Bicycling Walla Walla: Cheers to Waitsburg!

Photo left: I carried an empty growler in my backpack for 20 miles and a full growler for 20 more!

The scenario: You're in Walla Walla, you've brought your road bike and you just can't sip another wine.

The solution: a ride to Waitsburg. Either bring a backpack to lug home a growler (as I did) or add an extra hour or two to your expedition to enjoy your beer over a pizza.

Laht Neppur Brewing Co. is a relatively new brewery in Waitsburg, 20 miles north of Walla Walla. Laht Neppur brews on-site and offers a full spectrum sampler. Currently you could enjoy (descriptions from their website): 

• Hefeweizen: Our lightest ale, smooth with a soft finish
  
• Kolsch: (German style beer) Light fruit flavors, more complex with a hint of hops
  
• Spiced Autumn Ale: A festive seasonal beer with a holiday spice taste
  
• Golden Ale: A step up from ordinary pale ales, more body with a light honey finish
  
• Nut Brown: Light roasted malt with a lingering nutty finish
  
• Oatmeal Porter: Roasted coffee flavor with a chocolate finish that lasts
  
• Cream Stout: Dark roasted coffee flavor with slightly bittersweet creamy chocolate finish
  
• India Pale Ale (IPA): Lightly aromatic with lots of citrus and grapefruit. Lasting bitter finish
  
• Scottish Ale: Malty goodnes that warms you

The atmosphere is unassuming, as reflected in their grub menu: BBQ pulled pork with chips, chili dogs, hot wings, pizza and other hot and saucy relatives. You'll also find a big screen playing 'the game' and friendly service. Also, it should be noted that families are welcome and there is an outdoor seating area. For more on Laht Neppur, visit their website.

You may also be interested in:

Jim German Bar. Upscale. Jim German also manages the bar at 26 Brix.

There you can get:
French 75
A favorite post WWI expatriate bracer from Paris.
Gin, lemon, rock syrup finished with Cremant.
$7.00

Whoopemup Hollow Cafe. Hearty. Expect to be more than full upon departure.
There you can get:

LUNCH
The "Waitsburger" 
Fresh ground ribeye with grilled onions & Dijon special sauce served on Our house-made buns
Choice of cheddar, pepperjack, or swiss cheese 9.95
add hotlinks 2.95 add bacon 2.00 add pt. reyes blue cheese 1.95
add grilled portobello mushroom 2.00  

DINNER
Bry's Famous Jambalaya
with andouille sausage, tasso ham, duck, chicken, okra and rice 20.95

Whetstone Public House. Warm. A "full service bar with affordable drinks." Their house-made pizzas are fantastic with any of their 10 beers on tap. Check their website for occasional musical guests.


THE ROUTE

If you ride Lower Waitsburg Road into town and Middle Waitsburg out of town, you will be riding part of the Tour of Walla Walla road race course and face a sizeable climb, likely into a headwind, as you leave Waitsburg. (Be sure to click "Show Elevation" when viewing the map.)

This area is fairly exposed and doesn't have very many trees, so it is not recommended on especially hot or blustery days.

Length: 40 miles

Difficulty: Medium, Hard on a windy day!