Hilton Head Trip Plan - Biking with kiddie cart

[Amy]

Neither DH nor I have sat on a bike for over 12+ years (and we do not own bikes; the last time either of us biked we used rental bikes). But I've read so much about folks biking on the island that I feel we ought to rent bikes and the kids (will be ages 5 and 23 months) would love sitting in the kiddie carts. (DH is less enthused about the idea.) It is difficult to control a bike that has a kiddie cart attached? Put that in other words, is biking with a kiddie cart a bad idea for those of us who haven't biked in so long from either a safety perspective or pain perspective (due to carrying the additional weight)?

I just realize we probably could/should rent a small bike with training wheels for DS1 (as he has not yet moved up from a tricycle at home - I know we're behind) and then we only have to carry DS2 (around 25? lbs), so that shouldn't be too bad, right?

 

[FlyerBobcat]

Neither DH nor I have sat on a bike for over 12+ years .....

Amy,
I envision issues with any type of extended family biking if you have a youngster on training wheels. Paths get busy, people ride fast at times, small kids get tired quickly, island is big when you wanna' get around on bikes, etc.

That being said, we love biking on HHI (on the beach too!) and you should not skip it. I know you said that you currently do not own bikes. But maybe consider getting some now. Try it out and have fun with it at home too. Maybe you could bring 'em with you...

 

[ramsfan]

I think age 5 is too young for the bike trails because they will never be able to keep up with your big bikes and will be worn out well before you are ready for the ride to be over! Also, there will be alot of age 7 and up kids who will not know how to avoid others easily.

When my kids were about 2 and 4 (under 60 pounds total) we rented one bike with the kiddie carrier behind it and my husband carted them both around with no problem. I would say we rode from 1/2 hour to 1 hour rides twice a day!!! I had my own bike. Mine had a basket on front, so I lugged around the bike locks and drinks on longer rides. We rode everyday and the kids often napped in the carrier on long rides. We all loved our daily rides. My husband is fairly athletic by nature, 5'11" and about 180. He never rides except when in Hilton Head. He had no problem navigating the trails and pulling their weight around. There are no big hills at all! It is just pleasant riding. If you decide to rent for a day instead of the whole week, I would rent from the Sea Pines plantation because they have the best bike trails. If you rent the whole week, make sure you ride on the beach at low tide. That is fun!!! but alot more work. I did put helmets on the kids when they were in the bike carrier!!!

 

[ecwinch]

On a side note - for the best rental rates, do a google search for

hilton head bicycle rentals

reserving a bike in advance will save you $$$, and I have found the bikes are generally in better condition. They will deliver your bikes to your condo, and pick them up at the end of your stay. You can find deals for under $20 for the week (per bike), vs $25+ that most of the hotels/condos charge for their bikes.

 

[Amy]

Thanks for the comments. I didn't think about the difficulty a 5 y.r. on training wheels may have with keeping up with the big bikes! Would a bike shop let us try out the bike + kiddie cart before we make a decision? I like the idea of pre-ordering online and having everything delivered, but it seems it would be a good idea for us to do a test run. We'll be staying at Waterside, and I seem to recall someone posting that a bike company (Tiger?) offers Waterside guest a discount. I'll have to check with the resort as we get closer to the trip.

 

[Jbart74]

Thanks for the comments. I didn't think about the difficulty a 5 y.r. on training wheels may have with keeping up with the big bikes! Would a bike shop let us try out the bike + kiddie cart before we make a decision? I like the idea of pre-ordering online and having everything delivered, but it seems it would be a good idea for us to do a test run. We'll be staying at Waterside, and I seem to recall someone posting that a bike company (Tiger?) offers Waterside guest a discount. I'll have to check with the resort as we get closer to the trip.

Remember the age-old saying:

It's like riding a bicycle!

You'll be fine, even with the kiddie cart behind you! Everything is so flat on HHI that you don't have to worry about getting winded going up any hills.

Have fun!

 

[Kenrabs]

We just got back and I wouldn't worry about the kiddie cart. I'm not a rider and decided to use a tandom with my 9yr old because he gets tired easily. It didn't take long for me to get use to it and they are harder to adjust to than the cart. I'm also not a biker and had no issues even when we did 4 hrs through Sea Pines.

 

[Amy]

Did you like the tandem? I saw a photo at one of the HH bike rental sites that showed an adult bike in front and a child size bike in back type of tandem -- but the one in back doesn't need to pedal. Is that what you had? Is it appropriate for a 5 year old who only needs to hold on?

 

[DebBrown]

We've used the tandem and I loved it but I am a biker. The child does not have to pedal but it sure helps if he does. It does take a bit more work because the adult needs to balance for both passengers.

My granddaughter was probably 5 or 6 the first time we tried the tandem. She had the time of her life riding through Sea Pines. We would take some pretty long rides together. It was quite a workout for me. I liked the fact that she was attached to me.

I think it might be a good idea to go to a rental place and check out both the trailer and the tandem. You can give each a test spin and see what is right for you.

Deb

 

[Kenrabs]

We've used the tandem and I loved it but I am a biker. The child does not have to pedal but it sure helps if he does. It does take a bit more work because the adult needs to balance for both passengers.

My granddaughter was probably 5 or 6 the first time we tried the tandem. She had the time of her life riding through Sea Pines. We would take some pretty long rides together. It was quite a workout for me. I liked the fact that she was attached to me.

I think it might be a good idea to go to a rental place and check out both the trailer and the tandem. You can give each a test spin and see what is right for you.

Deb

I agree, I took a ittle to get use to but was fine once I got the balance down.

 

[clsmit]

When we were at HHI a few years ago the DH had the DD with the tandem bike, since she was just learning to ride, and I had the DS in the kiddie cart. We were at Sea Pines and rented from there. We put the boogie boards, towels, and small cooler with the DS in the cart. It went well. The DH could certainly tell when the DD wasn't pedaling but having a place for all the stuff so we could go to the beach on bikes was fun. More fun, and easier to park, than a car! If your 5 year old hasn't ridden at least on training wheels by the time you go I'd suggest 2 kiddie carts so you can pull the stuff and the kids safely together.

You might want to spring for your own helmets (for all 4 of you) before you go if you don't already have them. Gotta set a good example for the kids, even tho we never wore them at our age! Renting helmets seems yukky. Your local bike store can fit you with one that is your size, and ones for the kids that have some growing room.

 

[Jolson]

Hi Amy,
We spent a week on HHI this past July and rented bikes when we were there. We had the same dilema as my daughter was only five yrs old and really is just learning to ride a bike. I decided to rent a bike with a kiddy cart and it worked out beautiful. The bike hooked up to the kiddy cart without a problem and it really wasn't that bad to pull the kiddy cart along behind the bike. My daughter is pretty tough but she would have never been able to keep up on her own. The kiddy cart trail behind was a great option. Even pulling her when we were riding on the beach was not as tough as I thought it was going to be.

I hope you have a wonderful trip. We really enjoyed our vacation on HHI.

 

[Amy]

Thanks, everyone, for the comments and suggestions! I'm starting to look forward to giving the kiddie cart option a try. And I think we'll give DS a bike with training wheels for his 5th b-day this April.

 

[Paumavista]

Love to Bike on Vacation

We don't have bikes at home but LOVE to bike while on vacation. We have a 3 & 4 year old in addition to an 8 & 9 year old. When the older two were younger we used the tandem bikes in Oregon and they loved them! It was easy and alot of fun.

The last few trips to Sanibel, Hilton Head and Fripp Island we've rented adult bikes with kids seats on the back for the little ones....DH and I each take one child and we even rode each day on the beach...it's that easy!! We've never used the cart because I thought my little guys would find it too confining...with the seats the kids are up and looking around. We talk about the things we're seeing and they share more in the experience then if they were back in the cart....jmho.

Have a great trip!
Judy

 

[DebBrown]

I hesitate to post this but every year at Hilton Head we see kids in kiddie carts who look absolutely miserable. They are all sweaty and bored. Maybe they can't see as well or don't catch a breeze in those things? I dunno but it is something to consider.

Deb

 

[Amy]

I hesitate to post this but every year at Hilton Head we see kids in kiddie carts who look absolutely miserable. They are all sweaty and bored. Maybe they can't see as well or don't catch a breeze in those things? I dunno but it is something to consider.

Deb

Please do not hesitate to post any potential negatives! DS1 is very vocal and if he is uncomfortable, he'll complain. DS2 can't really talk yet, but I expect him to do so more fully by May (or at least I hope). I had not thought about how hot it may feel inside. I'll make sure to check regularly if we go this route. We plan to bring our Disney spray fan/bottle to keep them cool on the HH trip; now if only I can find where I stored it.

 

[Amy]

The last few trips to Sanibel, Hilton Head and Fripp Island we've rented adult bikes with kids seats on the back for the little ones....DH and I each take one child and we even rode each day on the beach...it's that easy!! We've never used the cart because I thought my little guys would find it too confining...with the seats the kids are up and looking around. We talk about the things we're seeing and they share more in the experience then if they were back in the cart....jmho.

I wondered about those bikes with child seats in the back but they look scarier to me -- what if we lose our balance with the added weight in the back on a turn and tip over?

 

[Paumavista]

Biking with Childseats

All I can say is that I never felt like I had a problem (and I hadn't rode a bike in probably 20 years....now in the past 4 years I've rode one (with a childseat) at least two weeks each year on vacation.

Like I mentioned, we even rode on the sand at the beach and didn't have a problem. I just felt like the kids (who of course wore helmets), could enjoy what was going on alot more - see everything, and you can talk with them.

You might want to try it (one tandem bike for your 5 year old - he's too big for a childseat) - those are fun. And then try the childseat........if you feel uncomfortable after a few minutes just take it back to the bike place and trade it for a wagon. Every bike place we've ever used has been wonderfully helpful and accomodating.....the prices aren't all that different...we always choose the most convenient...(like right at each of the Marriotts we've stayed at in Hilton Head)...if we needed to change anything they were VERY close & accomodating.

Have a great trip.

 

[LisaRex]

You have to rent bikes in Hilton Head! Going on daily bike rides is a huge part of the fun. You can also ride to beaches without worrying about finding parking spots. There are always plenty of bike racks!

We always rent bikes via Flying Tigers (20% discount for booking online, I believe). We also rent two kiddie carts to tow our stuff (boogie boards, cooler, towels, umbrella, beach chairs) to the beach. I have no difficulty pulling a loaded cart and I'm not in great shape. Since it sits so low to the ground it doesn't throw off your balance. The only watch-out is to remember how wide you are when you navigate tight turns on the bike trail.

On the other hand, you do need to have good balance if your child rides in one of those seats mounted behind the driver. I wouldn't do that unless you are a competent, and confident, bike rider. My husband is; I'm not. Now your limitations.

 

[FlyerBobcat]

no discount....

You have to rent bikes in Hilton Head! Going on daily bike rides is a huge part of the fun. You can also ride to beaches without worrying about finding parking spots. There are always plenty of bike racks!
We always rent bikes via Flying Tigers (20% discount for booking online, I believe)....

I believe it is Riding Tigers, and info can be seen at this web site.

I just called and they NO LONGER offer the 20% discount (as of last April '08, or so)

 

[FlyerBobcat]

List of Hilton Head Bike Rental Companies

I cannot vouch for the accuracy of this Bike Rental information.

(Taken from the Bike Rental section of http://www.crownreefrental.com/links.htm - Some listings have links to web sites.)

AAA (Flying) Riding Tigers - (843) 686-5833

All American Bike Rental - (843) 842-4386

Alligator Beach Bike Rentals - (843) 785-4346

Atlantic Rentals - (843) 785-8263

Best Bikes Rentals Inc. - (843) 842-3155

Bicycle Billy's - (843) 785-7851

Bicycle Club of Hilton Head - (843) 842-2453

Hilton Head Bicycle Company - (843) 686-6888

Bikes Plus - (843) 671-5588

Bikes and Things - (843) 785-4946 or 785-9846

Coconut Bike Rentals - (843) 686-5055

Fish Creek Landing - (800) 859-9841 or (843) 785-2021

Harbour Town Rentals - (843) 785-3546

Harbourtown Bike Rentals - (843) 671-6583

Island Cruisers LLC - (843)- 785-4321

Jonathans Bike Shop - (843) 706-2453

Pedals Bicycles - (843) 842-5522

Peddling Pelican Bike Rentals - (843) 785-5470

Sea Pines Bicycle Rental - (843) 363-4527

Vacation Comfort Rentals - (843) 342-6673

 

[MULTIZ321]

Tom,

That was such a great HHI Bike List, I added more info to it and deleted names from the list where the phone number was disconnected or had inaccurate info. Some of the bicycle rental shops have more than one business name and have different locations– Many offer free pickup and delivery, free baskets and locks, some offer discounts for various transactions like multiple bike rentals, weekly or longer rentals, and online rentals. Some offer other rentals too like baby cribs, beach chairs & umbrellas, wheel-chairs – visit the websites or ask when you call.

To see a map of Hilton Head Island Public Pathways

Tips on Riding your bicycle on Hilton Head Island Beaches

Hilton Head Island Bike Rental Companies

Mid-Island

The Bike Doctor
55 Mathews Drive, Suite 160
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843)-681-7531
http://bikedoctorhhi.com

Palmetto Dunes Outfitters
Free Pick Up and Delivery – 2 Locations
80 Queens Folly Road
Palmetto Dunes Resort
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Local: (843)-785- 2449
Toll Free: (866)-650-4125
Or
Shelter Cove Marina
#1 Shelter Cove Lane
Shelter Cove Harbor
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Local: (843)-842-7001
Toll Free: (866)-400-7894
A special passageway for bicyclists and pedestrians allows safe passage to Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina without having to cross Hwy. 278.
http://www.palmettodunes.com/hilton-head-bike-rentals.php

Vacation Comfort Bike Rentals
3C Enterprise Lane
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 342-6673 or 800-655-9315
www.comfyrentals.com

The Bicycle Link
807 Wm. Hilton Pkwy, Ste. 400
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(near Palmetto Dunes, just south of Queens Folly Rd)
http://bicyclelinkhhi.com


South-End

AAA Riding Tigers Bike Rentals
101 Arrow Road - Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843-686-5833 or 888-371-7115
They also do business under 2 other names All American Bike Rentals and Palmetto Bike Barn
www.aaaridingtigers.com

All American Bike Rental - (843) 842-4386
101 Arrow Road - Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
http://www.hiltonheadbikes.com/

Palmetto Bike Barn – (843) 686-6068
101 Arrow Road – Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Atlantic Rentals - (843) 785-8263
83 Pope Ave & Lagoon Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 – No Website

Hilton Head Bicycle Company
112 Arrow Road - Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 686-6888 or 800-995-4319
www.hiltonheadbicycle.com

Bikes and Things - (843) 785-9846
1 Lagoon Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
at intersection of Pope Ave & Lagoon Road, across the street from the Liquor Store

Island Cruisers LLC is the parent company for 7 HHI bicycle rental shops - Island Cruisers, Bubba’s Bike Rentals, Coconuts Bike Rentals, Sundance Bike Rentals, Yankee Peddler, and Patriot Bike Rentals (aka Simmonds Bike Rentals). The parent address is 6 Heritage Ct, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Island Cruisers LLC
13 Executive Park Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843)-785-4321

Bubba’s Bike Rentals – (843) 785-3971

Coconut Bike Rentals - (843) 686-5055
13 Executive Park Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Sundance Bike Rentals – (843)-785-8737
30 Palmetto Bay Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Patriot Bike Rentals
26 Palmetto Bay Road, Suite 12
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 842-3464 or 800-609-3186
www.patriotbikerentals.com

Pedals Bicycles - (843) 842-5522
71 Pope Ave #A
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
www.pedalsbicycles.com


Sea Pines Plantation

Sea Pines Bicycle Rental - (843) 363-4527
100 N Sea Pines Drive
Hilton Head Island,SC 29928

South Beach Bicycle Rentals
(aka South Beach Cycles)
230 S Sea Pines Drive
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
www.south-beach-racquet-club.com
The Racquet Club and Bicycle Rentals are owned by the same company. Click on link for Hilton Head Bicycle Rentals on the lower right side of their home page

Three listings fall under the Pelican Cruisers Umbrella – Bikes Plus, Harbour Town Rentals, and Peddling Pelican Bike Rentals

Bikes Plus - (843) 671-5588 or 800-424-8048
79 Lighthouse Road, P.O. Box 3378, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Harbour Town Rentals - (843) 785-3546
P.O. Box 3378
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Peddling Pelican Bike Rentals - (843) 785-5470
79 Lighthouse Road,P.O. Box 3378, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

www.pelicancruiser.com

Sea Pines Resort Bicycle Shop
2 locations - 1. Plantation Club, 2. Nature Center adjacent to the Harbour Town Bakery & Cafe
To reserve bikes in Advance, call Activities Office at (843) 842-8484
For Same Day Rentals call the Sea Pines Resort Bicycle Shop at (843)-842-1890
http://www.seapines.com/resort_activities/harbour_town.cfm


Off Island – Bluffton

Bluffton Bicycle Shop - (843) 706-2453
(formerly Jonathan’s Bike Shop)
2 Oliver Court (off Bluffton Parkway, near intersection of State Hwy S7-474 & Bluffton Parkway)
Bluffton, SC 29910
www.blufftonbicycleshop.com


Enjoy riding on the Hilton Head Island beaches and trails

Richard

 

[Amy]

You guys are awesome. Thanks for such a detailed list!

 

[FlyerBobcat]

Great information, Richard.

THANKS!

 

[Amy]

I am so bummed. We're going to have to cancel our long-awaited first trip to HH! DH just accepted a job offer in Portland, OR, and we'll be moving this summer. We looked at all the stuff we need to do, including preparing our house for sale, and the fact that we'll be going down to one income for awhile until I can find a job, this trip to HH is no longer a smart trip to take. I wonder how bad of a trader my week is going to be after I cancel the RCI exchange so close to the Memorial Day week trip.

Thanks to everyone for the great information. I don't know when we'll make it out to HH after the move. It may be years!