If you like the idea of trying new adventures and being outdoorsy, but aren’t quite ready to go bush deep and burly (or perhaps you’ve got a growler collection at home that’s been collecting dust), this is for you. Here are 10 reasons why a brewery tour by bike is a must do summer adventure.
1. Cycle chic: Pedaling a cruiser bike is one of the few outdoor adventure activities that permit cyclists to get away with fashion over function. Skinny jeans, stretchy pants, even wife beaters are acceptable. Go gangbusters with your personal style but stay practical with critical gear like footwear and a helmet. Don’t forget sunscreen and water, essential sun protection for cyclists in the heat of the summer.
2. Cool cruiser bikes: Cruisers have removable baskets and bells for a reason. Plus, you won’t get a sweaty back from schlepping your stuff in a knapsack. By the end of the day, you’ll find yourself your chiming bike bells all around the city.
3. Really good food: Who needs coffee when Postmark Brewing’s breakfast stout is served with a few pounds of bourbon maple syrup smoked bacon? Fill up and then hit the road. Drop by other breweries like Main Street and Bomber with a full belly for safer sampling.
4. Hire a guide: If you are lucky enough to get a bike dude like Nick Anderson to guide you, you’ll learn a thing or two about craft beer, the brewing process and cycling. His main gig is managing Bike to Work Week and he’s got back door bro rapport with all the breweries. All in all, beer and cycling are his shtick.
5. Free beer calories: Cycling is a workout. Even pedaling easy, flat routes will burn calories and get your heart pumping. Add a few hills and kilometres in between brewery stops and you’ll feel a whole lot better about any additional calories you may consume along your adventure.
6. Triple your pleasure: Each local brewery has a distinct vibe and story behind it. Making a three sample limit at each stop is both responsible and road safe and absorb as much beer education and city history as you can along the way. There’s no limit to fun when it comes to cycling the city in search of craft beer.
7. Tourist in your own city: Whether or not you’ve lived in Vancouver your whole life, this is the ultimate way to check out the back streets and scenic bike routes. One of the best ways to people watch is on a bicycle. Everyone and their dog are out enjoying the seawall on a summer day and because you’re moving at a nice clip, you get to observe the big people picture.
8. VIP treatment: Make your personal tour anything but ordinary. For example City Cycle Craft Beer Tours offers VIP treatment including parking your two wheels inside next to the beer barrels which is convenient and fun, a great photo op and stellar service. What a way to sample beer.
9. Beer tastes better après outdoors: As a rule après involves sports gear, beer and friends. Like an all-day après, daytime brewery cruising will still leave your summer evenings open to other adventures. Be sure your bartender is aware that you are travelling on two wheels so that he or she doesn’t over pour. Road safe can still mean a hops and barley flavor sensation on two wheels.
10. A beer brigade: Expect to meet some new friends along the way or bring your own. The more the merrier. This is a great activity for a stag, birthday or summer-fun in-the-city group activity. Get your adventure on the calendar ASAP. If you prefer an organized tour visit CycleVancouver.com
