Vacationing on the Outer Banks

2013-05-15 2:48 PM

Expert

1481

Subject: Vacationing on the Outer Banks

We're going to be in the Kitty Hawk area and I was wondering about the roads for cycling and also about doing OWS on the channel side.

On the cycling if I wanted to go all the way to Hatteras and back what condition are the roads in? Are there a lot of traffic lights making building up any momentum hard? Would I be better off going over the Memorial Bridge back on the main land? Can I actually cross the bridge on a bike?

On the OWS is there a lot of boat traffic? How are the currents?

Thanks in advance.

2013-05-15 4:11 PM

in reply to: #4744157

Veteran

434

Apex, NC

Subject: RE: Vacationing on the Outer Banks

In general, I love training when vacationing on the OBX. It isn't without drawbacks though. Depending on where you are in Kitty Hawk and how far you want to ride, you probably want to ride north (Southern Shores / Duck / Corolla). There is traffic on 12 but if you're early in the AM it's minimized (not necessarily minimal). It's definitely doable though. You'll be able to go a fair way, can't remember how far, before the road turns to sand. You will probably not want to go South because you'll be traveling through all the commerce and congestion. Again, it depends on where you are in Kitty Hawk. If you do go south and make it through all the stuff, the highway opens up again. I wouldn't think you would want to ride back over the bridge. Oh yeah, also be ready for lots of wind.

As to swimming in the sound. I've swum there many times but never trained there, nor do I think I would want to although I'm sure some will call me a wuss. There are jellyfish, in certain seasons a LOT of them. Add to that the fact that there is a lot of boat and jet ski traffic. And finally, the water quality isn't bad but I wouldn't call it pristine.

If you go the week of June 9 we might pass on the road. Enjoy!

2013-05-15 8:14 PM

in reply to: #4744157

Expert

1481

Subject: RE: Vacationing on the Outer Banks

Thanks for your reply. July 4th week we'll be there. Are the jellies an issue close by the beach?

2013-05-16 9:14 AM

in reply to: #4744556

Veteran

434

Apex, NC

Subject: RE: Vacationing on the Outer Banks

Are you referring to the ocean or the sound? I guess the answer is the same either way. Overall, it is quite variable and I don't know whether it's related to tide, temp, or what. But to answer your question they are present around the beach, some trips a lot, other trips a little.

2013-05-16 10:49 AM

in reply to: #4744157

Expert

1481

Subject: RE: Vacationing on the Outer Banks

Thanks. I just meant in general. Not so much for me, not that I enjoy getting stung, but for the kids.

2013-05-16 4:55 PM

in reply to: #4745230

Veteran

434

Apex, NC

Subject: RE: Vacationing on the Outer Banks

Ah, no worries there. In 36 years going there I can think of only once or twice when there were enough where we actually had to worry about them a little in the ocean. All other times there is an occasional one as a curiousity but the kids are good to go.

tricrazy

2013-05-16 6:27 PM

in reply to: #4744157

Master

2009

Charlotte, NC

Subject: RE: Vacationing on the Outer Banks

I would definitely cycle north towards Corolla and not south. I love training in the OBX except for it is so flat.

2013-05-17 4:21 PM

in reply to: smoom

Expert

1481

Subject: RE: Vacationing on the Outer Banks

Cool thanks to both of you. What about crossing the bridges for longer rides on the mainland?

JollyRoger

2013-05-22 6:11 PM

in reply to: everlong

Regular

609

Raleigh

Subject: RE: Vacationing on the Outer Banks

The bridges are generally "OK" out-of-season and if you go early "in season". I frequently drive over the bridge over Oregon Inlet, park in the lot on the left on the other side and then ride down to Hatteras Light and back (about 80 miles). Not too bad as long as you're careful. I avoid going north on 12 towards Duck in the summer because of traffic.

Another option is to park at the NC aquarium in Manteo (also the site of "the Old Swimming Hole" where the OBX Tri swim takes place and most open water practice is held). Ride over the Manns Harbor Bridge (much less busy than the others); turn right when you hit the "new" Rt. 64 for just a short while and then left on 264. You then have miles of relatively quiet (although flat, straight and somewhat boring) road from there to Stumpy Point and beyond. Unless you want a really long ride it will have to be "out and back" though.

For shorter rides I'm very comfortable riding up and down "the beach road" through Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and down as far as Oregon Inlet. You do need to stay alert for vacationers pulling in/out of driveways and green trash cans though! (and seagulls - one hit me once!)

Hope this helps?

riltri

2013-05-22 7:22 PM

in reply to: 0

Regular

147

Subject: RE: Vacationing on the Outer Banks

Ride over the bridges on Hwy 264 west then turn left, staying on 264, towards Engelhard as Jolly Roger suggests. Very, very little traffic, but watch out for black bear.....seriously. Also bring lots of fluids and repair kit. You will be in the middle of no-where.

Edited by riltri 2013-05-22 7:24 PM

2013-05-23 12:53 PM

in reply to: riltri

Expert

1481

Subject: RE: Vacationing on the Outer Banks

Thanks that helps a lot.

eastcoastwahine

2013-05-31 2:24 PM

in reply to: everlong

Member

Subject: RE: Vacationing on the Outer Banks

if you're worried about jellyfish you might want to pick up a bottle of safe sea. I know you can get it online. It's sunscreen with a jellyfish repellent.
I have no idea how it works but my son and I wear it in the summer and have never had a problem. We're also on the coast of north carolina.

2013-06-04 1:50 PM

in reply to: eastcoastwahine

Expert

1481

Subject: RE: Vacationing on the Outer Banks

Very cool I had never heard of Sea Safe, thanks.

orreo5859

2013-06-17 10:15 AM

in reply to: everlong

Veteran

157

Wilson, NC (East of Raleigh, NC)

Subject: RE: Vacationing on the Outer Banks

"For shorter rides I'm very comfortable riding up and down "the beach road" through Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and down as far as Oregon Inlet. You do need to stay alert for vacationers pulling in/out of driveways and green trash cans though! (and seagulls - one hit me once!) "

I ride this way also alot. I have stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Kitty Hawk and rode the beach road 10 miles South to the Comfort Inn on the beach right across from the bridge and back. It's a nice easy flat ride but easy to get 20+ miles in and see the sights. You can stop at the pier or any of the beach acess roads for great early am pictures.

2013-06-17 10:49 AM

in reply to: everlong

Veteran

434

Apex, NC

Subject: RE: Vacationing on the Outer Banks

Just an update. I spent last week in Duck. For the first time in the OBX I did an OWS in the ocean. We had a day with unusually calm waves so I swam for 40 minutes just beyond the break (which was gentle). I was never more than 20-30 feet from shore. Since I know there are sharks in the area, I was a little creeped out but relied on the whole "more people are killed by vending machines (or choose your rare phenomenon) than by sharks" thing.

I should say though that in general, I would not recommend OWS in the ocean on the OBX. The rips and currents are usually far too unpredictable.

mghawaly

2013-07-23 10:04 PM

in reply to: smoom

Member

132

Subject: RE: Vacationing on the Outer Banks

I am heading down to the obx in a couple of weeks. It has been great to read this thread. I will be starting to taper for Louisville so some 40m rides should be in order. I will probable ride up and down the highway roads and watch for seagulls and trashcans. Thanks to all those that posted.

marine10k

2013-09-05 8:53 AM

in reply to: mghawaly

Member

130

Catonsville

Subject: RE: Vacationing on the Outer Banks

Just saw this thread. I am currently vacationing in Nags Head. I have had some great rides here. There is a bike trail/route in Kitty Hawk. It starts just off the road going towards Collington Island. It is well marked and runs along the Bay through Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk and eventually ends at mile post 1. If you cross route 158 (the road to the mainland) the road will take you to Duck, along the Bay. It is a great ride with very little traffic. From Nags Head, I can ride 35 miles. I also ride south from Nags Head. At whalebone junction I turn left onto Old Oregon Inlet Road which has very little traffic. I ride this road for about 6 miles to where it runs into Route 12. About a mile south is the turn to Bodie Island lighthouse. Today I rode to Oregon inlet and back. Traffic was not too bad. There is about a 5 foot shoulder to the bridge. Then it narrows to about 2 feet. It was a great ride! I would recommend these rides the next time you are in OBX.