This weekend, set out on a scenic bike ride just outside the confines of New York City, or enjoy a frothy mug of all-you-can-drink brew near Hollywood.

By Chris Gayomali
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NYCC’s Escape New York Bike Ride, September 25

New York, New York

Although New York has made legitimate strides towards improving the city’s bike lanes, riding through Manhattan’s crowded streets is still–for the most part–less than ideal. Haphazard car-door openers, aggressive yellow cabs, and tunnel-visioned pedestrians can make cycling through the city feel like navigating a dangerous concrete labyrinth.

Thankfully, this Saturday the New York Cycle Club hosts its 16th annual Escape New York, a scenic ride through the West Hudson Highlands free from the hustle and bustle of noisy streets. There are three rides: A 100-mile Century Challenge through Bergen and Rockland counties; a moderate 65-miler through Rockland Lake State Park; and a lighter, 50-mile pedal through Piermont Village on the Hudson. You’ll need a helmet (required), as well as a spare tube, tire irons, a mini-pump, and at least two bottles of water.

Yes, the typical slew of refreshments will be provided, but really, you’re doing this to spend some quality time with your bike and the road underneath it. Same-day registration is $55 cash, and the first leg begins at 7 a.m. Click here for more info.

Travel and Accommodations
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For out-of-towners, fly into either JFK or LaGuardia. All rides start and finish at Sakura Park, which is just north of the intersection of 122nd Street and Riverside Drive. (Bike rentals are available.) The city is no stranger to visitors, and has a range of accommodations for nearly every budget.

Septemberfest, September 25

Culver City, CA

Although the American Wine & Food Festival will be hosting a moonlit gala just down the street, Los Angeles’s 2nd annual Septemberfest–billed as “America’s answer to Oktoberfest”–boasts a heartier, less ostentatious offering of two important Bs essential to any gathering: beer and barbecue.

With over 200 brews on tap, the $50 entrance fee gets you unlimited refills (food not included) from a diverse mix of American, European, and Asian brewers. Buy your tickets here, as there won’t be any available day-of. Doors open at 3 p.m.

Travel and Accommodations
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Culver City is a 15-minute drive from LAX, 40 in traffic. Los Angeles has a ton of great hotels, but we recommend staying at a hotel with a spa to help you unwind after a tough day of, um, drinking beer.

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