Biking

Biking is an increasingly popular sport on Tortola [1], and it is not unusual to see bikers out in the early morning or late afternoon, especially along Drake’s Highway, the flat road that connects West End and Road Town [2]. If you want a challenge, there is no shortage of hills to choose from. Two of the best are the fearsome “East End Wall,” a steep road between Greenland and Lambert in East End, and Trellfall, which climbs to Sage Mountain from the westernmost end of Sea Cow’s Bay. Once you get there, the ride along the Ridge Road [3] is pleasant and relatively flat.

The BVI Bicycling Federation (www.bvicycling.com [4]) puts on a series of bike races, including the Jason Bally Memorial in October, which often attracts racers from around the Caribbean. Serious bikers are welcome to join in for a race, and many races feature a novice/fun class for less-seasoned riders. Nature’s Little Secrets Cycle Club also puts on time trials and road races throughout the year.

Road and mountain bikes can be rented from Last Stop Sports (Purcell, 284/494-1120, 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Sat.) for $30–40 a day.