Hello everyone!
I am fervently planning on being on Bonaire early next year. I'm an experienced cyclist who rides over 100 miles a week and up to 40 miles on any given day. Is there any reason, that a Bonaire rookie couldn't think of, I should not depend on a bicycle as my only transportation? I don't dive so I won't be hauling lots of heavy gear around. I'd love to hear from anyone who has ridden on Bonaire. Thanks for your help!

Steve -

In a word, "no," but be aware of the cycling environment.

We, too, are bicyclists and have been for about 30 years.

Although we have not ridden on Bonaire, on four trips we have observed conditions and would offer a few thoughts.

Distance and terrain (for the south 2/3rds of the island) are not going to be a problem for you. Assuming you are going to be based close to Kralendijk, a 10 mile ride in three directions will cover almost the entire flat to moderately rolling south part of the island. Once you get into the north part, the grades on the few roads that are paved should be manageable for your skill level.

The issues for a bicyclist are constant wind; narrow, poorly maintained pavement; many places accessible by dirt road only; threat of puncture due to cactus needles (especially off-road); certain number of tourists not necessarily used to driving on Bonaire; and intense, intense equatorial sun.

You do not say if you are a road/off-road/mixed rider, but I would think you could handle most of the issues. The one you may be least experienced with is the intensity of the sun at Bonaire's latitude. We ride year-around in Texas and have traveled to Hawaii and the northern Caribbean. None of those experiences prepared us for the intensity of the sun in Bonaire. Take and use lots of sun protection, both clothing and sunscreen.

As an experienced cyclists, you probably religiously wear a helmet. Be sure to take it to Bonaire. You might be able to rent one, but your own fits you perfectly and that is hard to find in a rental. While their local medical staff is competent and dedicated, they are not equipped to deal with major brain trauma.

As far as bicycle rental, there are places that rent and I would suggest you contact them in advance to cover issues such as bike size and type, pedal type, saddles, etc. This link should get you started: http://www.infobonaire.com/cycling.html.

We know a lot of bicyclists who take cycling vacations outside of the country and all of them always take their own helmets, and several take their own pedals and saddle.

Hope this is of use and please do let us know what you decide and how things work out.

Charles Poteet
Dallas

the only downside of a "bicycle-only" trip would be getting back to your room at night. again, it depends on where you are staying. i am going to get a bike for bonaire but will use it mainly for exercize and to go to town if i'm shopping for small items. i had thought of having one as my primary means of transportation but decided against it after driving on EEG Blvd. back to our place at night. the roads are fairly narrow and dimly lit (if at all) and most drivers don't expect to see a bike on the roads at night.

the winds can be strong but in general you won't be riding that far unless it's strictly by choice. it's also pretty flat so terrain won't be a problem. the sun can get you tho, so be careful.

if you have a bike there make sure you get a strong lock for it and don't leave anything on it that can be easily removed.

Steve, both Charles and Pat have good suggestions. My question would also be what kind of conditions are you used to riding in (it's hot down there!). Pat has a VERY good point about riding at night. There aren't many street lamp posts so to speak, so that could be dangerous. There are no "bike lanes" on the roads, and the roads are narrow. I'm going to shoot Dara an email, she did a LOT of riding when she lived there and would probably have some great info for you

Steve-
I have to agree with all that Charles said. I ride, recreationally, on Bonaire, but I wouldn't want it as my only mode of transportation. The relentless sun and heat (while pedaling a head wind) would get to me. You won't arrive anywhere "fresh as a daisy". But more importantly, I am frightened by the aggressive, fast drivers. As a rule, they do NOT cut a wide swath around runners or riders. And if you are a rider (riding with the traffic), you can't see or hear (wind noise) them coming up behind you, and often they are inches away and going FAST. And there are no shoulders...the pavement just drops off. That said, I love to ride on Bonaire. I often ride the "South Loop" as I live in Belnem. It's great exercise, I go around 5:00 at night, and rarely see a single car. Yes, watch out for thorns and don't ride at night. When will you be there? Wanna ride?

Kate -

I know your message was intended for Steve and I'm sure it will be most useful to him.

But since we are cyclists and since we've often considered cycling while on Bonaire, we enjoyed hearing the experiences of someone who actually has ridden Bonaire. Thank you for the post.

Charles Poteet
Dallas

Charles, I emailed Dara, and she is going to try to post her thoughts as well

kate, do you take your bike with you or do you keep one there? i'm thinking of getting a mountain bike to leave there. i have an old road bike here i might bring down in case i feel the need for speed but in general i'd ride the mountain bike there. i'm guessing i could go to der freewheeler and see what they have for sale.

To paraphrase Charles' post, WOW! All of your responses were terrific in providing timely and pertinent info. I'll be looking for accommodations closer to town in order to avoid night riding. I had thought of bringing my own helmet, pedals and saddle but I think I'll add a mirror to the list. But I'm not giving in to car rental until I'm a puddle on the side of the road!

Kate, of course! I plan on coming down in early February and will keep in touch.

Pat-
I am planning on bringing down a bike and leaving it there. I recently upgraded my road bike, and I plan to bring down my old (which is only a year old) touring-style bike. Looks kinda like a mountain bike, but you sit more upright (think: lots of drag!). But that which does not kill me, will make me a stronger rider! I have rented from Frank at de Freewieler (mtn bike style), and the bike was great and well-maintained. Fifty US$ a week. I'm starting to think that I should just buy one of his old, used, former rentals. But, I already bought the carrying case. Yes, I too bring my own helmet (and gel seat...ouch). See you then!

kate, if i get a bike down there this year we'll have to do some riding. i need to get back in shape.