The Weak Link

In regards to cycling I realize the rhetorical nature of the question.

This past weekend, instead of having one monster (for me) ride, I rode some each day. My MPH is going up. My resting pulse has now falling below 50 (48 in the office an hour ago). I'm feeling pretty buff CV wise right now.

Tomorrow I take my first full week off for vacation since August of 2006. My family and I really need it. We're a bit fried. We're head on down to Ocean Isle Beach in N.C. It's not the greatest beach in the world but we've been going there for over a decade, so it's a known entity.

You'd think I'd be really looking to it, but I'm having separation anxiety. I won't see my bikes for over a week.

Given our travel limitations there is no way I can take any of my bikes with me. Sure, I can rent a beach cruiser while I'm down there and tootle around. And I'll do that as the velopedic equivalent of methadone. I'll get no buzz off of it, but I'm hoping it'll stave off a full withdrawl.

And I'm trying to tell myself that it makes no sense to take my Garmin so I can clock and get credit for all my mileage. I mean, really, who cares? Whenever there is a poll around here about speed or mileage I just multiply my real numbers by 50-300%. The only one who could possibly know the truth is freeranger and he's too busy riding horses anyway.

Thanks for listening. I just had to get that off my chest.

maddmaxx 

..................................test rides.....................................



Is there an LBS in Ocean Isle Beach?
















Its not a real vacation if you have to leave your bike behind.

The Weak Link

They only rent cruisers. I hate coaster brakes. There is a place in N. Myrtle Beach I might check out that rents a bit better bikes.

maddmaxx 

I just returned from a beach vacation (Cape Cod). Fortunately I was able to take our bikes. Beach towns are wonderful places to bumble around in on bikes.............even cruisers if necessary. Park the car, go to lunch on the bike.

I think areas like this tend to be bike safe because there are so many folks on bikes that drivers are more aware (if not more careful) of their presence. Its a good chance to ride with the family. Put your peloton instincts away and toodle down the road at 5mph smelling the salt air and rotting seaweed.

PaulH

Ocean Isle is flat. A beach ruiser is not only perfectly suitable for the mission , it's probably optimum. Myrtle Beach is too far away to consider going to. Why not rent bikes and trailers and do all your local travel by bike? That way, you will still be commuting.

Paul
(just home from Ocracoke)

gcottay

Since you have not already obsessively planned bike availability, backups, routes, and menus, I'd diagnose hobby rather than addiction. Discovery of the joys of beach cruising, though, could easily put you over the top.

yamura

We were at Hilton Head Island a few weeks ago and rented some beach cruisers. Spend the dough to rent a couple and just relax! If you can get past the typically awful seats bet it'll be fun.

Garfield Cat

You might try running. It's aerobic but really different. It takes less time to get a good workout compared with riding.

will dehne

I have evolved beyond you.
There will be no vacations without my bikes. The bikes are priority #1. Everything else gets negotiated later after this #1 is satisfied.

patentcad

Vacations: if I go, my bike goes. Period.

pinerider

I think passtime is a better word for it, it doesn't conjure images of big dollars being spent.

Go to Myrtle Beach, rent one from these guys https://https://www.bikesngear.com/store.htm
I rented the Schwinn fastback for a day 2 years ago, had a great day riding it, I think it was only about $30 a day (can't remember for sure, I'm getting old!) I think just about all of their used bikes can be rented.
I took my spd pedals with me and left them there when I returned the bike, didin't realize until I got home.
Myrtle Beach isn't the best riding experience, no hills and lots of poor drivers.

merlin55

learn to run. it is great winter cross training, helps keep the weight down, and the load bearing (unlike riding) helps your bone density. I only run during the winter on weekday lunches, but during an emergency such as a vacation without your bike, and hour or two of running will provide the needed "fix".

DnvrFox

Hobby AND addiction!

Garfield Cat

One other thing: leaving the bike home also allows you to develop or to mature in another way. It allows you to "die to self". Hobbies might be seen as an ends in itself. Start viewing biking as merely a means. Humanly speaking, we all seek happiness as an end, whether now or eternally.

Self giving, self sacrifice, also leads to happiness.

Mojo Slim

How about an addiction that is under control. There is no such thing as an "ex-alcoholic", right? I can't / don't always take my bike when I vacation, but I get a little jumpy if I don't. Of course, my big weeklong vacation every year is a 7-day bike ride.

Terrierman

Hobby and a means to an end (delayed effects of aging). Dogs are my personal addiction.

Hermes

Addiction or hobby noooohh more of an obsession...I would find a high end bike shop and rent a nice road bike. I suspect there is some great cycling there. It would be a missed opportunity not to cycle.

As far as vacations go, we ski or cycle. We have convinced ourselves, and that is all that matters, that skiing is good cross training for cycling. Now it is off to Peet's for an EPO latte.

Metric Man

My hobby is definitely an addiction. I totally feel your pain, to the point that I try to plan my vacations where I can drive and take my bike with me. While everyone is sleeping in while on vacation, I'm up at 5:00am and off to see the sights. By the time I return, it's time for breakfast and I don't feel guilty about eating what I want!

JayhawKen

Its called a recovery week - you come back like Steve Austin.

The Weak Link

I've made it an entire day without my bike. Being able to poach someone's WiFi and maintain contact with the Internet has helped.

I saw someone on a hybrid rding along in a yellow jersey. I wanted to dial it up to 75 W and teach poseur lesson. I went boogie boarding instead.

Yen

+1

For me, the hardest part is the mental separation until we actually leave the house. Once we're out of the driveway, I'm absorbed in the vacation itself. It's a nice break away and I return refreshed. Having to give up my own interests for a very short time isn't going to kill me.

jppe

I just back from down there-we do Sunset Beach each year. I took my bike and got in a few decent early morning rides off the Island. I also rode every day on the beach and down to Bird Island. I don't htink they let you ride on Ocean Isle this time of year??? Normally I'll toss in a 100 miler up to Southport and back but couldn't work it in this year.

I did see a few others out riding as well. I only got to play golf 5 times........If you're looking for some restaurants you might consider Betty's Uptown in Shallotte, Mediterrean Grill in Calabash and Sharkey's there in OI. My family is still down there.......I hope you have a great week!!

rdmjr

I'm currently in the process of getting home from OIB right now (did you know it can take as long as 4 days to get parts to the local dealer? ). OIB's flat enough that the beach cruisers would be fine, and they rent them for $33/week (total's a little under $35.50 with tax). We rented one for my daughter to ride (my wife & I had our recumbent trikes along) and she didn't have any problem keeping up with us. Early morning (6:30 to 7:30 or so was my usual time) is the best time to ride down there, but since everybody seems to be expecting stupid tourist moves down there, I don't think you'd have much of a problem on any days but Saturday and maybe Sunday. Saturday seems to be the day most of the rentals check in, and if our experience on the 5th is any indicator, it's a real mess - it took well over an hour to cover the last 3 miles to the causeway. Helpful hint - don't try to take the road straight in from route 17 to Ocean Isle Beach, get onto NC 179 either north or south to get to the causeway. That alone should knock 45 minutes off the ordeal!
- Bob

speedlever

+1 on the early ride. Too hot and humid to do it later in the day for me.

We do Holden Beach several times a year. Did the beach cruiser thing a few weeks ago. (see Geek at the beach thread).

May have to figure out how to take my hybrid next trip. I was not very happy with the cruiser.

Remember to take some basic tools with you if your rent something. Adjustments are likely to be needed.

bkaapcke

It's a hobby if you are up front with your wife about how much you spend on it. If you are addicted, you go "underground" with your upgrades and expenses. bk

Moi? Been subterranian for a long time.