Outer Banks Adventure Ride

A backdrop of pristine beaches, rolling sand dunes, and serene seaside communities.

Created by the convergence of the warm waters of the Gulf Stream heading north and the cold waters of the Labrador Current heading south, the Outer Banks of North Carolina is a unique chain of barrier islands extending far off the East Coast. The intersection of these currents not only created the Outer Banks but also acts as a global highway for sea turtles, fish, whales, migratory birds, and even bears and deer that frequent the area.

Because of its natural beauty, the Outer Banks of North Carolina has become a world-renowned destination for beachgoing, cycling, kite surfing, fishing, star gazing, and more.

But beware, the area is also known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, named for the many shipwrecks that succumbed to the shifting sands. The infamous pirate, Blackbeard, also reportedly used the narrow inlets as a way to collect tolls in and out of the Pamlico Sound during the early 1700’s.

Important Disclaimer

Carolina Multisports offers this cycling adventure ride at no cost as an informal, unsupported group event. No fees are charged, and no organizational services, sag support, mechanical assistance, or safety oversight are provided.

Carolina Multisports expressly disclaims any and all responsibility or liability for any injury, accident, loss, or damage that may occur during the ride, including but not limited to issues related to participant fitness, equipment failure, route hazards, traffic, weather conditions, or emergencies.

Participants are solely responsible for their own safety, the adequacy and maintenance of their bicycle and gear, all personal expenses. By joining the ride, you acknowledge that you are participating entirely at your own risk.

Please submit a liability waiver prior to arriving.

Bodie Island Lighthouse

Bodie Island (Pronounced “body”) was originally known as Bodie’s Island or Body’s Island and got its name after the first immigrant settler, Robert Boddie or Boddy. With over 2000 documented shipwrecks off the coast of NC, folklore describes a darker reality of the bodies that may have washed ashore at times.

Day 1 – Middle Outer Banks

Nags Head & Manteo

On Day 1 we'll head north along NC-12, tracing the slender ribbon of the Outer Banks through Nags Head. As the ride continues, we'll encounter the trip's most elevation gain: four separate bridge crossings, each spanning over a mile each. While they can get windy at the top, each climb rewards riders with panoramic vistas of the surrounding waterways. The climbs are gradual and sustained, with fun descents following each crest.

After crossing the first bridge, we'll enter the charming historic town of Manteo. It offers shaded streets, waterfront views, and glimpses of attractions like the Roanoke Island Festival Park and the Elizabeth II ship replica. We'll continue across our second bridge back to the mainland before turning around back around for our third and fourth bridge crossings.

The day concludes with a final stretch to camp, with a visit to Bodie Island lighthouse at sunset. We can also go to the lighthouse in the morning at the start of the ride if you want to climb it. ($10 climb fee.)

NC Highway 12

Spanning approximately 138 miles, North Carolina Hwy 12 is designated as a National Scenic Byway. The route provides sweeping views of pristine beaches, rolling sand dunes, and serene seaside communities. Enjoy the refreshing sea breezes while exploring charming villages such as Ocracoke, Hatteras, and Corolla, each rich in maritime heritage and wildlife.

Day 2 – Southern Outer Banks

Cape Hatteras & Ocracoke Island

We'll start Day 2 by driving to Hatteras Village and parking at the old lighthouse location. You'll be able to see the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse but it is currently being renovated and is covered with scaffolding. The grounds are still open and you can see the path where it was moved, standing upright over 2900' inland during 1999. We'll also take moment to check out the free Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum near the ferry.

Upon reaching the Hatteras Ferry Terminal, we'll board the free ferry for a relaxing 75-minute ride to Ocracoke Island. From the deck, keep your eye out for pelicans diving and dolphins surfacing. Enjoy the solitude of the ocean, the refreshing breeze, and a welcome break from the steady pedaling. (You'll only cycle about 55 miles for the day since the route includes the ferry ride.) Bring a light jacket or vest for the ride. It can get chilly after getting sweaty on the bike. There are heated/cooled interior rooms on the ferry where you can also sit and relax.

After arriving on Ocracoke Island, we'll pedal over to Ocracoke Village. After a snack and a few miles of leisurely cycling around the island, we'll take the ferry back to Hatteras and make our return ride to Avon. The evening light along the dunes make for a beautiful end to the day, with the Atlantic on one side and Pamlico Sound on the other.

Whalehead Club

Nestled along the scenic shores of Currituck Sound on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, the historic Whalehead Club stands as an elegant reminder of the region’s storied past. Originally constructed in the 1920s as a luxurious hunting lodge for waterfowl enthusiasts, this striking yellow mansion with its distinctive blue roof welcomes today’s visitors with timeless charm.

Day 3 – Northern Outer Banks

Corolla & Duck

The Northern Outer Banks is a unique part of the barrier island with a rich array of cultural, historical, and recreational attractions.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is always a favorite, featuring eastern America’s largest sand dunes. The soft dunes and consistent winds are what lured the Wright Brothers to North Carolina to test their gliders. (Don't worry about the wind on a bike, you'll get a tail wind at least on half the ride!) The Wright Brothers’ monument is a definite photo op. There is a $10 entrance fee if you want to visit the museum.

Further north, stop in Duck for the famous Duck Donuts, tour the historic Whale Head Hunting Club and grounds and visit the Currituck Lighthouse. ($13 climb fee) And if we’re lucky, we’ll see the wild horses in Corolla.

Outer Banks Adventure Ride

History, Wildlife, and Wind in Your Hair

Discover the Outer Banks by Bike

Join us in the spirit of camaraderie and sport on a 3-day, cycling adventure along the coastal islands of North Carolina. The ride is self-paced and open to all abilities.