1. Is the Coastal Ride a good choice for new riders?
The Cycle NC Coastal Ride provides participants (new and veteran riders) and their families with a fun filled weekend full of great routes, lots of entertainment, waterfront camping, mouthwatering cuisine, camaraderie, great memories and southern coastal hospitality. Off the bike activities include, but are not limited to kayaking, boat rides, historic walking tours, trips to the beach, shopping, local entertainment, beautiful sunsets and much more.
The ride is perfect for newbies and veterans as it puts you in charge of how much or how little you want to ride. Each day offers you the option to ride a variety of route distances varying anywhere form a short 5 mile ride around town to a full 100 miles (Century Club!). If you want to ride 20 miles in the morning, have lunch at camp and then go back out for another 30 mile ride, then perfect! If you just want to ride in the morning and explore the town in the afternoon, then that's fine too. It's a great event because you get to control what you want to do.
The routes are fully supported, meaning, we have SAG vans patrolling the routes in case you break down or need assistance. Rest stops are set up approximately 10-20 miles apart to offer refreshments, snacks and a chance to rest. Bike mechanics are ready to repair and get you back on the road to finish out the day. Routes are marked for easy navigation from start to finish.
The Coastal Ride is a perfect weekend get-a-way for those looking for a good balance of Coastal Cycling, local entertainment and family fun. The ride does sell out so make sure you get your registration in early!
2. What does my registration fee include?
The ride is perfect for newbies and veterans as it puts you in charge of how much or how little you want to ride. Each day offers you the option to ride a variety of route distances varying anywhere form a short 5 mile ride around town to a full 100 miles (Century Club!). If you want to ride 20 miles in the morning, have lunch at camp and then go back out for another 30 mile ride, then perfect! If you just want to ride in the morning and explore the town in the afternoon, then that's fine too. It's a great event because you get to control what you want to do.
The routes are fully supported, meaning, we have SAG vans patrolling the routes in case you break down or need assistance. Rest stops are set up approximately 10-20 miles apart to offer refreshments, snacks and a chance to rest. Bike mechanics are ready to repair and get you back on the road to finish out the day. Routes are marked for easy navigation from start to finish.
The Coastal Ride is a perfect weekend get-a-way for those looking for a good balance of Coastal Cycling, local entertainment and family fun. The ride does sell out so make sure you get your registration in early!
2. What does my registration fee include?
Official Coastal Ride Participant Shirt
Indoor and Outdoor Camping Facilities
Electronic Cue Sheets & Maps
Access to Ride with GPS Premium Membership features such as voice commands and GPS downloads
Rest Stops with a Variety of Snacks & Beverages
Clearly Marked Routes
SAG (Support and Gear) Support
Catered Meal at the Coastal Ride Social
Beverage Gardens and Local Entertainment & Activities
Portable Restrooms at Rest Stops and Camp
Shower Facilities
Mechanical Support at Rest Stops & Camp
CNC Mobile App
3. Do I need to reserve indoor/outdoor camping space?
No reservation is necessary for indoor or outdoor camping. Space is based on a first-come, first-served basis. Indoor camping is typically in a gymnasium where you provide your own sleeping bag and pad. Outdoor camping can be done on your own where you bring your tent, sleeping bag, etc. and set it up for the weekend.
4. What if I plan to bring an RV, trailer or pop-up camper?
4. What if I plan to bring an RV, trailer or pop-up camper?
If you are planning on bringing your personal camper, trailer or RV, you MUST indicate that when registering. Water, sewer and electricity is not provided so you must come self-contained. You may use a generator during the hours of 7am to 10pm. All generators must be off from 10:01pm to 6:59am.
5. When are the camping areas open?
All campsites open the Thursday before the event starts at 1pm. Check-in and registration open at 1pm as well. You MUST be checked in with an official Cycle NC wristband before you can set up camp at either the outdoor, indoor or RV locations. ALL campsites close the Sunday of the event at 3pm.
6. What food does CNC provide at the Rest Stops?
CNC rest stops are spaced out approximately 10 to 20 miles and feature a variety of snacks and drinks. For sanitary reasons, most snack items are prepackaged. Below is a list of typical items you will find at our rest stops.
BODYARMOR Sport Water with electrolytes (bottled)
BODYARMOR Sports Drink (dispensers and bottled)
Fruit (apples & bananas)
Pickle Cups
Clif Bars
Fig Bars
Kind Bars
Sodas (coke and diet coke)
Sweet and Salty trail mix
PB&J sandwiches (at select stops)
7. What time do the routes open each day?
BODYARMOR Sport Water with electrolytes (bottled)
BODYARMOR Sports Drink (dispensers and bottled)
Fruit (apples & bananas)
Pickle Cups
Clif Bars
Fig Bars
Kind Bars
Sodas (coke and diet coke)
Sweet and Salty trail mix
PB&J sandwiches (at select stops)
7. What time do the routes open each day?
There is not a mass start for this event so you can access the routes at any time during the stated route hours. If you leave before the routes open or you are still on the routes after they have closed, we cannot provide you with support services. The first rest stop on the routes will open approximately 15 minutes after the routes officially open. Refer to your route cue sheets and maps for the open/close hours of each rest stop.
8. Do I have to finish riding by a certain time each day?
The routes have a closing time each day. At that time, all services including rest stops, directional signage and SAG support will end.
9. What is there to do when I'm not riding?
At the Cycle NC Coastal Ride, we plan just as many off the bike events as we do on the bike events. Each day offers a wide range of activities or entertainment options that will keep you busy. Local activities may include kayaking, stand up paddle board rentals, local boat rides, historic walking tours, shopping, trips to the beach (some near and far), beer gardens and live musical entertainment.
10. Are pets allowed?
If you are interested in bringing your pet, please click here to complete our Pet Permission Request Form.
11. Are stoves, grills and/or fire pits allowed?
11. Are stoves, grills and/or fire pits allowed?
Small propane camping stoves (i.e. Coleman) are allowed. All other flames (i.e. large grills, fire pits, etc) are prohibited.
12. What kind of bike works best for this ride?
The Coastal Ride is a perfect match for any style of bike. In recent years, we have seen tandems, trikes, recumbents, road bikes, touring bikes, e-bikes, triathlon specific bikes, mountain bikes and even hand cyclists. With the flat roads, there's no real need to get too fancy on your gear ratios. Just pedal and go! Make sure your bike is tuned up and ready before arriving to the ride. Visit your local bike shop to have your bike looked at. If you are bringing an e-bike, make sure you review the N.C. E-Bike Laws before attending the event.
13. What safety tips, videos and/or articles can you suggest for cycling in NC?
13. What safety tips, videos and/or articles can you suggest for cycling in NC?
Below are a few links to resources such as our CNC Safety Tips, WalkBikeNC videos and articles on how to be a courteous cyclists.
Watch For Me NC Safety Resources
Cyclist Safety In NC - Part I
Cyclist Safety In NC - Part II
Cyclist Safety In NC - Part III
What is a courteous cyclist?
Watch For Me NC Safety Resources
Cyclist Safety In NC - Part I
Cyclist Safety In NC - Part II
Cyclist Safety In NC - Part III
What is a courteous cyclist?
14. Can a non-rider come with me on the ride?
Yes, family members and friends are welcome to the ride. Anyone wishing to spend the weekend with you camping and using the CNC Services (showers, portable restrooms, beverage gardens, socials, etc.) MUST be registered as a non-rider. This is a discounted fee that includes all the benefits of a full registration minus access to the routes. We also encourage all non-riders to help assist CNC by volunteering.
15. Will I have phone/email access during the ride? Will there be a way for me to charge electronic devices?
15. Will I have phone/email access during the ride? Will there be a way for me to charge electronic devices?
Cell service can vary both at camp and along the route. Charging stations will be available throughout the weekend should you need to give your phone, tablet or electronic device a boost.
16. What if someone needs to reach me in case of an emergency?
Should someone need to reach you in case of an emergency, they may call the Rider Services number. This number will be listed on your route cue sheets and on the route maps.
17. How do I cancel my registration?
If you wish to cancel your registration, you must submit a written request through email at cyclenc@ncsports.org. To determine if you are eligible for a refund, see this year's Cycle NC Coastal Ride Refund policy which can be found under the Fees drop down at the top of this page.
18. How can I volunteer?
Cycle NC can always use volunteers. We encourage all family members, guests and locals to volunteer during the ride. We are always looking for enthusiastic individuals or groups to help assist us during Check-in and at our Rest Stops. If you are interested in volunteering, know someone that is willing to volunteer, needs community service hours or know a local group that might be willing to help, check out our Volunteer webpage for a list of opportunities.
19. How do I access the routes and when are the routes released before the event?
19. How do I access the routes and when are the routes released before the event?
The offical Cycle NC routes are released the Monday before the event starts. The routes will then be posted in Ride With GPS and made available via PDF cue sheets also. You will need to be a registered rider to access the routes and will need to use the email address you registered with to login to the route page.
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