Biking in Acadia

[ValerieJo]

We plan on renting bicycles at the pier in Bar Harbor to ride at our own pace around Acadia. Has anyone done this? How hard of a ride is this? Would a 50ish, plus size person be able to ride the caridge roads at an easy pace? Does the bus take you and your bike to the park? Would we be able to ride to Jordan's Pond restaurant for lunch or is it too far to ride?

 

Any pointers, clues, or help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks.:confused:

[SailBadtheSinner]

I did a Googl search on biking acadia national park. 99,000 hits; here are 3 they maybe helpful.

 

http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_national_park/me/bik_acad.htm

 

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/acadianationalpark/0364020671.html

 

http://www.epinions.com/content_4506230916

 

Here are 3 bike shops you can rent from:

Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop, 141 Cottage St. (tel. 207/288-3886),

Acadia Outfitters, 106 Cottage St. (tel. 207/288-8118),

Acadia Bike & Canoe, 48 Cottage St. (tel. 207/288-9605).

 

I would call one of the bike shops to try to get answers to your questions but

IMHO if you are currently not a bike rider and do not have time to get in shape, I would not do it.

When was the last time you rode a bike? Borrow one and give it try. See how far you can ride.

Consider this - How much time is the cruise ship staying in Bar Harbor?

 

If you want to get to Jordan Pond Restaurant, take the free Island Explorer (seasonal) bus. A route #5 bus goes direct to Jordan Pond; a #4 does the Park Loop Road which includes stopping at Jordan Pond.

 

Island Explorer home: http://www.exploreacadia.com/index.htm

 

You board the IE at the BH town green which is located up Main St on the right, about 2 bocks from the tender dock.

 

 

 

SBtS

[F02]

I agree with SailBadtheSinner's advice not to rent a bike unless you cycle regularly - and even then. Bar Harbor and Acadia are hilly and there is traffic.