The island’s salt water environment is hard on bikes.  Consequently, not many places rent bicycles as they are difficult to maintain.  Bikes are a great, cheap way to get around and allow you to see more things at a slower pace. 

If you head North, you can ride quiet paved and dirt roads as far as Passion Island .  Be sure to ride into the golf club as it is very pretty.  If you ride into town, be sure to use a bike lock so your bike doesn’t go missing.

Places to rent bikes include:

The newest bicycle rental store (12/08) in town is called Sombrero Bikes & Scooters.  It is located on the east side of the main plaza -- on Ave.10 between Juarez and Calle 2 Norte. Phone 872-5501, hours Monday to Sunday from 8.00 a.m to 7.00 p.m.  The shop currently has Scott mountain bikes -- high-quality 18-speeds with disc brakes -- and single speed cruisers as a less expensive alternative, and beach-cruiser tandems.  Rentals are by the day or week, locks are provided and helmets are available. www.sombrerorentals.com

Other rental operators are:

- The Rentadora place across from the taxi dispatch on Calle 2, between Avenidas 5 & 10, on the North side of the street.

- Rentadora Gallo on Avenida 10 between Rosado Salas and Calle 1. Rentadora Gallo rents cars, scooters, and bikes.

 Mountain Biking the Island

There are numerous trails and dirt roads that mountain bikers can use.  Most of these can be found on Google Earth.  The tree canopy hides some of the trails.  If you are looking for a 1.5 hour, go to the north end and head up the road as if you were going to Passion Island. On the left is a cobblestone-like road.  Use Google Earth to find the dirt path.  Your entry point is where there is an old fence, a cobblestone road and an old telephone pole.  The video below shows the entry point.   This trail is the same dirt road system the off road jeeps use.  (Or at least parts of it.)    On the right side of the trail, and about 1 mile into your ride, you will see a fence and a gate that has been compromised.  That is a good exit point if you don't want to retrace your steps.  The video has a passing glance of this exit point, but it is easy to see on Google Earth or from the dirt road to Passion Island.

You will find a few good talus piles to climb, some boulder climbs and lots of dirt and coral trails.

The North end MTB trails

More Mountain Bike Trail Photos

The ride up to Passion Island is a dirt road and not exactly an MTB ride, but it is enjoyable. 

Closer to Passion Island, one will see some some trails to the right side of the road with a government sign and a chain.  Heavy rains will make these trails nearly impassable.  Unfortunately, they don't really go anywhere as the scrub brush has closed the paths after 1/3 of a mile of so. 

 

 

Things to bring:

  • Spare tube or patches.
  • Repair kit
  • Water
  • Bug spray (if you stop)
  • Cell phone
  • Helmet and gloves

A Camelback back pack is a great place to store your gear.  If you fall, the coral rock and roads can cut you, so wear a helmet.

There are also many trails in the center of the island that can also be spotted on Google Earth.

Here is some video of the MTB area in the North end of the island.   

 http://www.tripadvisor.com/ProfileGal...

http://www.vholdr.com/node/6296