2015 OUTDOORS ISSUE
t’s no secret that beer has added to Oregon’s economy
by billions of dollars — total economic impact from the
beer industry is $2.83 billion in 2014, according to the
Oregon Brewers Guild — but another local industry is
picking up speed, as well. “Oregon is on the cusp of a big
expansion in biking,” says Nick Meltzer, project manager
for the Community Service Center at the University of
Oregon.
For his master’s degree, Meltzer wrote a 45-page study
on the impact of mountain biking in the small community
of Oakridge and found the activity was boosting the
local economy in a big way. The key was that bicyclists
had access to other activities besides biking — beer, for
example.
As cycling has blossomed into a major recreation sector
for Oregonians and tourists alike, a handful of breweries
outside Eugene cater to those who love both bikes and brews.
Across the hillsides to the south and east lies Oakridge,
once the “heart of the timber empire.” Now, Oakridge has
deemed itself home to the best mountain biking in the
Northwest.
“Mountain bikers are a different tribe” from road cyclists,
says Benjamin Beamer, a partner with the Brewers Union
Local 180, a pub in Oakridge. “For bikers, it’s really about
meeting people and talking, so the Brewers Union really gives
a focus for that, a place where the tribes come together.”
Brewers Union is a true English pub. They brew and
serve using Imperial measurements and only make cask-
conditioned, small-batch ales. For beer fans, it’s an oasis.
A few of its current taps are the NightingAle, the Guv, the
Summat and The Young Harry Porter.
Outside the pub, Oakridge’s gorgeous alpine trails
await. Come summer Brewers Union and other local
breweries sponsor the annual Mountain Bike Oregon in
July and August, bringing together craft brews, demo bikes
and three days of biking.
Meanwhile, on a 25-acre chili farm 15 miles north of
Eugene, Agrarian Ales beckons countryside bikers to enjoy
a post-ride sip.
“We have the same challenges the wineries have,” says
Todd Perlmeter, general manager for Agrarian Ales, “but
this year has been insane. We’re getting tons of people.”
The brewery, only a few miles from the Willamette
Valley Scenic Bikeway, is open Friday through Sunday,
and business varies by season and weather. This year has
been good, Perlmeter says, adding that the tasting room
sees about 15 to 20 bicyclists swing by per day. Riders
who make it out to the farm can expect a baker’s dozen of
unique beers on tap.
“We grow our own hops and use our own hops exclusively,”
Perlmeter says, and he says they are the only brewery in the
country to do so. Those brews include chili beers like Chili
Corn Lager and off-kilter brews like The Harry Oyster Stout
made with 480 oysters thrown into the mash.
Agrarian Ales also offers beanbag toss, live music, a
horseshoe throw and an ample number of picnic tables to
accommodate tired bikers who need a rest from the heat
and hurry. And, of course, an ample selection of beer.
“I think you’ll see biking paired with a lot of activities
like breweries or wineries in the future,” Meltzer says. “It
brings people in.” ■
BIKING TO BREWERIES I
B Y D A S H PA U L S O N
BIKING TO AGRARIAN ALES
NEAR COBURG
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Oregon’s countryside offers beautiful views and brews
For Agrarian Ales, take the river bike path to Green Acres Rd., then take
Crescent Ave. to Coburg Rd. across the McKenzie River and through Coburg.
Continue on Coburg Rd. through countryside, then take Powerline Rd. and turn
left at Crossroads Ln. East.
For Brewers Union Local 180, you can take LTD’s Diamond Express for $5
from Eugene to Oakridge. The bus can carry three bikes per trip. By car, take
OR-58 to Crestview St. in Oakridge. Brewers Union is on E. 1st St.
Scenic Jet Boat Tours
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Tue-Fri 10am to 6pm • Sat 9am to 5pm
Sun-Mon 11am to 4pm
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May 21, 2015 • eugeneweekly.com
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