Bike Around Provincetown in the Calm of the Autumn Season

Even though they had a car, Aaron and David  rented bicycles while in PTown.

 

The other day I met two men who were on a quick, mini vacation in Provincetown, packing in as much as they could in a brief trip. David has been visiting us for about 20 years, while this is Aaron’s first time here, so David had all kinds of things he wanted Aaron to see, and do, and taste.
They made the rounds over the short time they had to spend here, having escaped Los Angeles for a very quick trip. They had a car at their disposal while here, but decided to rent bicycles, for the ease of getting around by bike to spots they wanted to visit, and for the sheer enjoyment of pedaling their way from one end of town to the other in this dazzling weather we’re having.

They drove up to Provincetown Bike Rentals (which is just finishing its new parking lot for their customers,) rented a couple of beautiful new bikes, and drove off with them! Ah, but there was method to their madness…They drove to the Far West End of Provincetown (perhaps they were staying somewhere in that neighborhood,) and that’s where their adventure began.

The Breakwater is among PTown's most popular walking spots.

They started out at the Breakwater, the famous granite jetty in the Far West End, hiking the mile-and-a-quarter length of it across the harbor and wetlands out to the shifting sands of Long Point, and that fabulous view.
Once back on terra firma following their hike, they biked out into a bit of the lovely Cape Cod National Seashore, past the saltwater pond that rises with the tide, then pedaled up toward the Far East End.
From there, they made stops all around the town. They even spent some time with horses belonging to a friend, visiting Provincetown’s last remaining bit of pasture. They were packing in the adventures on this trip.

On previous visits, David had ridden all of the various spurs that make up nearly eight miles of gorgeous paved bike trails in PTown, but the two decided that on this trip, with their time here limited, that they would concentrate on exploring the town itself, and showing Aaron around.

These two gentlemen covered an impressive area, visiting a good number of spots during their brief stay, and it was all that much easier navigating the town by bicycle rather than on foot or by car. Aaron says he’ll definitely be back, and plans next time to hit the bike trails, which will be waiting for him.

They managed to visit restaurants all around the town as well; again, easier by bicycle. They commented on great meals they had found, particularly several dishes at the Lobster Pot, the huge lobster roll at Bayside Betsy’s, and the Mayflower’s clam chowder, along with their spaghetti and meatballs.

Bradford Natural Market has great food to take out or eat in.

I met them when they sat down at an outdoor table to gobble down a quick lunch at 141 Bradford Natural Market. Aaron loved his authentic Cuban sandwich, served hot off the Panini grill, and David raved about his Thai Peanut Chicken.
I was there picking up a few groceries and having a little something from their daily hot food bar, having lunch on a welcoming bench in front of the market. I was enjoying the glorious sunshine and a meal I hope to have again sometime. The White Beans with Tarragon over Jasmine Rice was soooo good that I’ll be writing about it shortly.

I had seen the guys pedal up to check in their bikes with Mike, who owns Provincetown Bike Rentals, at 136 Bradford Street, right across from the market. Easy as pie, they were in and out in mere moments, and then they dashed across the road for some food, having just an hour left in Provincetown to eat something, pack their stuff, catch the three o’clock ferry to Boston, and then their plane back to LA.

We chatted a bit between delectable mouthfuls, and then they were off, having had a remarkable, whirlwind, mini vacation in Provincetown, made all the better with a fun, convenient bike rental, this gorgeous weather we’ve been having, and some great food throughout the town.

If you’re planning a visit to Provincetown, consider renting a bike to get around. The Bay State Ferry from Boston extended their schedule by an extra couple of weeks or so this year, so there’s still time, if you’re quick, to get here and enjoy this beautiful fall weather and your own adventure, pedaling around PTown in the serenity of the autumn season. Come join us!

Enjoy Provincetown's Amazing Bike Trails

This bicyclist begins his ride, in the heart of Beech Forest, by
reading the posted trail guide. Trail maps are in the wooden box.

Provincetown has nearly 8 miles of beautiful paved bicycle paths, winding through some of the most gorgeous scenery you'll ever bike through. Take your camera with you for the stunning photo opportunities you'll find all along the way.

Back in the 1960s, about 4,000 acres of Provincetown's beaches, ponds, forests, sand dunes, wetlands, bogs and trails became part of the national park system. About 75% of Provincetown is now part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, and is open to recreation and exploration by the public. 

In addition to theses trails, there are other, unpaved trails through forested areas, suitable for mountain bikes. The Old Colony Nature Pathway is readily accessible from Howland Street, Snail Road, Mayflower Heights and Mount Gilboa Road.
Many people ride on the roads and highways around town, and all along Route 6A, through the Beach Point area of North Truro, just south of PTown.

Of course, every day in the summertime a few thousand people take their lives in their hands by riding along Commercial Street, which is an efficient, though sometimes frustrating way, to get around. The use of bicycles takes many cars off the road and eases traffic through town, but that still leaves so many cars on the streets in the summertime that bicycling can can be rather stop-and-go, while riders are dodging vehicles, pedestrians, skateboarders and baby carriages along the full length of the town's main thoroughfare.

This map of the Province Lands trails is available online, or at the visitor center,
or sometimes in wooden boxes at the various trail heads.  Click on it to enlarge.

Biking on Commercial Street in the height of the summer season is not for the faint of heart, and has proven far too harrowing for many a would-be cyclist.

Some of the bike trails can be challenging as well, with steep grades, sharp curves, and occasional flooding in underpasses and other low spots.

Sand and other debris can blow onto the trails, making for dangerous conditions.

For folks who simply want to enjoy the pleasure of a leisurely ride through wooded glades, that can be done by taking the shuttle bus or driving to Beech Forest, taking advantage of the free parking found there, and riding the short distance to Bennet Pond, or, in the other direction, to the Province Lands Visitor Center, which is well worth a stop. The visitor center is also a good spot to park for free, have a picnic, and go for a walk or ride on the bike trail.

The parking areas at Race Point and Herring Cove beaches are also good access points for the trails, but you'll pay sizable fees to park there during the summer months. The cost of parking at the beaches can be avoided by taking your bike with you on the shuttle bus to either beach, but you'll want to be first in line to board the bus. Only two bikes at a time can be carried on the shuttle.

Look for this pamphlet to help
you bike around town safely.

The National Park Service offers a trail map and safety guide with tips on riding and rules for these trails. Get this pamphlet, read it, and heed it. Serious accidents happen when bikers go too fast, or round a bend where accumulated wind-blown sand will stop their bike cold, sending the rider right over the handle bars. Helmets are required by law for riders age 16 and younger, and are highly recommended for anyone riding any of the streets or trails of Provincetown.

The town also provides a bike map and safety guide, with a list of bike rental shops and locations, available at the Chamber of Commerce (on Lopes Square), at the Tourism Office (at the corner of Commercial and Freeman streets,) and in the literature display in the lobby at Town Hall, found at 260 Commercial Street. Sadly, the Outer Cape Bike Shuttle mentioned in this pamphlet is no longer in service.

Bike rental shops are also likely to have maps, guides and safety information. Please… pay attention, ride safely, and don't be the cause of serious injury to yourself or others.

Bicycling around here can be a good means of transportation through the town, and it can also be great fun. Getting out on the trails can be exhilarating, and can lead you to unparalleled scenic vistas, with stunning views all along the way. Enjoy your ride!