Visiting in May and checking maps. It looks like a ~2 hour bike ride from Austin to Jester King. Is that my only option as far as the bike ride would go? Other recommended beer stops? food joints?
Are you looking to ride bikes there or are you looking for a better option? I would not tell people to bike on Fitzhugh Rd. Others would disagree. Sure, it could be a good ride if there were no cars. The reality of it is that there are a lot of turns, a lot of cars, and no shoulders. It is asking for problems. As far as 290 goes...there are shoulders and there is a lot of traffic. More beer stops? Thirsty Planet is on the way out there and is only open Saturdays from 11-3, as well as Last Stand is just beyond JK and is open Saturdays 2-8. May will be hot. I do not know where you live in Cali, but expect 90+ degrees.
There are a few easy ones in town. Look at the previous "Fermentation Cycle" events in Austin (e.g. http://bitchbeer.org/2014/02/05/tonight-fermentation-cycle-to-feature-entire-real-ale-lineup/, but there were a few; you could add Hops & Grain to that route too) as well as this event ABG put on.
I use to bike on Fitzhugh quite often when I lived in SW Austin, but there wasn't nearly as much alcohol traffic on the road back then. Do you happen to be coming during May 16th? If so, the Real Ale ride is a must! http://realaleride.com/ Karbach brewing has also been doing an ATX Brews Cruise, but it usually is just between bars.
i would bike on fitzhugh during the day i mean JK doesn't open until noon. great driving road when it hasn't been raining and the roads get all muddy/gravel filled also.
