By Andrew Matranga, Map Editor
Seeing as how it’s summer time out there in bike-riding land and the mercury keeps climbing, we wanted to highlight some great vacation-oriented rides that cruise near, or to, the water’s edge. So, if you’re out at the beach, by the lake with the family, or hanging out on the river, check out five aquatic-oriented routes from our coast-to-coast (and even island!) map contributors. From California’s Central Coast to Cape May, New Jersey, we can satiate your watery ride fix.
How did they map these great rides? Good question. They used AllSportGPS on their mobile phone or a GPS unit on their bike. Then they used the Bicycling.com Ride Maps tool to edit track and waypoint data. You can even upload photos and videos to your rides, and the Ride Maps tool will automatically geotag your photos (meaning, place them on the map). It’s a snap.
Want to sign up? Browse on to the sign up page. The best part? It’s free!
Want to learn more about mapping rides? Head over to the Bicycling.com Ride Maps Trip Planning page.
Without further ado, the maps…
WILDWOOD, NJ: CAPE MAY TO AVALON LOOP – Enjoy salt-soaked breezes and quiet backroads on the Cape May peninsula’s eastern fringe during this 35.4-mile ride. Optional: A stop on the iconic Wildwood Boardwalk for breakfast and people watching. This is a regular ride for me (Andrew, Bicycling Map Editor) when I’m down the shore, and it’s always nice to see the quiet side of the Jersey Shore–contrary to what current popular culture would have you think, it’s a great place to be with the family.
BURLINGTON, VT: SOUTHERN LAKE CHAMPLAIN LOOP – Starting with a ferry ride across Lake Champlain, this ride travels rolling hills in New York, crosses the Crown Point bridge, then winds through the Kingsland Bay alongside phenomenal Champlain views. This ride was mapped by Steve Barner of the Green Mountain Bicycle Club.
COEUR D’ALENE, ID: COEUR D’ALENE RIVER TRAIL #20 – Fat tire enthusiast Jon Baune has this tip for folks seeking out singletrack: “Go where the local pros go.” This super scenic 31-mile mountain bike loop in Idaho Panhandle National Forest is a must-ride.
PASO ROBLES, CA: CENTRAL COAST DOUBLE – Spectacular ocean views and treacherous sections of climbing comprise this gargantuan 207-mile tour of Central California’s coast and inland foothills sent in by Wayne Riley.
BIG ISLAND OF HI: CHAIN OF CRATERS ROAD – Thanks to contributor Russ Stevens, you can download this route and rffortlessly zip past gigantic craters, lava flows, and rainforests on this 23-mile downhill in the beautiful southeast portion of Hawaii’s Big Island.