Atlantic Coast

[judsonmiller]

I just bought the map section for the Atlantic Coast route that starts in Richmond VA and ends in Wilmington (?) NC. From the little detail provided on the site there seems to be two separate routes. One that stays on the mainland and the other that runs down the barrier islands. I love the idea of biking down the barrier islands. I imagine there are a lot of ferries though. Anyone done this route? What did you think? Thanks!

[Westinghouse]

Here I am again. Yes, I have done the barrier islands. You cannot go wrong with that route, and yes, there are plenty of ferries for transportation from island to island. Time is running out. I am on a library computer.

[litespeed]

By all means bicycle the barrier islands, especially if you are going southward with the prevailing winds. I've cycled them twice northward. The ferries are a fine break from pedalling and extremely pleasant. And they are free.

I like to go along the coast. It's more scenic, there are more facilities and it's just a lot more pleasant.

[judsonmiller]

That is good to hear about the southbound prevailing winds. I have been thinking about a loop from the Virginia beach area onto the barrier islands near Kitty Hawk all the way down to Willmington and back up to complete the loop along the main land. I am taking some new tourists along so I am hoping for some really nice scenery. The one trip report I read from the area was pretty dry with no reference to the area's natural beauty, which left me somewhat worried.

[JimF]

Hi,
We did a reverse loop in '06 of your proposed route, starting and ending in Kitty Hawk (the Adventure Bound Campground was very accommodating, allowing us to leave our car there). Your winds should be more favorable. We traveled US 64/264 south, which was very scenic (along the Alligator River) with low traffic. The shoreline route is beautiful, with plenty of services (maybe too many, except in the National Seashore). The ferries are a major plus. Just check schedules. Enjoy.

[judsonmiller]

Jim, Did you, by any chance, post a journal of your trip. I would love to read more details. I am new to the East Coast and this looked like a lovely trip but I am really clueless. I suppose that is the fun of it!!

[DaveB]

The only negative to riding the Barrier Islands is the wind driven sand and salt spray can be very hard on your bike. Use a dry-type chain lube and plan on a major cleaning once you return to the mainland.  

We used to camp and fish near Hatteras Village and, after a couple of days, our green car looked like it had been painted white.

Otherwise, they are beautiful!