Back in the day before I had any interest in fitness (yes, there was such a time!) my husband and his friends used to “bike for beer” and visit brew pubs off the Washington & Old Dominion trail. Since I started riding with my husband, we noticed a sign for West Ox Brewery near mile marker 25, but never stopped there until last weekend.
My husband might be carrying a 6-pack back home ….
We usually start our ride in Vienna, about 12 miles away, so while stopping for a beer usually sounds good, it doesn’t usually sound like a good idea. But last weekend I wanted a change of scenery, so we ended up starting our ride near mile marker 25, and riding out past Leesburg.
It was a lovely route with bucolic scenery.
We stopped to look at Luck Stone Quarry
This was our turn-around point, somewhere between Leesburg and Purcellville.
When we got back to Old Ox Brewery we were surprised at how nice it was. They welcome cyclists with a bike rack, clean bathrooms, and a self-service water cooler.
We shared a flight of beer–I think we earned it with this elevation profile!
–and then cruised the last mile back to our car.
I really want to make it to the end of the Washington Old Dominion trail, so I’m sure we’ll be doing this ride again.
[Tweet “Bike For Beer on the W&OD”]
Have you found a fun place to stop on a long run or ride?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
OH YOU NAILED WHAT I MISS AND I HADNT REALIZED IT WAS WHAT I MISSED.
Long walks + Oakland + my fave snack shop stop = HEAVENLY.
Here theres just ambling to nothing so I dont amble.
I do like to have a “mission” on my excursions, whether it’s getting somewhere for the first time or stopping somewhere.
I have a friend who lives out there and love to meet her for a ride. So much less crowded. When are we going biking together?
Good question! Hopefully soon!
What beautiful scenery! I think my hubby would ride if I used the bike for beer trick! Happy Monday!
Beautiful scenery. What a great idea. And that was no easy ride! The beer was definitely earned.
I lived in Clifton VA. for four years and some of my family was from Leesburg, so I am very familiar with the area ( my in laws still live in Frederick MD) Anyway, I am very fond of the W&OD and was right with you as you told the story of biking through the area. Biking for beer sounds laid back and FUN! That area is full of sights, history and fabulous restaurants. I miss running back there!
It really is so lovely!
What a beautiful ride! And love the idea of biking for beer…or wine 🙂
Beautiful ride…and that’s some elevation profile! I’d say those beers were well-earned!
It really wasn’t as bad as it looks, since that climb was over several miles but the ride back was nice for sure!
Oooh! Sounds like a perfect ride. Does Erica (MCMmama) know about this? This brewery looks like it was fantastic! How was the beer?
I’m sure she does! The beer was great! My husband balanced a 6-pack on his bike for the last mile back.
BUI! LOL!!!! I am arresting you for a BUI!
This ride sounds awesome! I feel like beer mid-excersise is not my fav idea, but it sounds perfect on this trip!
That’s why we don’t usually stop, but it was fun for a change.
That sounds so fun, and sounds like the perfect end to that ride. I can totally understand not wanting to do it previously though, definitely not the best idea probably!
What a beautiful backdrop to your ride! Biking and beer sounds like a good combination to me! I really need to get a new bike so I can go on some long rides and not have to pick up a rental!
Yeah, the rentals are a bit clunky for long, hilly rides!
That’s so cool that they have an official looking sign! Great marketing crew they have. Love bike friendly places like that! The pictures you took look lovely too!
I think they are pretty smart – it was packed with cyclists midday Saturday.
Wow, what a beautiful ride and fun change of scenery.
This sounds like fun! I’ll have to keep it in mind for the future.
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Love this ride. My friends and I ride to Purcellville weekly. When you make it there try to stop at Catoctin Creek Distilling Company just a block from the W&OD.