Cycling

Cycling is a year-round activity in Bermuda and you will find the roadways smooth and narrow with challenging hills on any ride. Living in a central parish, Paget, I normally either ride west to Dockyard or east around Harrington Sound.

Western Loop (45 km)

The western route is a beautiful and challenging ride with sweeping vistas of Bermuda's south shore beaches.  Start near Bermuda College and head west along the South Shore. Take caution at the Coral Beach hill past Elbow Beach public access since this is the site of my last wipe-out which destroyed my custom-made Gardin bike :-(. Continue along South Shore past the beautiful Bermuda beaches but keep your head up at Warwick Long Bay for horseback trail riders (I recommend giving horses the right of way!).

Continue along South Shore until you reach Middle Road at Barnes Corner.  Take a left on Middle Road and continue westward until just past Somerset Bridge - the world's smallest drawbridge with just enough room to fit a sailboat's mast through. After taking care on the bridge, take the next right along Bermuda's Railway Trail.  This section of the trail in Somerset is paved quite smooth and perfect for cycling and in-line skating with stunning views of Hamilton Harbour.

About 1 mile down the trail, take a right on Soundview Road.  Follow this towards the harbour, then jog right, then left onto East Shore Drive which leads into Somerset.  Turn right in Somerset and continue heading west towards Dockyard.  The headwind can sometimes get quite intense on Watford Bridge but is usually clear of traffic. Enter through the gates to Dockyard and loop completely around the Arts Centre and Cooperage buildings and back home!

Eastern Loop (30 km)

Another scenic route with golf course views and difficult hilly terrain.  Beginning again near Bermuda College (this just happens to be where I live), take the South Shore road east past the Trimingham roundabout and Botanical Gardens.  Continue along South Shore road past Collector's Hill, up McGall's Hill,and just past Spittal Pond, veer off to the right along the rugged shoreline and John Smith's Bay. Continue through Mid-Ocean golf club towards Tucker's Town and then take a left on Paynter's Road.  This winds along Marriot golf club grounds towards Harrington Sound.  Take a right on Harrington Sound road and follow the sound until you reach ____. Turn right onto _____ and pass by Leamington & Crystal caves until you link up with Middle Road.

At this point either turnaround and head back, or take a left onto Middle Road towards Flatts. In Flatts, turn left on Harrington Sound road, link back up with Paynter's Road and continue back along the South Shore.

Time Trial Training

During the summer, regular time trials are held on Tuesday nights at the former US Naval Baselands. Also, Saturday morning is a popular time for some early-birds, leaving from the Birdcage in Hamilton at 7:00am.

Racing

Regular time trial races are also held throughout the year.  Check in at New Winners Edge on Front Street in Hamilton for details on upcoming events.   Otherwise, check out the Bermuda Bicycle Association website at www.bermudabicycle.org.