At the end of a long week or a tiring day, it can be tough to muster up the motivation to work out. The solution? Throw in some good company and the promise of an ice-cold post-event beer for extra encouragement.
At breweries across Northern Virginia, running and cycling clubs are doing just that. People are encouraged to participate in a friendly group run or bike ride, then gather in the taproom when they’re done to eat, drink, and spend time with their fellow athletes. It’s a fun way for runners and cyclists of all abilities to meet new friends while working out. The beer is just the cherry on top.
Joggers & Lagers and Pedals & Pints at Port City Brewing
Runners can meet up at Port City Brewing every Monday night for a fun run of one, three, or five miles. The path is an out-and-back route through a park then on a paved path along Holmes Run. 6:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m., 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria
For cyclists, Port City teamed up with nearby Handy Bikes for group rides twice a month. There’s a beginner-friendly short ride of around 10 miles on the second Saturday of every month, or a 30-mile ride on the fourth Saturday of every month. Rides start at Handy Bikes and end at the brewery. All riders must sign a waiver and wear a helmet. 10:45 a.m. for short ride and 9:45 a.m. for long ride, second and fourth Saturdays of every month, 3800 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria
Lake Anne Brew House Beer Run Club
Join Lake Anne Brew House on Saturday mornings for a lap or two around the lake. Each lap is about 1.5 miles, so runners can do the loop as many times as they want before heading to the taproom, where they’ll find cold beer, nitro cold-brew coffee, and kombucha.
The brew house also hosts a Bikes and Beer Run on the last Wednesday of every month. Cyclists take off at 5:30 p.m., followed by runners at 6:30 p.m. 9:45 a.m. Saturdays, 5:30 p.m. the last Wednesday of every month, 11424 Washington Plz. W., Reston
Rescue Racing at Aslin Beer Co.
Rescue Racing, a cycling group that raises money for animal rescue groups, hosts a weekly bike ride at Aslin Beer Company’s Alexandria location. The full group departs from the brewery at the same time, then breaks off into two groups. Group A rides 35 miles at a brisk pace, while group B rides for 20 miles at a more social pace. 10 a.m. Sundays, 847 S. Pickett St., Alexandria
Trails & Ales Running Club at Caboose Tavern
Runners gather on the Washington & Old Dominion Trail near Caboose Tavern on Monday evenings for a group run along the trail, then meet up with their fellow runners at the brewery for a refreshing beer at the finish line. For non-drinkers, Caboose serves specialty coffee drinks and has an expansive food menu. 6 p.m. every Monday, 520 Mill St. NE, Vienna
Trottin’ Oxen Run Club at Old Ox Brewery
Runners and walkers of all abilities are welcome at these events. They meet up at Old Ox Brewery every Saturday morning and Tuesday evening for group runs along the W&OD, then catch up back at the brewery for a cold beverage when they’re done. 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 44652 Guilford Dr., Ste. 114, Ashburn
Feature image, coachwood/stock.adobe.com
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