Cycle North Carolina Coastal Ride (Oriental)

The Cycle North Carolina Coastal Ride offers participants and their families a fun-filled 3-day weekend while both on and off the bike.


Start your day by hopping on your bike and exploring one of the many fully supported routes this ride has to offer. Each day will feature a variety of routes ranging anywhere from 15 miles to 100 miles. The flat roads and minimal traffic counts will allow you to fully experience all of the sights and sounds of the Oriental area including an abundance of coastal wildlife and many historic sites that are deeply rooted to the local communities.

Oriental also has plenty of activities for when you are off of the bike. Those that are feeling adventurous can take a kayak expedition or do a little paddle boarding. Those looking to relax might prefer to explore the mix of boutiques, antique shops and restaurants in the downtown area. This will be the sixth time Oriental has hosted the event.

Disclaimer: GetHiking Charlottesville Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were riding alone. With your RSVP, you agree with this disclaimer.

Notes:

1. You must register at https:https://ncsports.org/event/cyclenc_coastal_ride/register/. Fees increase after 9/30/2025. I have selected 4:30pm - 5:15pm meal time for Saturday (4/25).
2. Indoor or outdoor camping is included with the registration. I plan to camp outdoors and check-in on April 23, 2026.
3. Suggested trip equipment: helmet, warm/wet-weather gear, repair kit/spare tube/pump, cash, cell phone, ID/car keys, sunglasses, sunscreen, snack/drink, cable lock.
4. Tentative itinerary to be posted a week before the ride. My plan is to ride together as much as possible and group riders based on the ride distance you have selected and your ability level.

4/21/2026
Final Itinerary: Events are optional and subject to change. Please see the Coastal Ride daily schedule (https://ncsports.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-CR-Daily-Schedule.pdf) for other events and activities that you may be interested in.
Thursday (4/23): 84F/61F, mostly sunny.
1 - 3 pm - Check-in at Oriental United Methodist Church (404 Freemason St) and set-up tent site.
5 pm - Dinner at M & M's (205 Water St).
Friday (4/24): 85F/62F, mostly sunny.
9 am - Meet at the Start/Finish banner in Lou Mac Park (South Ave) for the day's ride. I plan to ride 38 miles (yellow).
5 pm - Dinner at The New Village Brewery & Taproom (702 Broad St). Food trucks and live music in the Beer Garden.
Saturday (4/25): 84F/59F, partly cloudy.
8 am - Meet at the Start/Finish banner for the day's ride. I plan to ride 67 miles (white).
4:30 pm - CNC Coastal Ride Social Dinner (waterfront along South Ave). Bring a chair. Dinner will be served from 4:30-7:30pm – don’t forget your wristband color corresponds to your meal time! There will be free beer from Oskar Blues Brewery at the CNC Coastal Ride Beverage Garden plus live music from Notta Band. Regular Menu: BBQ Pork, Fried Chicken, Steamed Shrimp, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, String Beans, Pasta Salad, Banana Pudding Vegetarian/Vegan Menu: Vegetarian Lasagna, Black Beans, Portabella Steak, Pasta Salad, Slaw, Salad, Vegetable Medley, Boiled Potatoes.
7 pm - Live music at the Tiki Bar (101 Wall St).
Sunday (4/26): High 68F, showers in the morning, then cloudy in the afternoon. 70% chance of rain.
9 am - Meet at the Start/Finish banner for the day's ride. I plan to ride 26 miles (green).
12 pm - Breakdown tent site and leave for home.