Hi! I’m Barb Becker, the brewer of 515 Brewing Company, and I’m still playing "Pharaoh", an Egyptian-themed city-building PC game originally released in 1999.

Welcome to off-hours, this is the weekly newsletter about all entertainment from the Des Moines Register. Written by journalists and occasional guest writers, we show you what we do during off-hours-from camping to concerts to crocheting and everything in between. It's cold outside, but the city is warming up with autumn favorites! 

The deal goes like this: I spend as much free time on two wheels as possible.

I first fell in love with bicycles in 2016 and fell in love with winter bicycles the following year.

When I say love, I mean it: I am the kind of cyclist who rides thousands of miles on gravel, trails, and snow. I have noticed that too many people think that cool weather and shorter autumn days mean the end of the cycling season. But in fact, it's not!

Cycling in winter is fun: there is less traffic on the trails, more beautiful natural scenery in Iowa, and plenty of opportunities to communicate with people who really like to ride bicycles—maybe some will even stop for a beer.

Afraid of cold? I am here to tell you that to enjoy a good time, all you need is some warm equipment and an adventurous attitude.

First of all, the layer is your friend. And you must start with a good foundation.

Personally, I swear by wool. Wool not only absorbs heat to keep you warm, but also keeps you tasteless and warm even when it's wet. (I guess the sheep really came up with this thing to keep it comfortable!)

Especially thick woolen socks are necessary. When the weather is really cold, you can wear some wool shorts under the windproof pants to get your legs ready for riding. Whenever I need all-season bike clothing, I will find Kyle's Bikes in Waukee or Ankeny. Reward Point Kyle expanded their range of options to include equipment for our runners and triathlete friends. 

To keep your hands warm, please purchase a set of Pogie Lite from BikeIowa.com. To slide over your handlebars, the rider inserts his hand (whether wearing gloves or not) into the pogie to provide additional insulation. Waterproof and windproof, the best part of BikeIowa's pogies is that they are locally manufactured in central Iowa.   

Road bikes don't like fallen leaves and snow, but mountain, gravel or fat bikes can drive happily in most situations. In the deep winter, I use studded tires on one of my fat bikes to provide perfect grip even in the harshest ice and snow conditions. Beaverdale Bikes in Des Moines is a must for any and all mechanical work. And, hey, if your wallet feels particularly fat, they will also make custom bikes!  

Des Moines paved trails are usually plowed within 48 hours after heavy snowfall, and the Central Iowa Trail Association-an organization you should absolutely support-even uses "snow shovelers" to keep the wooded trails super sweet And safety, all year round. 

Whether it's the crunch of leaves or the almost silent sound of fat tires running over fresh powder (my favorite!), our backyard is so beautiful all year round! Go out against the cold-you will thank me, I swear.

Do you have a favorite cold weather activity at DSM? Top tips to keep warm? Contact me on Twitter @brewbarb515 or brewbarblikesbikes on Instagram.

1. Whiterock Conservancy: Whiterock is a little-known place in central Iowa and a gem. With bike-optimized bicycle lanes, shared-use trails, and many convenient access to the sweet, sweet gravel roads of Iowa that stretch for miles, Whiterock provides a great bike option for people of all ability levels . Plan a full day of adventure activities or rent one of the historic farmhouses in the area and stay for the entire weekend. If time permits, please do some stargazing activities. Not only is Whiterock a non-profit land trust, their environmentalists also work with nearby Coon Rapids to control the light pollution that causes some of the darkest skies in Iowa. The trail usage fee is US$5 per day, or the annual pass is US$25.  

2. Denman's Woods: Denman's Woods is located in the center of Des Moines and is a monorail course, which means it is about the same width as a bicycle. This trail goes through several climbs and downhills, providing a cross-country biking experience suitable for beginners. Spend an afternoon in our wonderful urban forest, completely forgetting that you are still within the city limits.

3. Sycamore Trails: Catch some "Sycamore Vibes" on this route along the west side of the Des Moines River. Another monorail, this trail system extends from Beaverdale to Johnston and is maintained by volunteers from the Central Iowa Trail Association. (Have I told you how cool CITA is?)

More: After get off work hours: Enjoy an autumn drink at the best coffee shop in Des Moines for a relaxing time

Steamboat Macaroni and Cheese-$3 on one side: slimy, rich, cream cheese sauce. Great noodles. Everything is in a big pile. Do I have to say more? Use macaroni and cheese as a side dish in Clive’s Steamboat Boys BBQ, or top with beef brisket as the main dish. You guys, I dream of this macaroni and cheese.

Get it: cheese flows from Tuesday to Sunday. Breakfast on the weekend starts at 8 in the morning.   

Over the Ivy Czech Pilsner — $5: Every brewer likes a good pilsner, Confluence's Over the Ivy will not disappoint. Its light bread malt flavor complements the spicy and noble hop aroma and crisp aftertaste.

Get it: The bar is open every week, but opening hours vary.

What other Pilsner beer should I taste? Tell me about it on Twitter @brewbarb515 or brewbarblikesbikes on Instagram.

More: After get off work hours: "Meat" is the best butcher in Des Moines, yoga and cheese corn cake in a plant oasis

Friday night: This is my birthday weekend, and I plan to thoroughly celebrate the beginning of my 38th trip around the sun. *Air horn, air horn, air horn. *My friends and I will start the celebration by sipping cocktails and snacks at the bartender shaking hands. Hopefully we can find a place outside-you already know that I don't mind the cold-have a chance to bake our own s'mores. You can get all the accessories for two snacks for only $5, or a four-piece set for $8. 

Saturday afternoon: Of course it’s a birthday bike! As a celebration, I must at least record my age under my belt. The first stop will be the Cumming Tap of their famous Moscow mule. Then I will ride back to the city center and watch the Iowa State University game at the El Bait Shop. Catch me before Cyclones plays against Texas Tech at 2:30 PM

Sunday morning: After riding my bike to the gravel church, I will watch the Iowa Wilds and the Milwaukee Admiral’s ice hockey drop at 3pm. This is the day to take your puppy to the game, before 300 dogs get a special headscarf. Just an opportunity for Instagram, you guys!  

I recently read "Cather" by Madeleine Miller, which is a partial reimagining of the "Odyssey" through the eyes of the witch Cather. I fell in love with her rich writing and creative retelling of Greek mythology. I can’t Do not open her previous novel "The Song of Achilles".

As the title implies, this book tells the story of Achilles-"the best of all the Greeks"-focusing on his long-term relationship with Patroclus, who is one A prince in exile under the care of his father.

Those who have read Homer's "Iliad" know that Patroclus died on the battlefield-will we spoil the ancient Greek text? --But this is all the great poet said to the poor prince. Miller brought this background character to life and made Achilles' story more complete, analyzing love, sadness and arrogance.

I am the national award-winning brewer/yeast rancher/single army of Clive 515 Brewing Company. I have been researching new recipes and trying to make all kinds of beer and soda available at any time to satisfy any taste. Choosing favorites is like choosing between children, but I have been studying DSM Pilsner, Hopititis DIPA and Lemon Seltzer recently. Next week, we will launch a strawberry milkshake IPA away from my yard.

Next to pick up the off-hours pen (error, keyboard) is Nick Coltrain, a data and political reporter, who must have burritos in his brain. 

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