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.

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. 

Day 2 – Southern Outer Banks

Cape Hatteras & Ocracoke Island

As we continue south toward Hatteras Village we can see the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. 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. 

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. 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.

Day 3 – Northern Outer Banks

Corolla & Duck

The Northern Outer Banks is a unique part of the barrier island with more greenery, less sand, and 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.

Further north, stop in Duck for the famous Duck Donuts, tour the historic Whale Head Hunting Club and grounds. And if we’re lucky, we’ll see the wild horses in Corolla.