The Hudson Valley Craft Brewery Bike Tour provides an exciting opportunity for beer enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. This full-day excursion combines a scenic 35-mile bicycle ride with a guided tasting at a renowned local brewery. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a casual rider, the tour offers a unique way to explore the region’s natural beauty and appreciate its craft beer culture. With a picnic lunch and transportation included, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that’ll leave you eager to discover more.
Key Points
- A full-day adventure combining scenic bike riding and craft beer tasting in the Hudson Valley region.
- The 35-mile bike ride follows the predominantly car-free Hudson Valley Trail, with a midway picnic lunch.
- Guided tour starts at Brewster train station, accessible via Metro-North train from Grand Central Terminal.
- Includes a tasting experience at the renowned Captain Lawrence Brewing Company in Elmsford.
- Personal bicycles required; tour operates in all weather conditions and is suitable for cyclists of all skill levels.
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Tour Overview
The Hudson Valley Craft Brewery Bike Tour offers a full-day adventure for beer enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike.
The tour covers 35 miles along the predominantly car-free Hudson Valley Trail, starting from the Brewster train station. Riders will bike to the Captain Lawrence Brewing Company in Elmsford, where they’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and sample up to 10 locally famous ales.
The tour includes a souvenir tasting glass, sales tax, and transportation to and from the train station. Rental bikes aren’t included, but personal bikes are allowed.
The tour operates rain or shine, and the maximum group size is 8 travelers.
Getting to the Starting Point
Travelers for the Hudson Valley Craft Brewery Bike Tour begin their journey at the Brewster train station, accessible via the Metro-North train from Grand Central Terminal in New York City.
The train ride takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, providing scenic views of the Hudson Valley.
Once at Brewster, participants meet their guide at the station and prepare for the bike ride. Rental bikes aren’t included, so travelers must bring their own bicycles.
The tour then departs the station and heads towards the Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, the destination for the beer tasting.
The Scenic Bike Ride
After meeting at the Brewster train station, participants embark on a scenic 35-mile bike ride along the predominantly car-free Hudson Valley Trail.
The route winds through lush rolling hills and pastoral landscapes, offering breathtaking views of the Hudson River. The trail is primarily paved, making it an enjoyable and accessible ride for cyclists of all skill levels.
Along the way, riders will stop for a picnic lunch at a halfway point, fueling up before continuing on to the brewery.
The bike tour provides a perfect balance of outdoor exercise and craft beer appreciation.
Lunch and Picnic
Midway through the scenic bike ride, cyclists pause for a picnic lunch at a designated rest stop. They spread out on the grass, unpacking their lunches.
Some have brought sandwiches, while others have prepared hearty salads or wraps. The group shares conversation and laughter as they refuel for the second half of the tour.
The pause provides a welcome respite from the cycling, allowing riders to stretch their legs and enjoy the tranquil Hudson Valley surroundings.
After the leisurely lunch, they pack up and continue the ride to the brewery, energized and ready to sample the local ales.
Exploring the Brewery
Upon arriving at Captain Lawrence Brewing Company in Elmsford, the group eagerly enters the tasting room. The knowledgeable staff welcomes them and provides an overview of the brewery’s offerings.
| Beer | IBU | ABV |
|---|---|---|
| Freshchester Pale Ale | 45 | 5.5% |
| Hop Runner IPA | 65 | 6.5% |
| Xtra Gold Belgian-Style Tripel | 35 | 9.0% |
| Nordlund Porter | 28 | 5.8% |
Guests embark on a guided tasting, sampling up to 10 locally renowned ales. Between sips, they learn about the brewing process and the unique flavor profiles that define each craft beer. The experience allows travelers to enjoy the local beer culture.
Beer Tasting Experience
How does the beer tasting experience unfold at Captain Lawrence Brewing Company? Riders get to sample up to 10 of the brewery’s famous ales.
They’ll learn about the brewing process and taste a variety of local craft beers during this guided tasting session. The tasting is included in the tour package, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the brewery’s offerings without worrying about transportation or logistics.
With a souvenir tasting glass as a keepsake, the beer tasting is a highlight of the Hudson Valley Craft Brewery Bike Tour experience.
Return Transportation
After the beer tasting at Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, the tour provides return transportation for participants.
Travelers are driven back to the North White Plains train station, where they can catch the train to return to Grand Central Station in New York City.
This convenient service ensures a seamless end to the day’s activities. No need to worry about finding your own way back – the tour handles all the logistics.
With the beer tasting and return trip included, the Hudson Valley Craft Brewery Bike Tour offers a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
Important Considerations
Although rental bikes aren’t included in the tour, travelers are welcome to bring their own bicycles.
The minimum drinking age for the brewery tasting is 21 years, so minors aren’t permitted. Pregnant women and those with serious medical conditions are advised against participating.
Vegetarian options are available, but must be requested at the time of booking. The tour has a maximum group size of 8 travelers.
It operates in all weather conditions, so participants should dress appropriately.
Finally, the tour is non-refundable and cancellation isn’t possible after booking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Dog on the Tour?
The tour does not allow participants to bring pets. Only service animals are permitted. Travelers are advised to make alternative arrangements for their pets during the tour.
Is the Tour Guide Knowledgeable About Local History?
The tour guide is knowledgeable about the local history of the Hudson Valley region. They’ll share insights and anecdotes about the area’s past as you ride through the scenic countryside and visit the craft brewery.
Do I Need to Be an Experienced Cyclist to Participate?
No, participants don’t need to be experienced cyclists. The tour is designed for all skill levels, and the predominantly car-free Hudson Valley Trail offers a leisurely, scenic ride. Rental bikes are available if you don’t want to bring your own.
Can I Purchase Additional Beer to Take Home?
Travelers can purchase additional beer to take home from the Captain Lawrence Brewing Company at the end of the tour. The brewery offers a variety of local ales and sells them in bottles or cans for guests to enjoy later.
Is the Tour Wheelchair-Accessible?
The tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible. It involves an extensive bike ride along the Hudson Valley Trail, which may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges. The brewery itself may have some accessibility options, but the tour itself isn’t designed for wheelchair users.
Sum Up
The Hudson Valley Craft Brewery Bike Tour offers an exhilarating experience that combines outdoor exercise and craft beer appreciation. With a picnic lunch, guided brewery tour, and beer tasting, this tour provides a unique opportunity for cyclists of all skill levels to explore the scenic Hudson Valley and enjoy the local brewing culture. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or nature lover, this tour is a must-try adventure.