With more than 12 miles of paved bike trails in Yosemite Valley plus many more fairly flat road miles to spin the wheels around some of the most spectacular scenery in the country, I can't think of a better place for family and friends to pedal in a single file pack!
And should you find yourself in a pickle with a tricky bike lock, it's good to know that the Park's roadside assistance unit (in conjunction with AAA) will come to your rescue. After a delightful morning's romp amongst rocks and pools of Yosemite Falls - our pedal party of nine found itself unable to open the combo locking the bulk of our substantial pack of bikes together at the entrance to the Falls' path.
Two of our teens took off in search of a ranger and returned to a round of applause in the cab of a flatbed roadside rescue truck, accompanied by a swift operating, bolt-cutter pro who advised us that it really is a good idea to take extra precautions in securing bicycles left at the base of hiking trails in Yosemite Park. Bike thieves apparantly have tuned into the knowledge that there are rich pickings in the park at peak season, as they drive through in pick-up trucks, dashing out with similar bolt-cutting apparatus, deftly throwing their loot into the back of trucks and driving off for more.
Don't let that put you off. There are all sorts of locks on the market to spoil a bike thief's day. And if you are particularly attached to your two wheeler, you could always sleep with it inside your tent, like our youngest did (pictured above). This made for rather constricted turn-around room in the tent cabin at Curry Village, but he, and consequently we, were able to sleep well with the rest assured knowledge that his bike was equally safe and sound!
Biking in Yosemite suits all levels and leaving the car keys in the same spot after arrival is the ideal way to explore this stunning place, as a group and individually.Bike lights are a must at night, though the risk of running into a bear is a real one, so it's wise to travel in a team!
Rental bikes are widely available for cruising the valley, stopping off to paddle in babbling brooks and mountain streams and convenient pit-stops to fill up the water bottles. Helmets are mandatory for under 18's and vital for all if you plan to ride the actual roads which are extremely busy with cars and buses during summer months.
Check out Yosemite Valley bike trails here.
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