Fort Collins inspired and ready to brew. The name of one of those first brews: Fat Tire. New Belgium Brewery’s core values have included bicycle advocacy, literally, from the very beginning. Don’t take our word for it though. They’ve been recognized as a platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Business by The League of American Bicyclists. So ride on over to this cycling-loving business for free taproom tours, various food trucks, live music, quality beer and of course a good ole time at a bike-friendly venue.

If you’ve come across any bike-friendly bars during your travels, we’d love to hear about them in the comments section below. Be sure to check out our previous post on cyclingbnbs.com for a list of the best bike-friendly cafes around the country!

Wendy Chats With Table 301's Kim Eades on Her Greenville Story

Last March, Wendy chatted with Kim Eades, Table 301’s director of sales and community outreach, about her own Greenville beginnings and her favorite things about Greenville. Check out their conversation in the video above and links to places mentioned are included below. Enjoy!

Kim’s Greenville Story

Like many Greenville transplants, Eades was introduced to Greenville by a friend. About 16 years ago, Eades was living in Atlanta after completing a three month backpacking trip through Europe on her own. She reconnected with an old friend who had recently transferred to Greenville and told her she should check it out. “So I came up, it was April, everything was in bloom, live music everywhere … like, love at first sight,” said Eades. “Loved the city.”

After living in Florida for a few months, recovering from a health scare and finding a great career opportunity, Eades finally made the move. 16 years later, Eades is married to the very friend who convinced her to move here, has two wonderful kids and loves the city she lives in.

When asked what her favorite thing about Greenville is, Eades said she loved how philanthropic and community oriented Greenville is. Eades began her community involvement through the Greenville Chamber of Commerce programs: Opportunity Greenville and Leadership Greenville. “You learn about the city, you learn about government, you learn about all the different organizations here … it’s kind of a learning process of Greenville; the good and the bad,” said Eades about the programs.

Along with being an involved member of the community and the Table 301 restaurant group, Eades has a weekly column in The Greenville News. Check out Simply Kiki every Wednesday in the Lifestyle section for some yummy recipes!

To all you Greenville residents: what’s your Greenville story? We’d love to hear it! Share with us in the comments section below.

Mentioned in Video

Soby’s

Table 301

Lazy Goat

Jianna

Passerelle

Nose Dive

Papi’s Tacos

Southern Pressed Juicery

Table 301 Catering and Kitchen

Treehugger Customs

Revel

Saskatoon Steakhouse

Hampton Station

Zen

Leadership Greenville

Greenville Chamber of Commerce

Opportunity Greenville

Swamp Rabbit Trail

Greenville Saturday Market

euphoria

The Greenville News

Simply Kiki

Swamp Rabbit Inn

Local Guidebook and App for Cycling in Greenville

GREENVILLE’S CYCLING CULTURE

The fast-growing city of Greenville, SC - situated between Atlanta and Charolette - has garnered worldwide attention for it’s cycling culture. Over the years, the city has focused its efforts on transforming its downtown into one both locals and tourists alike would flock to. With the addition of the 20+ mile Swamp Rabbit Trail, the superb culinary scene, local breweries aplenty and art galleries to die for, what cyclist could resist coming for a visit.

As glistening as Greenville is, the city alone can’t take full credit for creating the cycling culture it represents today. Cycling superstar George Hincapie played a major part when he decided to make Greenville his home and training ground in 1999. “I have cycled all around the globe, and Greenville reminds me most of the cycling in California, Spain and Italy,” wrote Hincapie in the forward for Cycling Greenville SC. “The abundance of 4-6 miles climbs, rolling hills and Blue Ridge Mountains are reminiscent of what is found in Tuscany and near my former home in Girona (Spain).” Since then, Hincapie has opened a cycling hotel, started an annual gran fondo, created a high-end sportswear line and coaches his developmental team, all here in … you guessed it: Greenville, SC.

So assuming we’ve convinced you to come to Greenville for a grand cycling adventure (let’s not kid ourselves, we both know you’ve already booked your flight) we recommend purchasing a copy of Cycling Greenville SC: Road Biking, Mountain Biking, Swamp Rabbit Trail, Bike Touring to guide you through some of the best cycling in the country.

CYCLING GREENVILLE SC BOOK

Written by our very own Wendy Lynam and forward provided by Hincapie himself, Cycling Greenville SC will guide you through the best bike rides in and around the city. This guidebook has something for everyone whether you’re looking for rolling hills, steep climbs, flat bike paths or mountain bike tracks. BONUS! Sift through pages on pages of advice and recommendations from leaders of the Greenville community. You want a local’s perspective? This book is just that!

What started off as a list of recommended bike rides for Lynam’s guests at The Swamp Rabbit Inn turned into a guidebook for everyone. Enjoy exploring Greenville on two wheels!

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CYCLING GREENVILLE APP

Do you wish you could take Cycling Greenville SC along on your rides? Now you can with the app version! With the Cycling Greenville app - developed by Swamp Rabbit Inn & Properties - you have the guidebook at your fingertips at all times. Pull up the 20+ trails and routes while on the go with turn by turn directions through the Ride With GPS app. Descriptions, ratings and estimated riding times accompany each. If you need a last minute bike rental, just open the app to book a bike from The Bike Shed At The Swamp Rabbit Inn.

The Cycling Greenville app also lists spots worth stopping at like on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. From the Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery for coffee to Furman University’s idyllic campus to the Swamp Rabbit Brewery in Travelers Rest for a refreshing brew. If you’re headed here for a cycling adventure you might as well stay at the best cycling-friendly hotels which you can also find through the app. All Swamp Rabbit Inn properties are walking distance to downtown and situated on the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

PURCHASE LINKS

Book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Books-A-Million

IndieBound

App:

Apple App Store

Google Play

Tips for Cycling Beginners

We’ve all got to start somewhere, right? Edison didn’t build the incandescent light bulb in a day nor did Greg LeMond become the first non-European to win the Tour de France overnight. They - along with everyone else in the world with a dream, passion or hobby - overcame obstacles or failed numerous times before achieving what they wanted to achieve.

Every cyclist out there - from career champions to joy riders - started out as a beginner; learning the ins and outs just like you’re about to do. Whatever your reason for getting into cycling is, we welcome you to the community and we want to help you get started. Check out our tips for cycling beginners that will help ease you into your new cycling lifestyle smoothly.

PICK THE RIGHT STYLE OF BIKE FOR YOU

First things first: what type of riding do you want to be doing? Before you go purchase a new bike and all the goods that come with it, determine which bike will best suit your cycling lifestyle:

Road Bike: light-weight bikes meant for speed along paved surfaces. Ideal riding for recreation and fitness.

Mountain Bike: heavy bikes meant to be ridden off-road for more adventurous riding on varied terrain. These are what you want if you’re looking to climb steep terrain or ride along rugged trails.

Touring Bike: stable bikes meant to travel long distances and carry heavy loads. Great if you’re planning to carry packs of extra clothing or gear.

Hybrid Bike: light-weight bikes made of combined characteristics from road, touring and mountain bikes meant for short distances. Perfect for commuting to work, exploring your city or taking a leisurely ride.

Cyclocross Bike: relatively light-weight bikes meant to handle a variety of surface types such as pavement, dirt, gravel, and grass. A perfect fit for riding at performance and competition levels.

Commuter Bike: sturdy bikes made for urban environments. As in the name, these bikes are ideal for everyday commuters.

Cruiser Bike: comfortable bikes with old-fashioned looks seen cruising around beaches and other flat terrains. If you’re looking to take a cruise on a stylish ride, this one’s for you.

Electric-Assist Bike: these heavier bikes feature battery-powered motors that help make commutes, long distances and steep climbs a tad easier. A really nice option for beginners.

MAKE SAFETY A PRIORITY

We can’t express this enough: stay safe. Whether you’re sharing the roads with automobiles or biking on rugged terrain, you must make your safety a priority. When it comes to riding on the road, it’s all about being seen. Wearing bright clothing or gear (helmets, shoes, gloves, etc.) is recommended and equipping your bike with bike light is a definite.

This could probably go unsaid, but we’re going to say it anyways: wear a helmet! If protecting your head and brain aren’t reasons enough, then it’s just another way for you to be seen. Also, know your verbal and nonverbal signals. Nonverbal cues such as stopping, turning left and turning right are crucial to know so motorists can react accordingly. Being able to communicate those same cues verbally whether you’re riding amongst one cyclist or twenty will help prevent collisions from occurring.

KNOW YOUR STATE’S BIKE LAWS

For drivers, it’s all about knowing the rules of the road to survive. Same goes for cyclists and if you didn’t know, those rules vary by state. These laws cover everything from it being mandatory to ride in a bike lane if it’s provided to if no bike lane, which side of the lane to ride closest to to the number of cyclists allowed to ride side-by-side.

It’s also good to know the bike laws in place for motorists. Be sure to know the distance a vehicle should keep from you and also know that it’s not okay for a driver to yell at or harass you. Not only is that just plain rude, it’s literally against the law.

FIND A RIDING BUDDY OR GROUP

As they say, there’s safety in numbers. Not only is riding with another good for the company, but also in case of an emergency. If you crash or need a hand with bike maintenance, having someone there to lend their assistance can go a long way.

It can also be incredibly motivating riding with a friend or with a group. You’ll have people there to help push you to reach your goals and hold you accountable for sticking with your scheduled ride times.

PREP BEFORE YOU RIDE OUT

You never know what might happen or where you’ll end up out on your ride, so make sure you’re prepared. Always bring money, a form of I.D. and your phone. Most cycling jerseys have pockets built-in for this purpose. If you require more space, there are various bike bags or pouches you can purchase that attach to certain areas on your bike.

Again, welcome to the community! We’re happy to have you with us and hope you enjoy cycling as much as we do. If you have any tips for cycling beginners, share in the comments section below.

Cuisine, Cycling and Charity with Jianna's Michael Kramer

In this week’s video, Wendy chats with Michael Kramer, Jianna’s executive chef, about Jianna’s first year, his culinary inspirations and his love for cycling.

Jianna’s First Year

When asked to describe Jianna’s first year in business, Kramer replied:

I think insanity is probably the operative word. I think we were just really blessed to be sort of at the right place at the right time. The weather was great. The patio was open, so that was always helpful and uh, you know I think people were just starving for some great oysters and fresh house-made pastas.

Jianna has been well received, both within the community of Greenville and outside it, since its opening in March 2017. Both its remarkable menu and scenic location have dubbed it an absolute must.

Kramer’s Culinary Story

For someone who didn’t like food much as a child, Kramer has done quite well for himself in the culinary world. After graduating from high school and attending community college for a bit, Kramer studied abroad in England where he opened his eyes to different types of foods. After working in the restaurant business there as a pizza deliverer, Kramer came back to the states to attend culinary school and the rest was history.

“I feel like with Jianna, I cook food that I’d like to eat everyday,” said Kramer when asked what his favorite thing to make is. “You’ll find that most chefs cook the food that they like per say.” Kramer previously did a lot of four and five-star cooking from caviar to truffles to foie gras. Even though he stills loves these foods, Kramer feels like there’s just something about a home-made bowl of pasta that strikes a chord. (side-note: Jianna goes through roughly 300 pounds of flour a week)

Cycling Lifestyle

Kramer is an avid cyclist who insists that in some sense it saved his life; keeping him away from the late-night eating and drinking scenes. “It keeps me fit, it’s good for my thought process and it kind of helps clear the cobwebs if you will,” said Kramer. “You know, it’s a good place to think out on a bike and of course Greenville is such an amazing place to ride.”

While enjoying cycling as a hobby, Kramer also keeps involved in the cycling community through his cooking. Kramer is always a featured chef at the Gran Fondo Hincapie Celebrity Chef Dinner in Greenville and he took part in this year’s Chef Cycle event - 3 days of 100 mile per day rides - in Sonoma that raises money for No Kid Hungry.

Did you know Kramer also hosts super secret pop-up dinners around Greenville that benefit Chefs Cycle? If you want to know how to “get in the know,” watch the rest of the video! If you’re interested in donating to Chefs Cycle, head over to Kramer’s Chefs Cycle donation page.

Mentioned in Video

Jianna

Hincapie Gran Fondo

No Kid Hungry

Chefs Cycle

Beat Bobby Flay

7 Most Stunning Fall Bike Rides

When fall hits, many folks celebrate the arrival of sweaters, the holidays and all things pumpkin spice. Cyclists however, celebrate the crisp weather, the change in scenery and decking out in warm weather gear.

There’s just something about fall weather that not only makes people want to cozy up inside, but bundle up and head outside as well. Grab your bike and enjoy the fall season outdoors on one - or more - of many stunning bike rides around the country. Here are our top favorites to help get you started:

Arcadia National Park/ Photo Credit: John Westrock

Carriage Roads at Acadia National Park | Maine

Financed by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr., the Carriage Roads and stone bridges in Acadia National Park are a stunning sight to see for outdoor enthusiasts alike. Cyclists can enjoy 45 miles of scenic crushed rock surfaces amongst autumn colored trees.

Blueberry Lake at Green Mountain National Forest | Vermont

If you’re a beginner looking for easy scenic rides then head to Blueberry Lake in Green Mountain National Forest. Enjoy the crisp air on a few moderate trails featuring downhill slopes, easy climbs and lake views.

Shenandoah Valley | Virginia

Situated in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains is the Skyline Drive Scenic Highway that stretches 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park. You want a long ride with amazing views? This is it! You’ll experience miles of downhill descents, short climbs and 75 stunning overlooks to choose from.

LOST LAKE. PHOTO CREDIT: Dcsl

Lost Lake Trail at Chugach National Forest | Alaska

Venture to South central Alaska for a beautiful mountain bike ride along Lost Lake Trail in Chugach National Forest. If you’re interested in this intermediate to difficult ride, you’ll have the best of both worlds with elements from both forest and tundra. Gear up!

The Kancamagus Pass | New Hampshire

Are you a road cyclist looking for a challenge? The Kancamagus Pass in the White Mountains of New Hampshire is it! At 2,855 feet, this 80-mile ride is filled with smooth terrain, long climbs, breathtaking views and much more. We promise you, this ride in the fall will be one for the books.

Cades Cove Loop at Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Tennessee

Picture it: 11-miles of mountain peaks, diverse wildlife and historic 19th century homesites through out the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This popular cycling route offers steep terrains, riverside trails and rolling hills for cyclists to enjoy.

Blue Ridge Parkway. Photo credit: Jim Dollar/ viaduct panorama tm

Blue Ridge Parkway | Virginia and North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers cyclists over 450-miles of picturesque landscapes to choose from. Known to many as one of the most iconic roads in the U.S., this route is a multi-state ride that stretches across Virginia and North Carolina. Cyclists will encounter long distances, major climbs and above all, striking sceneries.

Y’all get out there and enjoy the beautiful outdoors this season. If you have any fall bike ride suggestions, share them with us in the comments section below!