An Abbey and a Beer

Time to start getting in shape so we took advantage of some pleasant early spring weather for a short, two-day tour. Under a bright blue sky we headed for Scheyern, location of a monastery and beer brewery established in 1119, as well as a place to sleep, all located in pretty Bavarian countryside.

Our bags are packed and we're ready to roll

All went well although we had some challenging hills as we got closer to Scheyern, and we definitely were a little saddle sore after not having ridden a tour of any length for quite a while!

Bavarian countryside close to Munich - still flat

How good it was to be on the road again, to sit down on a park bench for a simple roadside picnic, to discover little towns we didn't know existed, to curse the climbs and gloat upon reaching the top with the best views, to be outdoors all day long and to experience the feeling of accomplishment upon reaching our destination at the end of the day.

When we reached Scheyern Abbey, the monastery beer was a welcome reward for our efforts. They brew a Helles (lager), Dunkles (dark beer), Weißbier (wheat beer), Doppelbock (double bock), Pils (pilsner), and a "Hopfazupfabier".

Scheyern Abbey founded in 1119 - its brewery claims to be the third-oldest-brewery in Germany.

For the return ride we chose a different route, which again treated us to a pretty and hilly bit of Bavaria. We marveled at - and were also thankful for - the number of excellent dedicated bike paths we encountered which took us off roads with no shoulder and too much traffic.

Poles for growing hops, one of the main ingredients for beer - and beer and the church are essential ingredients of Bavaria

In the two days we covered a little over 100 kilometers. A good start into the season. A few more days in the saddle and we'll be fit for the big tour.