Hi everyone, I’m going to a wedding in the outer banks in a few weeks. I’m going to bring the bike to get some miles in. Wondering if anyone has any thoughts on riding on the main road separating beach front property…I know at times it can be hazardous due to blown sand and cars during peak time (but it’s May and I assume not very crowded)…any NC’s out there?
Where in the outerbanks are you going to be? The traffic varies greatly depending on where you are.
My wife and I did a outerbanks tour about 4 years ago in September. The traffic was not to bad, but it was slightly off peak time.
Hi J, I’m going to Nagshead in two weeks.
From Nagshead, I would ride South to the lower part of the Outer Banks. Less traffic than going North towards Duck, at least once you get South of the main bridge from Eliz. City. Sand on the roads shouldn’t be a problem. Wind can get really strong though. Go play in the sand dunes while in Nagshead.
Keith
Cervelodude,
Here is a link, it outlines some of the rides. Overall its flat but a great place to ride!
http://www.outerbanks.org/activities/land_activities/bicycling_in_the_outerbanks.asp
I vacation in Sanderling each year, about 15 minutes North of where you are going. Like some one else said riding north into duck can be a congested. They have a bike path, but it gets crowded with strollers and pedestrian cycles so I would stay off of it if you plan on riding any speed. You can ride on the roads North if you are not going on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Lot of tourist traffic then. Be careful on the bridges which connect the islands. I have had a couple of “pucker” moments on the bridges. Even if you leave early at the crack of dawn you will encouter people towing boats for fishing.
Geesh as I am typing this I am thinking, you are gonna prevent a ride. Its still a good place to ride, and I would definitely follow the route listed on the link. Alternatively, you could drive to Pirates Cove Marina park your car, and bike some of the inland back roads. The good news is there are rest areas along the way and when you get south of Nags Head the shoulder is quite wide. The wind is always up and you should realley clean your drive train well after you leave.
Have a great trip, OBX is a majestic place!
Peace,
RF
Being an avid windsurfer from Toronto, I try to get to the Outerbanks at least once every spring or fall. We always stay in Waves, about 25 minutes south of Nags Head. My rides have always started from there and gone south to Buxton or around the bend and further to Hatteras village. There’s a pretty good shoulder to ride from Waves to Buxton. We’re usually down in April / October in the “off” season so traffic isn’t too heavy. I would think mid May shouldn’t be too bad as well. As stated, the wind can hammer on the Outer Banks! so your “out & back” can be two very different rides if it’s blowing from the NW or SW. Fortunately for me that’s when I’m sailing, not riding. It’s a beautiful, unspoiled part of the east coast.
Enjoy the trip.
I’ve been going to the outerbanks for 30 years now. Not sure where you are staying but if it is near the Wright Brothers Memorial there are a series of roads on the sound side that are good for running and riding. Look for the big power poles. I have a route I do from my brother’s that goes into Collington. Not very long but not as much traffic as it’s mostly locals that live back that way.
You will have some people get angry at you if you ride on the street where there is the “bike sidewalk” The problem is like what Rockfish said you usually have rollerbladders, etc on them. That bike path goes from duck north all the way down to south nagshead. I have to admit I don’t ride on it. Hard to see pedestrian traffic and anticipate what they are going to do. Better to put up with a couple surfer boys. By the way they will be up early getting to the waves if there are any if you are thinking you are going to beat them up and get a workout in early. My brother is on the beach by 6:30am if the waves are good no matter the weather.
Good news is May is still off season since the kids from VA are still in school and people for NC don’t go out there as much becuase of the drive. Stay off the main highway on the main island if at all possible on the weekend. South of the bridge is probably the better place to ride for open roads. South of Whale Bone Junction.
Have fun. It is a fun place to ride. I did my first every 100 mile ride from Corolla light house to the ferry at Hatteras. It was Nov and was a good experience. Even on the big bridge.