Bike Dog

The new biker bar has better beer and a bit more spandex.

By Tim Cigelske

RALEIGH, N.C.: Crank Arm Brewing

When they’re not pouring their bicycle-themed house beers like Peloton (a Belgian IPA), Flying Scotsman (a Scotch ale), and Unicycle (a series of single-hop pales), the roadsters behind this still-new brewpub lead twice-weekly group rides around the Triangle. HIT THE BAR: Reward yourself with a 9.3%-ABV Motivator Stout, made with locally sourced cocoa nibs and dark roast coffee. HIT THE ROAD: A mile from the brewery, jump on the Rocky Branch Trail, which passes through the North Carolina State University campus, and take in Raleigh’s skyline.

PORTLAND, ORE.: Velo Cult

Velo Cult—abbreviated French for “bike culture”—is a bike shop, music venue and bar with 12 taps and about 40 bottles and cans. The fact that they converted a castle drawbridge into a stage for concerts tells you everything you need to know about the decor. HIT THE BAR: This being Portland, order a kombucha with a Laurelwood Tree Hugger Porter chaser. When in Rome… HIT THE ROAD: Is it possible to be more “Portlandia”? Yes. Bike 4 miles over to the Recyclery Bike Shop to stock up on all things used-bike-part-related.

WEST SACRAMENTO, CALIF.: Bike Dog Brewing

Founded on a shared love of bikes, dogs and beer, it’s common to see cyclists and their canines hanging out at this new nano. Go Fridays and Saturdays when local food trucks like Smokers Wild BBQ and the farm-fare Sacatomatoes park out front. HIT THE BAR: Super-small-batch brews pour only in the tasting room; refresh after a ride with the tropical-noted Mosaic pale ale. HIT THE ROAD: Bike lanes from downtown to Sacramento’s west side make it an easy ride to the brewery. Ironically, the California Auto Museum is a 3.5-mile route away.

FORT COLLINS, COLO.: Cranknstein

You could throw a dart at a map of Fort Collins and hit a bike-friendly establishment, but this bike-meets-beer-shop epitomizes the city’s self- powered, artisan-forward vibe with live music, an espresso bar, custom and vintage bikes and local craft brew. HIT THE BAR: By day, grab a cup of house-roasted joe; by night, order the latest Great Divide release, or New Belgium Shift—just $2.50 on Wednesdays. HIT THE ROAD: When you’re finished, bike a mile over to the brewery responsible for Fat Tire, the most famous beer named after a bike.

PLUS: Bikes, beer, tacos and tequila roll together at Oskar Blues’ new CyclHOPS Bike Can-tina in Longmont, Colo. It’s a retail shop and service station for REEB Cycles, OB’s in-house brand of mountain and road bikes, and a cool, south-of-the-border-themed taco stop with 43 premium tequilas and 20 craft beers on tap for thirsty cyclists.