"Beers & Wheels" - Captain Lawrence: connecting all the dots
Details
## Grand Army Plaza to Captain Lawrence Brewery
Who was Captain Lawrence and why a brewery is named after him?
Before you clip in for the Captain Lawrence Brewery Ride, let's give a toast to the man who never actually brewed anything: Samuel Lawrence, a captain in the 3rd Regiment of the Westchester County Militia, who spent the Revolutionary War dodging Redcoats around Westchester instead of dodging potholes on Route 100. So why does a hazy IPA carry his name? Founder Scott Vaccaro grew up on Captain Lawrence Drive in South Salem — a street named after the good captain — and when it came time to name his homebrew operation, hometown pride (and maybe a lack of better ideas) won out over anything more original. Here's the plot twist nobody puts on the beer label: Captain Lawrence's actual boss back in 1776 was none other than Colonel Pierre Van Cortlandt, commander of that very 3rd Regiment — yes, that Van Cortlandt, as in the very park where your quads will start filing complaints today. So when you roll out of Van Cortlandt Park, named for the Colonel's own family estate, and grind up the Old Put trail toward Elmsford, you're unknowingly retracing a 250-year-old chain of command: Colonel's park to Captain's beer, minus the muskets, plus a well-earned flight of sours waiting at the finish line.
This "Beers & Wheels" adventure — one of the iconic rides in LMCC's "Beers & Wheels" series — kicks off at Grand Army Plaza at an easy, social pace — this is a ride for conversation, not speed records. Don't worry if Grand Army Plaza isn't convenient — riders are welcome to join the group at other points along the NYC route, and to peel off whenever it suits you too. We wind through Brooklyn and Manhattan, cross the George Washington Bridge into New Jersey (a few rolling hills to keep things interesting, all manageable with multi-gear bikes), then head north through scenic river towns. For a short stretch we'll ride along Route 9W, technically a state highway, but a beloved classic among NYC-area cyclists, so it's more familiar territory than it sounds. From there it's a relaxing detour through Piermont, then over the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge for sweeping Hudson views. Regular rest stops keep everyone fueled, with an extended lunch at Captain Lawrence Brewery as the main event. And don't feel obligated to drink beer, either. Plenty of riders opt for alcohol-free drinks instead, since the real point of the stop is good food, good company, and a few laughs, not what's in your glass. We loop back on the shaded, smooth South County Trailway. Prefer to skip the ride back? Hop the Metro-North from White Plains, or take the subway via the elevator near Van Cortlandt Park.
Bring a helmet, bike lights, water, sunscreen, snacks, lock, and a small repair kit. A multi-gear bike is a must for the hills. Just know that in New Jersey especially, bike lanes can be scarce, so comfort riding alongside traffic is a must.
This is an informal ride; each rider is solely responsible for their own safety, equipment, and compliance with traffic laws. I’m not providing supervision or instructions—I’m just sharing the time and the route. By attending, you acknowledge the inherent risks of urban cycling and agree that you alone are responsible for your riding decisions and any consequences.
The ride will be canceled in case of rain.
- Drink responsibly; Ride respectfully -