Biking along 30A
We rented bikes for the week during our vacation at the beach. This was one of the main reasons I wanted to find a rental on this stretch of beach, because I knew from past experiences how easy the bike trail was to access and how we could have varied rides during our stay. While we do have bikes, we chose to rent because we knew the salt air and the occasional dirt/sand paths would not be gentle on our bikes and bike gears. Renting bikes for our whole family (5 bikes and a wohoo attachment for the toddler) for 5 days was definitely a big part of our budget.
State Park Ride
Our first ride started a little chilly (therefore the layers) but ended up a balmy 70 degree. We chose a shorter ride and we estimate we rode about 10 miles. The going is mostly flat along 30A which makes it family friendly.
Since I am used to pulling my youngest along, and the bike shop was out of trailer, he rode in a woohoo. It was fun for him as he felt like he was riding the bike and had a good view of everything. The only thing he did not like was when I would stop and get off the bike: the bike did fall over once and that scared him!
We ended up at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and rode aroud there for a little bit. It was neat so see the different plants growing. I can always tell when we are in Florida by the vegetation.
The different types of palms are always interesting and there are always pines of different types too.
This picture is courtesy of the 3 year old: I thought he did a pretty good job and this blue sky is a good representation of the majority of the weather we had all week.
Small Towns
The next two rides we took where through the small towns of Seaside and Watercolor which have really pretty houses and some back trails and parks.
While the main bike trail is paved, we came across a couple of paths (off the beaten path( that were wood or sandy). The boys really enjoyed the variety. I also was pleased with how much shade we had for most of our ride… Well not where we took this pictures.
There are 11 dune lakes along scenic 30A and are a nice variety in landscape. This one was in Watercolor and the bridge we rode was really neat with these glass blown lamps along it.
On the last day we decided to see how far we could go. My goal was Deer Lake State Park which was 9 miles form our condo and with some complaining, we made it. We had a picnic we we got there. The total for that ride was a little over 18 miles because once again we added some back roads in Seaside and even stopped to play at the playground there.
Of course the off road trails were the boys favorites. Not so much for me with pulling a 30 pound child behind me!
So while a third of our vacation’s budget (not including the rental) was for the bikes, it was sure worth it. Exercise, scenery, and family time were worth it!
The rest of our budget was for food: I have never spent so much money on food for one week! Between Florida prices (yikes, : shopping at Publix about killed me) and buying meat to grill as well as condiments, etc, I was having a hard time fathoming how money was going so fast on food!
Come back on Friday for a little tour of Alys Beach: that resort town is absolutely gorgeous!
A bientôt!
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36 Comments
Nancy
Oh wow, I can’t wait to cycle again! But it is stunning there. It is now to cold for me to step on my bicycle!
mimifce
That how is how I feel about walking in the evening with my friends since I got back: it has been too cold and we haven’t yet!
Jennifer
I love taking bike rides but it’s also been awhile for me!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
mimifce
Buying bikes for our family last January was a great investment. We were not sure how much we would use them but we do enjoy it. Hopefully even more next Spring.
Ellibelle
Great pictures and loving all those Florida plants. Your 3 year old did a fantastic job with the photo! And how gorgeous are those glass blown lamps!
Ellibelle’s Corner
mimifce
Aren’t those plants cool? Yep, not bad for a 3 year old taking a pic!
Joanne
That sounds fun! I bet I wouldn’t mind biking where it’s nice and flat. New England is torture for biking since nothing is flat. We too were pretty stunned at food prices in Florida when we went– $8 for a pound of bacon on sale nearly killed me when my husband insisted it was vacation and he wanted bacon and eggs each day (with 6 of us 1 pound doesn’t last more than one meal).
mimifce
Flat is a must if I am going to pull a child! And yes the bacon was still that price at Publix! It was a little bit better at Walmart but still pricey! We seriously probably spent 3 times our usual grocery budget for a week. But that is why we save for vacations so we can not worry about it.
jodie filogomo
This is such a great idea for an activity on vacation and definitely worth the money!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
mimifce
We had a couple of hours of fun each day we rode and no wear and tear on our own bikes so a win win.
Michelle
Looks like a great time all around! So glad you didn’t have to deal with any actual alligators. Yikes!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
mimifce
I hear there are some big ones out there. My husband sometimes sees them on his trip to Louisana. I have only seen one or two small ones in swampy ponds or rivers before.
Veronica Lee
It would be scary to encounter an alligator!
I enjoyed this bike ride with you, Mimifee!
Love the fabulous photos!
mimifce
Thanks, Veronica! Thankfully, no alligator encounters!
Penny
It’s really interesting to see your bike trips and the lovely scenery. Many years ago one holiday we took was a bike trip around a certain part of France. I remember how good it was to do this with our kids. Happy days. Great post x
mimifce
Oh, that would be so nice! We had bikes when we lived in France but I really only remember biking once in the countryside. That would be fun and so pretty!
Laurie
I’m seriously thinking about getting a bike now that I live in the countryside. No alligators here though! xx
mimifce
I have never seen one while biking or hiking, just when doing nature ride or trails where we were actually looking to see one. And always small ones far away.
Gentry Blackwood
30A is my favorite spot in Florida- although fun fact… I’m scared of riding bikes!! ha. This looks like such a beautiful way to spend your time though! I’m glad y’all enjoyed your trip so much!
mimifce
And it was so fun meeting your aunt! I was so sure she was going to name a blogger I had never heard of but no… It was you!
Diane
I haven’t cycled in ages, this truly inspired me to start again
http://www.fruityandpassion.com/2020/11/a-trip-to-punta-cana.html#more
mimifce
We really enjoy it as a family!
Laura Bambrick
Beautiful scenery! I love those glass blown lamps!
mimifce
They sure are pretty!
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
I did so much running this past spring and summer and it got me thinking I should get a bike!! I could explore so much more on the trails and quicker. Lol! I love your tee with those camo pants! So cute!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
mimifce
A bike is kind of cool for exercise. I do definitely walk or run more (well until this week, still haven’t moved..)
Jill
What beautiful paths for a bike ride! I’m terrified of alligators and would have freaked out if I saw one! Those glass blown lamps are so cool!
Jill – Doused in Pink
mimifce
I have never seen a big one!
Lovely
This looks like a fun bike trip! The glass blown lamp looks lovely.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
mimifce
Yes, those lamps were really cool!
Celyn
This looked like such a fun bike ride! So many beautiful photos, it really is so nice to be out in nature!
Life is a Shoe
mimifce
It sure is!
Lizzie
I love those pants on you!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
mimifce
Thank you! I am glad I tried them because I like them a lot!
Shelbee on the Edge
What a cool place to ride bikes! I have seen alligators just out and about like that a few times when I have visited Florida and it is really quite intimidating! And why does food cost so darn much money? It is ridiculous how much we spend on food just staying home! What am I going to do when these boys become teens?! I love your idea of renting bikes for the week! You can see so much more of the landscape that way!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
mimifce
Yep, the boys eat more and more. It helps when I make homemade snacks or when I look for budget meals on pinterest but my grocery budget sure has increased over the years. Worse on vacay though, much worse!