The arrival of May brings not only warmer cycling weather to much of North America, it also heralds in National Bike Month, when everyone is encouraged to tune up their favorite bike and head out on the road or trailhead.
The arrival of May brings not only warmer cycling weather to much of North America, it also heralds in National Bike Month, when everyone is encouraged to tune up their favorite bike and head out on the road or trailhead.
Published on May 18, 2024
By Jay Pritchard, Travel Writer
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or simply like to cruise around on the weekends, riders of all ages and skills can remember the first time they wobbled away from a loved one without training wheels for the first time, ready to explore the world and the quiet privilege of coasting along on a bicycle at their own leisurely pace. The arrival of May brings not only warmer cycling weather to much of North America, it also heralds in National Bike Month, when everyone is encouraged to tune up their favorite bike and head out on the road or trailhead. And what better way to embrace the arrival of spring than with a few friends and family members joining you on the trip?
The history of bicycle touring is about as old as the bicycle itself. Early riders were quick to experience —and document— the joys of traveling with groups across both well-paved cityscapes while they carved new trails across local scenic pathways. Originating in France in the late 19th-century, bicycle touring quickly took over the countryside of England. British authors like Alfred Dupont Chandler documented their lengthy bike tours of the continent's most sought-after destinations, which included tracing the path of Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury pilgrims, and the route from Calais, France, to Rome, Italy. "Before our trip was over," wrote Chandler after one such expedition in 1881, "we had two books full of sketches of ruins, landscapes, castles, and the like. Such an accomplishment is a great source of pleasure, and on a trip of this kind, one has constant opportunities to exercise and enjoy it.” By the time a group of recreational cyclists in Massachusetts formed the Boston Bicycle Club in 1878, Americans had already embraced the bicycle as a new way to travel, explore, and interact with their surroundings — a romance that continues to this day.
When you set out on one of VBT’s North American tours, you’ll cross the paths of those who pioneered bicycle touring in some of the region’s most popular destinations and natural wonders. The spring and summer months are when the Maine coast comes alive. Explore scenic landscapes and bustling oceanside villages when setting out on VBT's Maine: Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park Self-Guided Tour. From charming artisan shops to waterfront restaurants serving fresh-caught seafood to taking in the views atop Cadillac Mountain, the tour combines all things that make a New England summer unforgettable. Plus, the carefully graded car-free carriage trails on Mount Desert Island are a joy to ride—especially on one of VBT’s gravel bikes. Embrace the charm and natural splendor of the American South when you join VBT's South Carolina & Georgia: Charleston to Savannah Guided Tour, highlighting the vibrant local culture and unmistakable hospitality that have made the region a favorite of visitors across the world. Local guides help you explore everything from the quiet streets of Savannah to the famous Intercoastal Waterway on a tour tailored to both beginning and experienced cyclists. Looking for a little more elevation? Our Canada: Banff National Park & the Canadian Rockies Guided Tour lets you explore romantic mountain enclaves, secluded glacial lakes, and shaded alpine meadows — while allowing you to conclude your day's ride across the untouched Canadian wilderness with a Nordic spa or sauna. When you choose VBT's Arizona: Saguaro National Park & the Sonoran Desert Guided Tour, you can relax poolside under a cool desert moon after spending the cycling sections of the Loop in Tucson, Arizona rated the #1 bike path in the United States. Witness beautiful bird and plant life throughout Buenos Aires National Wildlife Rescue Park before you picnic among the saguaro cacti or pedal through the orchards of a historic Spanish mission community. Nature lovers will also appreciate the abundance of wildlife that can be seen on VBT's Georgia & Florida: Jekyll Island & St. Augustine Guided Tour— where bald eagles fly overhead, and dolphins can sometimes be seen splashing in the distant surf. You can even give your bike a rest when you partake in a guided kayaking trip through the cool coastal waters. When you pedal with VBT in pursuit of the tracks of those who popularized bike touring two centuries ago, you'll do so with advantages they could only dream of. From vehicle support to the availability of E-bikes, comfortable lodging, and meals prepared with fresh local ingredients, VBT vacations mark an evolution in bike touring that makes our North American adventures a truly unforgettable experience.
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