Projo Fitness Blog

For my husband's birthday this year, we took a 24-hour getaway just 12 miles off Rhode Island's southern coast to Block Island.

This 10-square mile island is the smallest town (New Shoreham, RI) in the smallest state -- but is pretty big on fun.

After taking our bicycles for a few dollars more on the Block Island Ferry from Pt. Judith, we headed over to the Old Harbor District, where we stayed in a Victorian hotel, we quickly got the lay of the land for our 'round-island bike trip the next morning.

Following (in reverse) a guide of the island from Rhode Island Monthly, we headed out of the Old Harbor district uphill and towards the iconic Southeast Lighthouse.

From there we rode a little further to get to The Stairs, entry to the beautifully picturesque Mohegan Bluffs. We climbed down and back up the 250 steps, adding to our workout -- but the reward was quite a view!

Back on the bikes we found Rodman's Hollow and other nature preserves, winding our way around to the New Harbor and its beautiful marina's, where we had a much-appreciated rest and lunch at The Oar.

With some food in our bellies we headed back down towards Corn Neck Road, where many of the island's popular beaches are located. At the end of this road is Settler's Rock and the North Light House -- both worth the 8-mile round trip to the tip of the spear of the isle.

Using the Glamour Magazine Calorie Calculator, I figure I burned 1143.05 calories during the120 minutes of bicycling, plus the step-climbing. Even lunch at the Oar couldn't have put too big of a dent in that!

And the best part for us was, after spending time together, just having a carefree, beautiful September day with few crowds and lots of fresh air.

 Tags  bike Block Island New Shoreham stairs vacation

Comments

Johnny T. Hiker said:

This is why I laugh when I hear people say there is nothing to do on Block Island. Hiking, kayaking and bicycling are three way to get a great workout in a peaceful environment.

The late GREAT Ken Weber wrote and mapped a nice hike on Block Island in his book Weekend Walks in Rhode Island: 40 Trails for Hiking.

Link | September 25, 2009 1:25 PM
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