Bike to Beers (& Bites)

Bike the Contra Costa Canal Trail in the East Bay

05.02.2019

Ride your bike on a car-free trail and take a break at an alehouse ... yes, please! Backed by looming Mount Diablo, the East Bay’s Contra Costa Canal Trail is an easygoing 23-mile (all-in) trail following its namesake canal, passing parks and open space. We recommend this 12-mile (round-trip) scenic stretch that pit-stops at an awesome craft brewpub that’s perfect for grabbing a bite and a beer!

The trail is paved, flat, and primed for a pedal-to-suds afternoon. Park at the Heather Farm Park and make a quick detour around the lake here before heading west to get onto the Contra Costa Trail. Ride north along the tree-lined route paralleling the canal and passing Lime Ridge Open Space (for those who may want a quick detour).

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Hike Bike and Beer: Adventures Around Concord

This ride is as relaxing or fast paced as you want it to be, popular with both serious road cyclists and those just looking for casual pedaling. It all works! Keep following the trail, crossing a few bridges and rejoining the path on the other side of the street before making a right on Clayton Road to pedal to the beer! Concord Taphouse (3513 Clayton Rd.) is located in a small plaza with a Mountain Mike’s Pizza and other local stores.

Yes, it also serves wine and food (we like the tater tots, and the double cheeseburger is also tempting). But the craft beer is what most people are here for; with 24 rotating options on tap, you’re not going to be bored! The open-air taproom is modern and lively, and—for those who can’t resist—there are two large screens for checking in on favorite sports teams. Kick back and relax for a bit, then hop on your bike and make your way back the way you came. Roll with it!

BONUS: Concord Taphouse is part of Concord’s new Craft Beer Trail.

Park at Heather Farm Park (map) and pedal north on the Contra Costa Canal Trail for 6 miles. Concord Tap House is 0.25 detour on Clayton Rd. 

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