Cycling in Tortola

Cycling in Tortola is becoming increasingly popular.
Let’s face it, cycling along the coastal road will be a completely adrenalin pumping experience; taking you past as many picturesque beaches and bays as you can manage before you just have to go down to one and jump in that inviting water! 

BVI Cycling Federation

One of the possible reasons for the expanding interest in cycling might be the work of the BVI Cycling Federation, which has recently been recognized by the Olympic Committee and organizes races throughout the season, including the annual TRI-BVI Triathlon. You’ll often see cyclists training early in the mornings – if you do early mornings!

Last Stop Sports at Nanny Cay’s Red Shed has a wide range of mountain and leisure bike rentals for visitors to Tortola. Most of the rentals tend to be mountain bikes which have a wider gear selection for those steep climbs – and powerful brakes for those hair-raising descents. All of the bikes are supplemented by a mandatory helmet, lock, pump, water bottle and a seat pack (in case you should go off road and get a puncture). You would be best served by bringing your own cycling shorts and shoes but everything else you can obtain here.

Cycling Options, fun or hardcore training

There are so many options available for cycling in Tortola. Purely recreational cyclists can take the level, paved roads along the coast but the more adventurous will revel in the dramatic slopes which wind round Tortola’s hills or the rugged trails through the inland forest.

Some of the challenging rides available include going from Road Town to East End, where you have a five hill climb – all of them steep; one of them precipitously so. You might also want to cycle along the ‘spine’ of the island and follow Ridge Road, where the road follows the contour line, dipping through the ‘ghuts’ – stream valleys – and then up again to the next peak. People claim that the section of Ridge Road which goes east past Great Mountain Road exemplifies Ridge Road at its very best. 

You’ll feel completely intoxicated by the stunning views and the wonderful air. The long mountain glide past Belle Vue Road towards East End will delight you with some superb views of the outlying islands. The locals call the legendary hill at the end of Ridge Road up Lambert Bay Road by the intimidating name of the ‘East End Wall’. 

The final popular ride I’ll mention here – but far from being the last one that could be mentioned – is the dirt Back Road to Smuggler’s Cove, which has, in parts, a Mediterranean feel to it, then some lovely views of other islands, a trip through the forested area and then a bumpy plunge down to Smuggler’s Cove.
There are some delightful – and invigorating- rides for those who want to try cycling in Tortola. 

It’s a great way to see the island at close quarters and have an adrenalin rush on dry land! My idea of a great ride is to start at the top of a mountain, and cruise down. Then get someone with a truck to give you a lift back up!

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