On a warm Tuesday afternoon (or any afternoon, for that matter), a bike ride to the Cumming Tap is the perfect after-work activity. At just over eight miles on the Great Western Trail, the ride from Orlondo’s on Park Avenue to the Cumming Tap is part joy ride and part exercise. Plus, there are delicious Tacopocalypse tacos at the end, thanks to Taco Tuesday.
We started our ride at 5:30 p.m. at Orlondo’s, 4337 Park Ave. Several cyclists were milling around the parking lot, buckling helmet straps, hooking up iPods to their bike speakers, sharing a laugh among their groups. We found better parking across the street on the side of the gravel road which lines the trail, and proceeded to gear up ourselves. Several people park here, so if there’s a spot, take it.
The Great Western Trail, especially on the trip to Cumming, is used by social riders and speed riders alike. We cruised along at a cool 10 mph, and didn’t cause any backups, nor did we get caught in one. There is plenty of room on the trail to go at your own speed.
The trail is flat and mostly straight, with a few curves through the Willow Creek Golf Course. Along the way, we passed a few riders huddled around a large snake curled in the middle of the trail. He wasn’t threatening, but we steered clear. The trail is also mostly in the trees, which means spotting wildlife is almost guaranteed. (We passed a few deer as well.)It provides shade on warm days and a shield from the wind.
About 45 minutes after we left Orlondo’s, we pulled into the Cumming Tap. Dozens of bikes lined the bar and the fence behind it, and we parked ours with the masses. We went inside first, to order a pitcher of beer and scope out the taco scene — the motivation behind our ride. The bar was full, and the patio was filling up, so we snagged a long picnic table and took turns waiting in line for tacos.
Sam Auen, owner of Tacopocalypse, offers different varieties each week, including chorizo, pulled pork and vegetarian options, among others. We tried the Korean chicken, spicy chorizo, shredded pork and the potato poblano. The chicken was a favorite, but they were all uniquely delicious. They’re also a great deal — two for $5.
At about 7:30 p.m., we licked our fingers clean, finished our pitcher and headed back toward our bikes. The patio was still full of people, with more riders pulling up. The ride back was easier, and a bit faster at 12 mph (we won’t be winning races anytime soon), and we were back to our cars a little after 8 p.m. with plenty of light to pack up. If you’re up for it, stop at Orlondo’s before heading home for one of the restaurant’s specialty pizzas. If you ride on the weekend, the bar features live music most Friday nights and every Saturday night.
The trip to Cumming was easy and quick — and would be even quicker if you pedal faster than we did. The trail is flat and mostly shaded, with a few picnic tables along the way for snacking or resting. You don’t have to save your ride for Tuesday — the Cumming Tap has a steak night each Wednesday, and often grills on Thursdays, with more specials throughout the week, so we’ll see you there soon.
Cumming Tap
Find it: 144 N. 44th St., Cumming
How to get there: Bike the Great Western Trail going south. Many riders start at Orlondo’s, 4337 Park Ave.
Best night to ride: Tuesday night for Tacopocalypse. Tacos are two for $5.
What you need to know: The Cumming Tap accepts cash only. There is an ATM in the bar.
