Mt Angel Abbey

Take a ride from Salem’s Capitol City in the mid-Willamette Valley to Mt. Angel. This relatively flat ride takes you from the urban center, past century old farms, to the charming Bavarian town of Mt Angel before the worthwhile climb to the Abbey. Known for their 50-year old grand celebration, Oktoberfest, Mt Angel is home to the Mt. Angel Sausage Company and Glockenspiel. The Abbey boasts the Benedictine Brewery & Taproom, the only taproom owned and operated by Benedictine Monks open to the public on Abbey grounds in the United States.

Start your ride on the state Capitol Mall under the Gold Pioneer that stands atop the Oregon State Capitol Building. The streets in the urban area are paved, in good condition and have bike lanes along most of the route. The rural roads are chip sealed and have narrow to no shoulders, however, motor vehicle traffic is light. On street parking is available at the start and, on weekends and holidays, parking is available in the State of Oregon parking lots just north of the Capitol Mall.

The first few blocks of riding are on busy Center Street which lacks bike lanes. However, after a short distance, cyclists can escape the traffic and ride in bike lanes as they pass the Oregon State Fairgrounds and continue on to the edge of the city. The EZ Orchards Farm Market, located just eight miles into the ride, offers an opportunity to load up on fruit and other snacks. During the summer, be sure stop at the Shortcake Stand to enjoy a homemade shortcake with seasonal fruit toppings before continuing on.

One mile later, just after the turn onto 62nd Ave NE, cyclists can spot a Zony (a cross between a Zebra and a Pony), wallaroos or a camel in the background. Stopping to view the animals is encouraged, but please don't feed them and keep arms, fingers, and bodies behind the fence lest one of the zonies is inclined to take a nip.

Now on lightly traveled roads, cyclists will see all of the Willamette Valley's bounty from blueberries, hazelnuts, hops (those wires suspended from tall poles support next year's crop of beer), onions, grapes, to a variety of other row crops as they meander toward the town of Mt Angel.

After checking out attractions like the Glockenspiel clock tower, cyclists should be ready to tackle the climb to the Abbey. Some will want to challenge themselves on the half-mile, 144-foot climb. (The best time recorded on Strava is 1:43.) Others will want to take their time and view the Stations of the Cross along the road. The views of the Willamette Valley from the Abbey grounds are stunning and coffee is available most days in the on-site bookstore. After a fast descent back down Abbey Drive and a quick left turn onto Humpbert Ln, cyclists can sample the offerings at the Benedictine Brewery.

The route back to Salem takes cyclists back in time through the Gallon House Covered Bridge, that takes its name from the gallons of prohibition era liquor that were sold nearby. Continuing back toward Salem, cyclists can make a final stop for pie and coffee at the Willamette Valley Pie Company.

The route ends back in front of the state Capitol Building. Downtown Salem is just a few blocks west of the ending point where a variety of restaurants and other services are available. Additionally, three bike shops -- Scott's Cycle, the Bike Peddler, and Santiam Bicycle -- are located on Commercial Street in the city center.