Perhaps there is no more popular recreational activity on Hilton Head Island than bike riding. Whether you choose to ride along the forty miles of trails designed for cyclists or to go off the beaten path, you’re sure to find a way of riding that you like best. What should you know before you go?
Watch the Wind
Sea breezes are notorious along the coast, which is great when you want to get a breath of fresh salt air, but a little more difficult if you are trying to keep your balance on two wheels. Choose a day to go when the wind won’t be much of a factor. (That usually means a sunnier day, too.)
Ride on the Right Sand
Riding through the water can make your tires sink through the wet sand, but riding through the soft, dry sand can be just as hard. If you’re up for a challenge, by all means, go for it. But if you want a smoother ride that won’t kill your quads, ride on the packed sand just above where the water stops. You’ll find this strip to be the widest at low tide.
Stay Away from the Crowds
One of the hardest things to do on a bike is maneuver through a crowd. It’s one thing if you’re all on bikes and riding in the same direction, but on the beach, you’ll encounter many stationary objects (people!) who may not know what to do when a moving object (you on a bike!) comes toward them. The best way to avoid this situation is to ride when the fewest people are hanging out on the beach, such as sunrise or sunset. Or find a quiet beach for your ride.
Great views and fresh air await, and you’ll get to see even more of the island on a bike than if you walk! No bike? No problem! There are plenty to rent on the island, so make your plans today.