ugh this is killin me

[aponi]

I'm on vacation in Ocracoke on the outer banks of North Carolina. It's great, having a wonderful time etc etc

BUT everyone but me on the entire island is riding a bike. We didn't bring any bikes because we have the dog along and don't really have any place to keep him so he has to stay with us. I can't help by eye them all jealously. Not that I want my vacation to be over, but I find that I'm looking forward to getting reunited with my bike when we get home.

The scary thing though is that most of these bikes people are riding are rentals meaning that it is amateur hour. You have to be really careful when you're driving because not everyone rides with traffic or say with any predictability so at any time someone may swerve or just dart out in front of you.

Funny thing yesterday, we were running on this mixed use trail along the main road when this woman on a bike came zooming past us. It startled my husband and I, but more importantly the dog. He was running between us but it scared me because I'd hate for him to skitter in the way and get run over. I rather sarcastically yelled "on your right" as she zoomed off. On our way back she passed us again and this time she well also rather sarcastically yelled "on your right" when she was behind us. We both chose to ignore her tone and thanked her on her way by.

Who knows maybe she's learned something from that. I'd like to think so because if not its a matter of time before she runs into someone.

[indysteel]

I've looked at the Outer Banks as a travel destination several times and have always gotten the impression that cycling there--at least on the road--was a bit sketchy, at least during the height of the season. DH and I are not fans of riding on multi-use trails either, so it's never moved to the top of our must-see list.

[Penny4]

I go to OBX every year, but i only rent a beach cruiser, or at most, bring my junky hybrid with me. We usually stay down in Duck/Corrolla/Pine Island. There is a bike path through Duck, but it's filled with kids, dog walkers, etc. Strictly a lazy, casual roll in your flip flops kind of thing. I always see lots of riders on NC 12 on road bikes, but personally, it is too narrow for me to feel comfortable.

However, we usually go in June or July, which height of the season. Spring time is a bit quieter, and might be a nice time to ride out in that area.

Here is a link to a group that I know does tours down there in Southern and Northern OBX. Might just give some ideas for better places to ride. I've never been to Ocracoke, but always wanted to get out there!

http://www.carolinatailwinds.com/outerbanks.htm

And fall is nice time too...

[aponi]

It's a nice time to be here, less crowded generally. This morning I did a snaking run through the village because my husband ditched me and the dog to go on a longer run. I have a horrible sense of direction but I managed to make it back to the house and we didn't run into any bikes. It was a bit on the early side though. We did see a magnificent sun rise over the marina and hey when else am I going to have the chance to run past a lighthouse. Plus the route I took was mostly in the shade as opposed to that trail out in the full sun.

In the interest of full disclosure I don't think the dog was as impressed with the sunrise as he was with the roosters crowing. I don't think he's ever heard a rooster before and wasn't sure what to make of it.

[Penny4]

City dog?

[aponi]

oh absolutely

He's also not 100% thrilled with the actual ocean. The beach part he likes fine especially if someone is throwing a Frisbee for him, but he's not a water dog by any means.

[murielalex]

Great doggie pic!