I don't know what's wrong, but I can't seem to do a successful search for old Block Island posts on this forum, of which I'm sure there must be hundreds.

That said, I am going with my wife on August 14th just for the day, mostly for a casual ride. She's not much of a cyclist to begin with, and she hasn't really been on the bike much at all this summer. Can anybody tell me if this is a mistake? Is Block Island hilly? Are there sufficient shoulders on the roads?

Thanks!

(PS: Good place for lunch - 1 vegetarian / 1 organic?)

Go here!?!?

That's just a link to a bunch of Google hits. Is there a particular site you're recommending?

I'm seeing a lot of "this part of the island is hilly, but this part isn't" remarks across the web, but not knowing the island at all, I can really use some more specifics about where to ride.

Nope, haven't been there nor done that. Just offering info. Maybe make an attempt to contact the CofC??

curious if you find something

Here is a basic map

https://www.nbwclub.org/rides/maps/nb...lockisland.pdf

The island is not too large, so even somewhat less experienced riders can usually manage. There are a couple of hills, they are not too bad, but if need be, you do see some folks walking them. While some areas don't have much of a shoulder, there are usually plenty of people riding so the drivers are aware of the cyclists.

Cycling is probably the best way to see the island. There are a number of main roads that are paved, but some of the side roads are not.

Block Island Dining Guide: Satisfying Hungry Appetites on Block Island

Block Island | Block Island, RI Travel and Tourism

Should give you an idea of the restaurants

Thank you, etw. I don't think my wife will be able to cover the territory mapped out by the Narragansett Wheelmen, but the restaurant guide looks like it will be really helpful.

Specifically, I've heard that there are certain parts of the island to stick to - and certain to avoid - when looking to keep the ride flat and simple. Do you know what people are talking about when they say that?

If the wife has not been cycling, the hills will most likely be too much for her. Unless she is a runner, or something similar. There are mopeds for rent right on the ferry dock. It's a very practical way to see the island, bicycles are for rent too. I think there are still maps at a public restroom near the ferry parking lot. Without a way to see the island one can do some shopping and eating/drinking near the ferry landing, but you miss some good things. I go there about once a year, I always ride. Try to get to the southeast light, and the north light. Googling them will probably get you good info. Same for moped rentals. At the north light one of the bricks in the patio that they sell for donations, says "The 10 mph club." We were there and we were freds. I bring a beater bike because every bike taken on the ferry across will probably get a few scratches. I think they have taxis and rental cars too. Never looked for them. Some roads are narrow and crowded, but the locals are used to tons of cycles on the road.

I would say that some of the hills are fairly long climbs - going out of old harbor to the left I recall as being pretty steady uphill for instance. If it was me I'd tour the island via one of the many vans that meet each ferry but check out some of the links here:
Bicycling on Block Island, Rhode Island

From the old harbor if you go right toward the town beach, up Corn Neck Rd, it is fairly flat for a while, but then goes down hill the last bit to the North Light, one of the two lighthouses on the island. If you were to venture that far, she may want to be one of the folks walking up the grade coming back. Or of course, you can just stop and turn back a little early. It is certainly worth it to go out there and the distance is reasonable. (btw- the map on Noddy's link above https://www.newenglandtravelplanner.c...land%20Map.pdf is nice)

You can also explore some of the areas around town and head out toward the New Harbor. That would all be pretty safe. If you are doing a loop around the island, once you get out past there, there are more rolling hills. Noddy is right that going to the left out of the Old Harbor is a bit steep approaching the Southeast light. Alternatively, coming from the other side (counterclockwise loop) you have a nice downhill after the lighthouse coming toward town.

You would have to see how she feels and what she is up for. It is a beautiful place and although the town area is certainly charming, you want to try to get out to the other areas which have breathtaking scenery. Good luck and post after you get back about how it went.

I am editing to add that from LI, you may be coming into New Harbor, so you may want to start by heading toward town and the Old Harbor and also out Corn Neck.

Block Island is a beautiful destination, friendly, laid-back, etc. Don't be surprised to bump into a celebrity or two - Christopher Walken is a resident as are several other stars. Sorry I don't have any Vegan or Organic suggestions to offer.

Thanks, all. My instinct is to call this trip off, but she still wants to go. I will report when we get back.

You should definitely go. Even if you just stay in the area around town and don't venture too far, it is worth the trip.

Block Island is a great place to go- though riding is basically the 17 mile loop that is on most of the maps (southern loop with the in and out north) but there are a lots of gravel roads as well.

I used to take my daughters and wife there when they were kids and they are not cyclists either but they did OK. It isn't flat (as one might imagine by being an island) but the hills aren't really bad or long. People walk them.

The riding there is absolutely beautiful- in fact there are so many scenic stops and vistas that they would probably interfere with what some would consider a good workout. There are so many places to park and view and/or take walks. (bring a lock)

Also what I did was leave the family to shop and/or stay on the beach and I would go riding and get some more miles in.

PS The thing I love best is riding right along the shore or at the south end riding above the water with the sea going on forever-you can't get that at many other places around here.

Thanks for all these positive remarks. I have been forwarding them to my wife and she is feeling better and better about the trip!

We visited Block Island last summer we our tandem. Coming off the ferry from RI the hill is to the left. It is a climb but very doable. Many folks walking their rentals so no shame in walking. Tandems are known for not good on hills as we had no problem. Have a great time!