Cycling Holidays in the Turks and Caicos

Cycling holidays in the Turks and Caicos attract active travellers who want to explore the ins and outs of the islands. These types of getaways allow cyclists to pair their passion for cycling with a love for sightseeing in a variety of scenery.

There are options to book turnkey biking trips or create your own tailor-made cycling vacation. Whichever option you choose, you will relish the opportunity to explore one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations by bike.

Preparing for a Cycling Holiday in the Turks and Caicos

Preparing for a cycling holiday in the Turks and Caicos is very similar to preparing for any other trip to the Caribbean. You have to train for the trip, decide whether or not you will rent a bike and create a list of the items that you will need on the tip.

Training

Training, which consists of going on bike rides prior to your trip, will help you to be more comfortable on the bike. It will also help you to prepare for the various types of routes you may come across. This will allow you to build up your endurance so that you can keep up with the demands of the cycling trip.

Equipment

The equipment that you will use on the tour is also something to consider. You may choose to take your own bike with you, but if this is not possible, you can rent a bike. Some of the bike rental companies in the Turks and Caicos are Caicos Cyclery, Spot On E-Bike , Feel the Breeze Bike Rentals and Scooter Bob’s Car Rentals. If you do decide to travel with your bike, make sure that it has been serviced and all parts are in good working order. Another tip is to contact the airline to find out how you can fly with a bicycle. The airline should confirm packing requirements, weight limits, and fees.

Pack List

Another consideration when preparing for a cycling holiday in the Turks and Caicos, is what items you should pack. This will depend on how long you are travelling for. Because the islands are in the Caribbean, you will not need heavy gear to keep you warm.

Here is a suggested packing list if you are going to be in the Turks and Caicos for one week of cycling. These items should be added to your regular vacation packing list:

Three pairs of cycling shorts
Three short-sleeved cycling jerseys
One pair of cycling gloves
One pair of arm warmers or a long-sleeved cycling jersey
One lightweight windproof/waterproof jacket
One bicycle helmet
Cycling shoes
One pair of bike pedals (If you are hiring a bike)
Several pairs of socks
Sports bras for women
Polarized sunglasses
Two water bottles
Bike repair kit
Long-lasting/ water resistant sunscreen
Anti-chafe butt cream
Energy snacks
Navigation device
Mini first-aid kit

Cycling Tours in the Turks and Caicos

Although there are not many internationally organised bike tours to the islands, there are several local options for self-guided and guided tours.

East Bay Resort

East Bay Resort offers cycling as one of its activities for its hotel guests. The resort has three guided tours – the Green Tour is 6 miles and takes 2 – 3 hours; the Yellow Tour is 11 miles and takes 4 – 5 hours; and the Red Tour is 19 miles and takes 7-8 hours.

If you are interested in self-guided tours, bicycles are available. All-inclusive guests who booked dive packages can request a bicycle and go exploring for free. Room-only guests can rent bicycles for either four or eight hours at reasonably low rates.

Cycling Routes in the Turks and Caicos

Because the Turks and Caicos is a multi-island state, each island has its own routes. In some cases, it is possible to explore more than one island on one trip because trails utilise bridges and causeways that connect the islands.

Caicos Cycle Trail

The Caicos Cycle Trail is a relatively new cycling route that starts in Bellfield Landing in North Caicos and ends in Middle Caicos. It is approximately 67 miles long and utilises public paved roads. The trail, which allows for a beautiful sightseeing excursion, utilises Dan Henry Arrows which helps riders to stay on route and not get lost.

Leeward to Turtle Cove

The bike trail from Leeward to Turtle Cove is a reasonably easy 12 miles long. Leeward is a picturesque residential area on the northeast end of Providenciales. The other end of the trail is Turtle Cove, which is another residential area that is popular with tourists. After the ride from Leeward to Turtle Cove, cyclists can rejuvenate at a coffee shop or café.

Cycling Safety Tips

Safety should be your first priority whenever you go on a cycling trip in a different country. This is because rules and regulations may differ to what you are familiar with at home. For example, in the Turks and Caicos, there are no dedicated bike lanes. This means that you will be sharing the road with regular traffic. Another fact to note is that traffic drives on the left and not the right.

Before you book that cycling holiday in the Turks and Caicos, here are a few pointers to make your biking experience safer.

Get familiar with the traffic rules: Where possible, read the road traffic regulations for the islands to ensure that you understand what is expected of bicyclists
Wear the right gear: The right gear includes a helmet, sunglasses, reflective clothing such as shirts, vests and armbands, and headlamps for your helmet
Practice safe riding techniques: When riding, use clear hand signals, position yourself in the lane correctly, look around before turning and stay alert.