Outer Banks? Any decent riding?

[emily_in_nc]

I'm not much for sitting around doing nothing on vacation, although everyone else in the group that's going on this trip can't wait to do that. Riding for a few hours every morning would have made the otherwise sedentary days bearable. I'm sure I could find some other activities, but I was kind of counting on the bike.

Why would you being doing nothing or be sedentary at the beach? You don't have to run -- just take long beach walks! My DH and I take a beach trip every year or two (we live in NC but usually go to the southern beaches; have only been to the outer banks once) to spend time with my family, and we normally take two LONG beach walks a day at a pretty fast clip (strolling can be fun too, but we are trying to stay fit). It's so peaceful to hear the crashing waves, watch the birds, and walking in the sand is good exercise and will keep your legs in shape. Yeah, you'll miss your bike, but you won't lose fitness in just a week so long as you keep moving and will get to have fun with your friends too. You'll still have all summer to ride -- it's only one week off.

Another idea -- there are places at the beach where you can rent single-speed cruiser bikes and ride on the sand. I've never done it, but it looks like great fun, and no getting your own nice bike salty and sandy!

Emily

[withm]

I have been to Cape Hatteras many times but never with my bike. That said, certainly Rt 12 is a no brainer - stay away. BUT, people do LIVE there, and ride bikes. Just need to stay off of 12, maybe you need to go inland a bit, but I think you could find some good rides there. Yes, it will be windy. And sand blowing is not fun. (Be sure to clean bike well after your trip).

Vermont Bike Tours
http://www.vbt.com/
runs tours from New Bern down to Okrakcoke and back - so maybe you can glean some insight from the itinerary for that trip?
http://www.vbt.com/North-America/Uni...Itinerary.aspx

I took a VBT tour last fall - it was fabulous. I can't wait to do another one.

Also check out bike shops and clubs for ideas on riding down there. I would definitely take the bike. Better to have it and not need it than be moping around wishing you had brought it with you.

If all else fails, rent a bike, or go to some big store and buy a cheap one to use for the week. At the end of the trip, donate it to some thrift shop or church or someplace, and take the tax deduction.

[EBD]

Carolina Tailwinds (http://www.carolinatailwinds.com/) also runs Outer Banks bike trips - the northern banks tour includes Hatteras and Ocracoke - you might be able to cheat off their routes, too. I don't know Hatteras at all, but you might want to check out kayaking as another outdoor activity - there are probably kayak rentals available, with or without guides.

[pooks]

Most of us have limited time and funds for vacations. I don't think there's anything selfish at all about wanting to spend your vacation doing something you want to do. I wouldn't let anybody put it in terms of "bike over friends."

Are these friends you see otherwise, or is this a once in a great while opportunity to get together? That might make a difference, but otherwise, I'd take the vacation I want to take.

Or come up with an alternative location where you could do a lot of biking - and help set that trip up for 2008?