There's something magical about riding a bike along the coast—salty sea air, the rhythmic crashing of waves, and the promise of adventure around every bend. For me, these rides become even more special when shared with my dad. Over the years, our coastal bike rides have turned into a ritual, a time to connect, laugh, and create memories that I’ll treasure forever. Here’s a glimpse into our journey, a story of two wheels, ocean views, and a bond that grows stronger with every mile.
The Early Days of Our Rides
I still remember the first time Dad suggested a coastal bike ride. I was hesitant. "Won’t it be too windy? Too sandy?" I asked. But Dad, ever the adventurer, assured me, "Trust me, once you start, you’ll never want to stop." That first ride was simple—a stretch of flat road along the beach with the sun dipping into the horizon. It wasn’t fancy, and we didn’t ride far, but it was enough to hook me.
Dad pedaled ahead, pointing out little details I would’ve missed: a pelican diving for its dinner, the way the ocean sparkled like scattered diamonds, and even the faint scent of wildflowers carried by the breeze. It was the first time I realized that a bike ride could be more than just a form of exercise—it could be an experience.
The Joy of Exploring New Trails
Over time, our rides became more adventurous. Dad had this knack for finding hidden gems—small coastal trails that felt like secrets waiting to be discovered. Sometimes it was a paved path winding through a cliffside, other times a gravel trail that led us to a secluded cove. He always had a way of turning a simple route into an epic journey.
One of my favorite rides was along a rugged section of the Pacific coastline. We started early, the morning fog still hugging the cliffs. The trail was challenging, a mix of steep inclines and narrow paths, but Dad kept encouraging me with his usual humor. “Bet the ocean breeze feels better than spin class, huh?” he quipped, grinning back at me.
When we reached the top of the cliff, the view took my breath away. The endless expanse of the ocean stretched out before us, with waves crashing against jagged rocks below. It was the kind of moment that made every uphill push worth it. And of course, Dad had packed a thermos of coffee and some snacks—because what’s a great view without a little feast?
Conversations That Stick
The beauty of bike rides with Dad isn’t just the scenery. It’s the conversations we have along the way. There’s something about pedaling side by side, away from the distractions of everyday life, that makes it easier to talk about things that matter.
Sometimes we talk about his younger days, like the time he biked across an entire state with his college buddies. Othertimes, we dive into my future, my dreams, and my challenges. It’s during these rides that Dad often shares his best advice—not in a preachy way, but in that casual, offhand manner that somehow sticks with you.
One ride in particular stands out. I was struggling with a big decision about my career, unsure of which path to take. Aswe rode along a quiet stretch of beach, Dad said, “You know, the thing about bike rides is you don’t always have to see the end of the trail to enjoy the journey. Sometimes it’s about just taking the next turn and seeing where it leads.” It was simple, but it was exactly what I needed to hear.
The Thrill of Combining Surf and Pedals
Now, as much as Dad and I love biking, we’re also big fans of the ocean. So naturally, we found a way to combine the two. A few years ago, we started bringing our surfboards along for the ride. It’s not as tricky as it sounds—you just need a good rack attachment for your bike and a willingness to look a little ridiculous pedaling with a surfboard in tow.
There’s something exhilarating about biking down to a surf spot, parking your bike, and jumping straight into the waves. It adds an element of spontaneity to the day. Some of our best moments have started with a bike ride and ended with us sitting on our boards, watching the sun set over the water.
One time, we discovered a secluded beach purely by accident. The trail we were on had a little offshoot path that we decided to explore, and it led us to a perfect, uncrowded surf break. We spent the next few hours catching waves, laughing at each other’s wipeouts, and marveling at how lucky we were to find such a spot.
Handling the “Not-So-Perfect” Days
Of course, not every ride goes smoothly. There have been days when the wind was so strong we felt like we were pedaling in place, or when unexpected rain turned a sunny ride into a soggy mess. But even those days have their owncharm.
Dad has this way of turning mishaps into adventures. Like the time my tire went flat miles away from the car. Instead of stressing, he turned it into an impromptu walking tour, pointing out interesting plants and sharing random facts about the area. By the time we made it back, I’d almost forgotten about the flat tire.
The Little Things That Make It Special
What makes these rides truly unforgettable are the little rituals we’ve built along the way. Dad always insists on packing snacks—usually homemade trail mix or granola bars he swears are better than anything you can buy. We have a tradition of stopping at a local café after long rides, ordering two iced coffees and joking about who pedaled harder.
Then there’s the music. Dad has a playlist he likes to hum while we ride, a mix of old-school rock and folk songs that somehow always fit the mood. He even convinced me to get a small speaker for my bike, so now our rides are accompanied by the soundtrack of our adventures.
Why These Rides Matter
As much as I love the physical aspect of our bike rides—the fresh air, the exercise, the sense of accomplishment—it’s the connection with Dad that keeps me coming back. In a world where it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, these rides are a reminder to slow down, be present, and share time with the people who matter most.
Every ride with Dad feels like a gift, a chance to create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s a casual cruise along a flat boardwalk or a challenging climb up a coastal hill, the moments we share on those two wheels are priceless.
Looking Ahead
We’ve already started planning our next big adventure—a multi-day bike ride along a coastal trail we’ve never explored before. Dad’s been researching the best routes and, of course, the best snack stops along the way. I can’t wait to see what this next chapter of our biking journey holds.
So, if you’ve ever thought about combining two wheels with ocean views, I can’t recommend it enough. And if you’relucky enough to have someone like Dad to share it with, even better. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the ride—it’s about the memories you create along the way.
