Whether for a leisurely ride through the lanes South of the Highway, or for a more heart throbbing mountain bike adventure in the woods, East Hampton offers many options for bicycle enthusiasts of all ages …
Our Go-To Bike Shop!
Our go-to rental shop is Khanh Sports. Khanh has all kinds of bikes, from Benelli & Big Cat, Electricals to Elliptigo, Sun Tricycles; but my favorite bike for a ride to the beach is the Pure City Classic.
Let us know in advance the ages and sizes of your party, and we can arrange for Khanh to drop off bikes for you at the inn, with helmets & baskets if you want. Or bring your own! We can also supply you with customized maps for your ride.
Ride the Surf and Turf!
One of J’s favorite rides on his customized mountain bike (always maintained by Khanh) is Hither Hills 1,’ also known as ‘the Surf and Turf.’ No matter the name, it is outrageous! It runs about six miles, has stunning scenic views along water and grass flats. Bring your camera!
This ride has a little of everything including easy cruising on abandoned old semi-paved roads and smooth grassy double tracks, as well as some tight, twisting, single track. Elevation is rarely more than 100 feet, but there are a lot of challenging ups and downs so you can make it into a heavy workout if you want to.
Riding to Montauk — or Part Way There!
The Montauk Highway (Route 27) between East Hampton and Montauk has good bike shoulders, but it is more fun, in general, to take the lanes south of the highway. The roads are not as wide but they also have much less traffic. And, should you decide to detour to any of the beaches, no parking permit is required.
You can even go to Amagansett’s Indian Wells beach that is off limits for car parking except for Amagansett residents. Just remember, if you decide to ride all the way to Montauk Point (19.5 miles on the highway) it feels like most of the way home is uphill!
Cycling Sag Harbor!
There are bike lanes along Route 114 to Sag Harbor (7.3 miles), which is a lovely village to visit, do some light shopping and have lunch. If you want to explore Shelter Island, I would suggest taking the bikes to the ferry by car and crossing over just with the bikes.
We have spent endless hours exploring the island by bike and still discover new little nooks and crannies. But, again, riding home to the Mill House Inn from the ferry seems a lot longer than getting there!
Bike to the Beach and Peek at the Cottages!
But closest to home, and for my taste, more fun (though not necessarily as good exercise), is packing a picnic, a towel and a couple bottles of water in your bicycle basket, and taking a leisurely ride to Main Beach and through Georgica. Dawdle up and down the lanes and peek at the big Summer Cottages hidden behind tall hedgerows.
Maybe even take a copy of Steven Gaines’ book Philistines at the Hedgerows with you for reference points. Don’t tell them I told you to but, on your bicycles, you can even sneak a ride down West End Road (a private road!) where Martha Stuart and Steven Spielberg live on Georgica Pond. Steven’s house, Quelle Barn, is the one with the T-Rex weather vane!
For more cycling adventures check out:
- Town of East Hampton Trail Guides East
- Town of East Hampton Trail Guides West
- Velojoy’s Guide to Biking the Hamptons
- East Hampton North Cycling Trails
- MTB Project East Hampton Trails
And then home to the Mill House Inn. We have bike racks in the parking lot and cold strawberry-lemonade at the ‘Nack Bar! Call us or email us today to reserve bikes or plan your ride!
– Sylvia
