Five rad bike adventures that will have you heading into fall on a high note
Summer is nearing an end, which means there are only a few weeks left of kneewarmer-free riding. Make the most of your time in the sun with a few cool adventures best done in warm weather.
Do a low tide ride
You don’t need a fat bike to ride on a beach if you go at low tide. That’s when the sand is hard packed, so a normal mountain bike tire won’t sink or bog down too much. If you live near a beach, check online to see if there are events taking place on your shores—many often raise money for good causes. For example, in Cape May, New Jersey, The Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund hosts a Low Tide Beach Ride every year to raise money for cancer awareness. Don’t forget: Even though you’re on the water, the beach can be hot, so prep for hot-weather riding accordingly.
Ride under the full moon
Some shops and clubs host monthly full moon rides, but if you don’t have one nearby, recruit a few friends and organize your own. Just make sure you’re properly prepared for riding in the dark. “Lights and reflectors are very important,” says Maja Perez, communications coordinator for Bike Bakersfield, a group that holds full moon rides. “A standard white front light and rear light or red reflector will suffice, but it will benefit the rider to invest in a bright front light…powered by lithium ion batteries, which make these lights more economical and consistent in brightness as opposed to alkaline-powered lights.” She adds that extra reflectors—on your bike and on your body—are also helpful.
Ride in as many states as you can
Going on a road trip this summer, or have a week or weekend to spare? See how many states you can ride in before summer ends. Make the rides even more scenic by hitting as many National Parks as possible (some of them even allow and encourage mountain biking). Bonus points if you ride across state lines—or if you go truly crazy and spend the rest of your summer riding across the country.
Ride on a lake
If you’re on a family vacation—or just promised the family you would take a day off the bike—paddleboating is a sneaky way to get in some pedal time while away from dry land.
Booze in the woods
Not every adventure has to be a uniquely innovative one. Next time you’re on a mountain bike ride with some good buddies, be the hero of the ride and bring enough beers to go around. Nothing says summer like a trail beer on a hot, hot day. Just remember to hydrate with water as well—and not to consume so many beers that navigating out of the woods is a challenge.
Thanks to Rodale for the content.