The smallest of the 50 states in geographic area, Rhode Island rightfully draws it's moniker "The Ocean State" from its 400 miles of coastline -- including the popular summer vacation spot of Block Island, where we'll spend our last night of the tour.  ).  All that water and coastline mean that even in July, cycling is a great way to enjoy the scenery and sights, while the vibrant seasonal business scene ensures that a place to grab a cold lemonade or some ice cream is never very far away.  And of course we'll consume plenty of fresh, delicious New England seafood from authentic local restaurants throughout the week! This week leans a little bit toward a sightseeing vacation with your bike, vs. an intense week of trail riding. We think it's the right formula for July! 

We'll meet and spend our first evening at the waterfront Hilton Garden Inn Providence at India Point on Narragansett Bay, the next night at the stately bayside Bristol Harbor Inn, then enjoy a two night stay at the Atlantic Beach Hotel & Suites, overlooking Newport's "First Beach", and within view of the famous 3.5 mile Cliff Walk that showcases the spectacular beauty of Newport's shoreline with the architectural history of the city's Gilded Age. Finally we'll take the ferry to Block Island for a great day of cycling, beaching and exploring the bustling waterfront town of New Shoreham, and conclude with an overnight at the lovely Blue Dory Inn, a B&B style small inn overlooking the water.

Senior Cycling does NOT have E-bikes available for rent.  Of course, you are welcome to bring your own Class 1 (Pedal-assist only) E-bike on this tour.  

Intermediate Plus, On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being most difficult, this tour is rated a 3.  Although total distance is just 70 miles of riding over 4 days, there are a few moderate hills. The routes are all paved and suitable for all bicycles. On the mainland, there are substantial sections of on-road riding, most in marked bike lanes. On Block Island, all the riding is on-road, but bicycles are everywhere and traffic is slow and respectful.  

Suggested tire size for this tour: 32mm and larger 

Please review Senior Cycling's Cancellation Policy here.  

And, Please purchase trip insurance. Especially at our age, even though no one expects or wants it, health issues arise and accidents happen.  At Travelinsurance.com you can get quotes for coverage from several different providers and get all your questions answered about different levels of coverage, such as "Cancel For Any Reason (COFR)" polices and Pre-Existing Condition waivers. Allianz Travel Insurance and TravelGuard by AIG are also well-known companies with reasonable rates. Please check it out and protect your travel investment.

Check in at 3:00 p.m. and gather in the lobby to get acquainted with each other. If you're renting a bike from us, look for us in the parking lot to get your assigned bike fitted and adjusted perfectly for you. After that we'll walk next door to the famous Narragansett Brewery to discuss our plans and expectations for the week over a Rhode Island native beverage and some dinner on their deck overlooking the bay. 

15 miles -- Today we'll ride right out from our hotel following the gorgeous East Bay Bike Path south, enjoying water views half the time and go straight to lunch on the waterfront. Then we'll check in to our luxurious accommodations at the Bristol Harbor Inn, in time to enjoy the afternoon relaxing on a deck overlooking the water or exploring the town. You can extend your morning ride by stopping and taking in some extra natural wonder at the Audubon Society Nature Preserve 3.3 miles north of town, or with a visit to Colt State Park, on the peninsula across Bristol Harbor from our hotel. 

 15 miles. We'll start with a quick 20 minute van ride over the Mt. Hope Bridge ride down to the Newport Polo Grounds, on the east side of Aquidneck Island, which hosts the towns of Portsmouth, Middletown, and Newport. There we'll saddle up and follow country roads to explore the quiet side of the Island, first visiting the picturesque and aptly named Sweet Berry Farm, then doubling back to visit a local vineyard to enjoy our lunch and taste wine (optional of course). We'll work off lunch while taking in the salt air riding to the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge jutting out where the Sakonnet River meets the Atlantic. Just a few more miles' pedal  along the oceanfront takes us to our hotel, right across from Newport's expansive "First Beach" and within sight of the famous Cliff Walk. 

12 miles -- To make sure you don't miss any of Newport's spectacular vistas, after a quick breakfast we'll take a 12 mile loop ride from our hotel, down Bellevue Avenue past the Cliff Walk mansions to the water, then head west along the shore over to Brenton Point, back north past the Castle Hill Lighthouse and U.S. Coast Guard Station, and visit Fort Adams, a majestic 19th century fort at the mouth of Newport Harbor that now serves as the host of the annual Newport Jazz and Newport Folk Festivals. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch on the waterfront and then pedal back to our hotel. You'll have the afternoon to return by bike or on foot to visit the Cliff Walk and/or downtown Newport which features the church where JFK & Jacqueline Onassis were married as well as the International Tennis Hall of Fame, along with many cute boutiques and art galleries. 

 13.6 miles - After breakfast we'll check out of our hotel, load into the van and head over to the ferry terminal at Point Judith for the ferry ride to Block Island. Upon arrival we'll set out on a ride around the island, followed by lunch at a - you guessed it - waterfront cafe. After lunch we'll check into our delightful Victorian B&B style inn which features beach access, beach chairs and towels included. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore or relax. We'll enjoy dinner together celebrating all we've seen and done and new friends made, and maybe enjoy some of the Island's summer nightlife or just a quiet evening listening to the waves. 

Today we'll enjoy where we are with a leisurely full breakfast and perhaps another stroll along the waterfront before catching a late morning ferry back to the mainland. Then we'll make the 40 minute drive back up to Providence, returning to the Hilton Garden Inn if you've left your car there, or dropping you at the airport if you're utilizing T.F. Green Airport.