Riding the Crystal Coast
Where to Ride
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Atlantic Beach to Emerald Isle
The most popular place to ride in Carteret County is along the beautiful Bogue Banks. Click the button for maps, ride files, and a description of the ride.
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Beaufort
Riding Beaufort and surrounding communities allows for a taste of the down-east area and a trip through one of the best small towns in the south. Click the button for maps, ride files, and a description of the ride.
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Western Carteret
The Cedar Point, Stella, Swansboro area includes some rolling terrain, beautiful views of the White Oak River and long country roads. Click the button for maps, ride files, and a description of the ride.
Annual Events
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Croatan Buck-Fifty
Gravel bike race starting at the Carteret County Motor Speedway and travelling through and near the Croatan National Forest. Held in mid-March with options for 50 miles, 100 miles (Buck), and 150 miles (Buck Fifty). See more at https://croatanbuckfifty.com/.
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Bike the Banks
Annual 10, 50, or 100 mile ride along the Crystal Coast usually held in early May. Starts in Emerald Isle and travels along Bogue Banks with the 100 mile option continuing out to Harkers Island.
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Crystall Coast Half Booty Triathlon
Located on the beautiful coast of North Carolina, the 2022 Crystal Coast triathlon is a 70.3 race. The event takes place in mid May with a swim through Gallant’s channel, a bike from Beaufort looping up through Newport and Havelock, and a run starting and ending in Beaufort.
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Bogue Banks Tip 2 Tip
Conceived in late spring 2021, the Tip2Tip idea was brought to fruition by the Selma Cyclapaths and the Tackle Box Tavern. It is a joint effort to bring exposure to the Bogue Banks area (also a part of the Crystal Coast) and help raise funds for MS research. This is now a yearly cycling event based at The Circle in Atlantic Beach, anchored by the Tackle Box Tavern, to support a worthy cause.
Group Rides
Group rides are available and arranged on Facebook.
The Crystal Coast Velo Cycling Club page has information about rides including a regular Saturday morning ride with meeting points at the Sports Center in Morehead City, and the “circle” in Atlantic Beach.
The Crystal Coast Brewing Company Weekly Ride group page has information about a weekly Sunday afternoon ride.
Climate data for Atlantic Beach, NC
When to Ride
All year long! With temperatures moderated by the Atlantic Ocean, cycling along the Crystal Coast is especially pleasant during the long Spring and Fall Seasons.