Hotel Domestique — Photo courtesy of Ava Roxanne Stritt
Did you know that the perfect post-cycling drink pairing goes back a long way? The older Italian gentlemen were having an early afternoon drink at one of the popular cafes before trying to cycle home at the end of a long day. A refreshing drink gave them just enough energy to go home. Thus, the pairing of the pedals began.
Cycling is not only a great means of transportation, but also a way to stay healthy and fit. So grab your helmet, check your tires and pick the perfect ride, then pick up a pair after the ride to help you hit the road to refreshment. Let’s go for a two-wheeled road trip! Whether you’re an avid cyclist or more of a wicker basket rider, these perfect pairs of pedals will make your day refreshed.
Beer in Munich, Germany
Beer and pretzel in Munich — Photo courtesy of Ava Roxanne Stritt
After a good night’s sleep at Sofitel Munich Bayerpost in Germany, grab a bike, a group of friends and get ready for your atypical bike ride. Enjoy the scenic Isar River that runs through Munich. Here you will see swimmers, dog walkers and even surfers. Head to Munich’s famous Waldwirtschaft beer garden to enjoy your very own Oktoberfest, whatever the month. Beer tastes better because it’s cooler or because you’ve just finished a 12 kilometer ride on a nice warm day.
The perfect selection for this day is a traditionally brewed, unfiltered Franziskaner Kellerbier. Hazy amber in color, it is brewed with carefully selected ingredients. Hallertau hops give a noble aroma and a fine bitter note, while the addition of yeast gives a soft, round and slightly spicy flavor. It tastes like liquid sunshine in the original home of Oktoberfest.
Mountain Water Cocktail at Travelers Rest, SC
Mountain Water Cocktail – Restaurant 17 — Photo courtesy of Ava Roxanne Stritt
The Hotel Domestique in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, is where you’d think they wandered into a Tour de France training facility. Hold your welcome flute of champagne until the end of your ride, as there is a much more appropriate drink after cycling in the mountains near this hotel. Restaurant 17 offers a cocktail called Mountain Water, which includes Plymouth gin, Dolin Blanc, local honey, lemon juice and a fresh sprig of local rosemary. This cocktail will certainly put some spring in your shelves!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Smoothie in Hilton Head, SC
Pedal Picnic — Photo courtesy of Ava Roxanne Stritt
Hilton Head Island is known for being a place to get around by bike. Families can often be seen in groups pedaling to explore the island. If you’re looking for a healthy vacation, check out Hilton Head Health and its Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie.
Enjoy the flowers and greenery as you stroll through the park, or better yet, go for a seven-mile bike ride. Then, back to a delicious light chocolate peanut butter smoothie. There are bike trails all over Hilton Head where you can enjoy abundant wildlife, beautiful Spanish oaks, chirping birds, turtles and even a few alligators. The paths are lined with full trees, which provides protection from the sun.
Local wine in Alsace, France
Couple cycling in Alsace, France — Photo courtesy of Ava Roxanne Stritt
When Europe calls, consider Barge Lady Cruises, where one can hop on a bike and cruise down the canal or venture through fields full of storks and villages full of local bakeries. Then, return and let your guide take you to a wine tasting and meet the winemaker. In the region, you have to taste the local wine of Alsace.
French Canal Cruise — Photo courtesy of Ava Roxanne Stritt
You can meet the winemaker family of Domaine Albert Seltz and taste Sylvaner Vieilles Vignes. Getting advice from the winemaker himself on how he takes care of the land and the vineyard is invaluable. The combination of a houseboat cruise, bike ride and vineyard tour will become your new favorite trio.
Liquid gold in Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara Winery Truck — Photo courtesy of Ava Roxanne Stritt
Visit Santa Barbara and take one of their many bike tours to sample 2019 Nielson Santa Barbara County Chardonnay. This wine is an excellent representation of the beloved Californian liquid gold of this region. This wine comes from the region’s most famous vineyards in the Santa Maria Valley and the Sta. Rita Hills.
The east-west valleys, sea floors and sea views make this not only a great place to grow wine, but also a great place to cycle to your heart’s content – or at least until you get to the next cellar.
Lowcountry Bubbles in Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina
Lowcountry Bubbles — Photo courtesy of Ava Roxanne Stritt
Mornings at Montage Palmetto Bluff are best spent on a bike that glides over the terrain. Guests can rent custom-designed Veuve Clicquot bicycles to explore the scenic vistas, maritime forest, and trails that wind through the estate. Plan a pedal picnic with a basket full of Lowcountry brunch goodies, like deviled eggs and bubbles, if desired. The concierge can point you to the best scenic trails and backdrops for the picnic of your life.
Southern Wine in Rome, Georgia
Newby Vineyard Wine Tasting — Photo courtesy of Ava Roxanne Stritt
A top-notch family resort is perfect for a two-wheeler trip. Make Barnsley Resort your home base and grab some bikes. The rolling landscape of Barnsley Resort is ideal for exploring on foot or by bike. The location is perfect for cruising with multiple trails winding past peaceful ponds, over wooden bridges and walkways, and even alongside a golf course.
Then, explore other local trails and downtown Rome, where you can visit the home of Newby Farm + Vineyard and Winery.
Desert Drinks in Tucson, Arizona
Desert Mocktail — Photo courtesy of Ava Roxanne Stritt
After a day of guided walking near the Sonoran Desert at Canyon Ranch Tucson, head to Double U Cafe for a fruity mocktail. Linger over refreshing light fare at this mountain-view poolside cafe, or grab healthy snacks and mocktails to go.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned long-distance cyclist, Canyon Ranch’s cycling guides offer rides for all skill levels. Dedicate your fruity mocktail to the stretch of road that marks the end of a strenuous hike, then relax by the Double U pool.
Coconuts in Key West, Florida
Key West Coconut — Photo courtesy of Ava Roxanne Stritt
When in Key West, the modes of transportation are vast. To make sure you don’t have to deal with traffic—and can enjoy the perfect Keys weather—rent a bike to explore. Visit Earnest Hemingway and see not only his typewriter, but also the famous six-toed cats he adored so much.
Once there, you are just a few blocks from the southernmost point of the continental United States. On most days, a local vendor can be found nearby for a cool, cold coconut drink – best served straight from the coconut!
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