Beer and Bikes

I read BIcycling Magazine and consume the articles on training, fitness, bike reviews and debating the dubious merits of Campy vs. Shimano. (I'm a Campy guy myself, just so we get that out of the way!) But it all gets very tiring and i'm sure we eventually bore our wives, girlfriends, significant others to tears by our endless fascination with our two wheeled instruments of self-flagellation. But alas, Bicycling Magazine has finally posted a worthy article, one to be consumed by everyone who enjoys hoisting a fermented beverage, the best biking related beers! While I'm partial to India Pale Ales, well represented by their listing of Full Suspension Pale Ale, any good brew will do, except for light beer. Anyone who drinks light beer is not a real beer drinker, in fact they probably don't even like real beer. But that is another blog. I've tried most of the listed beers, and while some are clearly better than others, its all a matter of taste, right? Is there any substance more enjoyable after a hot ride? Ah, the nectar of the gods. IN my next life i plan on being a tortured, alcoholic, womanizing writer. Perhaps i will bike too.

Brian Leverenz

Comment

You need to be a member of veloist to add comments!

Join veloist

Comment by Derek Popp on June 28, 2009 at 7:32pm: For you ale lovers tyranena in Lkae Mills WI brews up some pretty hoppy stuff (Bitter Woman, Stone Teepee) and then there is Madison's own Ale Asylum (Hopalicous). I tend to go for the wheat beers. Spotted cow is awesome. I had a White (Keith's) in Canada that totally blew away Blue Moon, would be nice to get that stuff here.

Comment by Brian Leverenz on June 25, 2009 at 11:42am: Debating beers is like arguing about beautiful women. I'm all for them, the more the better. It all boils down to personal taste. However, a few simple rules are still important. NO light beers, why bother? WE ride, we should drink the good stuff; if you like light beer you don't really like beer, do you? I prefer Ales, and generally disdain lagers, though some are good, as long as they are microbrews that have some taste, unlike most mass-produced AMerican standards like BUD, Miller, etc. Sorry Mike, Stella Artois is a lager and therefore inherently inferior. Some Ales that have graced my special beer fridge as of late include: Dogfish Head 60 Minute or 90 Minute IPA, or the hard to find special 120 Minute IPA, Great Lakes Brewery's Burning River Pale Ale, Mad Hatter India Pale ALe, and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. THree Floyds Brewery makes some killer Pale Ales. I'm always checking Binny's Beverage Depot for new ones as well. So many beers, so little time.

Brian

Comment by mike on June 25, 2009 at 10:05am: Anything by Great Lakes Brewing Company (I'm partial to their Dortmunder), with Bells and New Belgium following closely behind.

Comment by Bruce on June 25, 2009 at 9:12am: Its the thought of the post-ride beer that gets me through the ride. My favs tend to be the more hoppy, flaverful (and higher ABV) brews such as Victory's "Hop Wallop", Dogfish Head's 90 minute IPA, and Stone Brewing's "Oaked Arrogant Bastard"

Comment by Angus Kingston on June 25, 2009 at 6:28am: If you can possibly find some in the US - Monteiths From New Zealand are rather nice... and that's coming from an Australian.

Comment by Mike the Veloist on June 25, 2009 at 6:00am: Brian I thought you were already a tortured, alcoholic, womanizing writer that does ride a bike. For me, it's a cold Stella after a ride.

Comment by John Wolski on June 24, 2009 at 9:04pm: Ah yes, a blog I can relate to! I have completed the Horibbly Hilly Hundreds four times now, each time making sure I stop at the Grumpy Troll Brew Pub in Mt. Horeb, and the New Glarus Brewing Company in New Glarus (go figure) to sample the local hops. Both are a very short drive from the Horribly Hilly start. You see I too prefer the IPA, especially after working my way up the many glacial hills of SW Wiscosonsin. I am always sure to bring home some Spotted Cow beer before I leave the great state of Wisconsin. When I run out - it's time for another ride in SW Wisconsin.

For me, it's all part of the experience.

Ride safe and have fun!