Laminarman

Hi folks, going for a week with the kids/family/sister/brother in law to Corolla in a few weeks. There is only so much sitting in a pool and drinking I can do (and I can do a LOT) but am considering taking a bike. Road? Mountain? Not sure what is available and what bike to bring. Would like a short spirited mountain bike ride each day or a daily 25 mile road bike ride if possible. Thanks in advance.

ls0725

i think you should post this in the Regional Discussions Forum.

wanders

Only going by what I know about cycling at other NC beaches, I would go with road. Not many options for mtb. Rent a beach cruiser for riding along the beach, sidewalks and such.

wanders

this too.

cshell

I've been to the outer banks a few hundred times.

For the most part, there's a stretch of land between the sound and the ocean. It's about 2 - 5 miles wide, and about 20 miles long. There are two main roads that run from one end to the other.

The road closest to the ocean side is called the "beach road". This road is a two lane road, one lane going in each direction. It has a slow traffic speed limit (25 mph?) and usually fairly congested with traffic.

The other road, the "access road" (?), is a much larger road. Two lanes going in each direction, with a center turning lane. Faster traffic speed limit, 45 - 55 mph.

There are a few off shoot roads along the 20 +/- mile length of the area, but nothing too notable. Small neighborhoods here and there. Shops, et cetera.

curdog

Take your road bike. Corolla only has one main road, which has a pretty wide shoulder for bikes. You can easily get a 25-30 mile out and back in this area. Keep in mind that if you're going north and approaching the town of Duck, the shoulder goes away. This area also has pretty heavy traffic and is not particularly fun to ride in for a 3 or 4 mile stretch. Be ready for the wind. You can almost bet on a SW/S wind this time of the year. Headwinds suck, but you get used to them if you live around this area.

Chef151

My initial thought after reading the title was the same as the post above mine, 'i hope you like wind!'. Beautiful area though, should be a nice ride.

rangerdavid

you can road cycle from Duck and Corolla down to Avon and the other end of the Islands if you want. No hills, just long. flat road. Take tons of sun block. You may see wild horses and other wildlife. It is absolutely beautiful there. Catch the Lost Colony outdoor drama if you get a chance.

enjoy!!




**edit

curdog nailed it. I didnt see his post.

achoo

Whatever bike you bring, just remember salt and sand are NASTY to bikes.

Allegheny Jet

I took my road bike the last time we vacationed there. Check with the one of LBS about local rides. When I was there we ran across a group ride then joined in. They took some back roads through developments and even small villages that are not part of the main roads. We also went across the bridge to Manteo Island and further inland on one other ride.

patentcad

I vacationed in Corolla a couple of years back. GREAT beaches. The cycling, not so much. North and south on the main road, a couple of forays onto limited back roads. Did that ride every day, 30-50+ miles. It was rideable, but boring. I took my Cannondale. The salt air there kills all things mechanical. Store your bicycle indoors if at all possible, but it's still rough.

roccobike

+1, I stayed in Kill Devil Hills. I tried riding the beach road the first day and cut down a brand new tire on all the glass from the drunks the night before. Fortunately, I had a spare. I tried the neighborhoods inland (west) of the main highway. It was easier to ride with less wind and not much glass to contend with. It was an okay experience, but not as nice as I had hoped for.
Pcad is certainly correct about the beaches, very quiet, not crowded and very family oriented.
BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT THE RIPTIDES. They have taken some lives every year.

45suited

What week are you headed down there? I will be there from the 8/29-9/3 and will be riding 50-60 daily early.