Review
Intro
The Orange Beach Road Ride begins at Infinity Bicycles on Orange Beach Blvd. This ride continues along Perdido Beach Blvd. ending at Perdido Key, FL. At this point the 24-mile ride will loop around Perdido Key back to Orange Beach. For longer courses there are several variations which include West Beach and the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails.
For the 55-mile variation, instead of looping around at Perdido Key and heading back to Orange Beach, you continue going over the Perdido Pass Bridge into Pensacola and heading west into Lillian, Elberta, Foley, and south back to Orange Beach. For detailed descriptions of the variations, visit Infinity Bicycles website.
All the routes use “Share the Road” bike paths adjacent to four, three, and two lane highways. Some of the routes include paved asphalt trails within nature preserves and state parks. Each trail has a beach view for much of the ride with the exception of the 55-mile course on which the views are mostly rural countryside.
The traffic can be extremely busy during summer months and vacation times. Whichever variation you choose, each produces diverse scenic vistas and a steady traffic challenge to endure.
What Makes It Great
During the fall months, the weather is very pleasant and traffic is less chaotic allowing time to take in the environment. At any point the beach is within stopping distance except for along the 55-mile ride. The roads are basically level with a few small inclines and three bridge inclines, two of which have an impressive pitch.
Some of these courses are included in Infinity Bicycles’ Saturday Casual Rides or Morning Ride, which is a great way to become familiar with the area during your first try.
Who is Going to Love It
Those wanting an exciting ride to take in the beach, smell the salt air, and enjoy the natural beauty of the coastline as well as keeping a keen eye out for rushed visitors, you have it. This route promises to keep you alert, fresh, and challenged.
Directions, Parking, & Regulations
Infinity Bicycles is located at 4575 Orange Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL 36561. Parking is free and there is plenty in the adjacent shopping strip mall. Check their website for more details.
