Everyone loves long walks on the beach, but what about long bike rides? Exploring the 95,471 miles of shoreline in the United States on two wheels is an experience like no other. Better yet, biking on the beach allows you to get in some easy exercise as you take in the ocean views. Before you hop on your bike and take off down the nearest coast, consult these tips and find your perfect beach destination.
Panorama view of footbridge to the Smathers beach at sunrise – Key West, Florida.
Tips For Beach Biking
Taking the proper steps to prepare for a cycling trip down the beach is extremely important, as you want to ensure that you are taking care of yourself and your bike for a long journey. There are over 1 billion bicycles in the world, so ride one that you feel completely comfortable with and then use these tips to have the best beach bike ride.
- Adjust The Seat: The bike seat should come up to about the top of your hip bone when you’re standing next to it. When you’re pedaling, you should have a bend in your knee of about 30 degrees when the pedal is at the bottom-most point in the cycle. If the seat is at the wrong height, your knees will hurt and riding will be harder.
- Wear Sunscreen: Even on a cloudy day, at least 70% of UV rays can damage your skin. As you’ll be right near the light-reflecting water, it is very important to protect your skin from the sun during a bike beach ride.
- Bring A Bike Lock: When cruising down the beach, you’ll likely want to stop for a drink, a bite to eat, or just to put your feet in the water. Bring a simple cable lock to make sure your bike doesn’t go anywhere while you’re enjoying the sights.
Best Beach Biking Spots
Biking on beach trails makes for a great day trip as well as a perfect activity to do during your beach vacation. Consider going to one of these locations on your next trip or venturing to the bike trail if it’s nearby.
- Huntington Beach, California: Just south of Los Angeles, this beach features an eight-mile paved path with endless views of the Pacific Ocean. Here you can have fun people-watching as surfers, joggers, and sunbathers swarm these beaches.
- Nantucket, Massachusetts: This East Coast island features miles of bike trails along sandy beaches. Take a shorter ride on Dionis Beach and see the second-oldest lighthouse in America or tackle the 18-mile trail on ‘Sconset Beach that features cranberry bogs and a museum.
- Rockaway Beach and Coney Island, New York: Making for a perfect day trip, these beaches in Brooklyn and Queens prove that New York City is made of more than steel and concrete. Ride Coney Island’s Cyclone and grab a Nathan’s hot dog before riding the 11-mile trail to the sandy beaches of Rockaway.
The next time you want to take in the ocean views, consider biking on the beach instead of walking. You can avoid feeling guilty about slacking on your exercise routine by scheduling a cycling tour or going exploring on your own. You’ll have fun in the sun while doing your cardio for the day.