Summer is the season when bikes stop being garage décor and start becoming the center of weekend plans. Longer days, better weather, and open trails make it the perfect time to explore new outdoor activities on two wheels. Whether you ride casually or plan entire trips around biking, the right preparation can make the difference between a smooth adventure and a frustrating one.
Below are some of the best outdoor bike-friendly activities to try this summer — along with practical tips on how to transport your bike safely so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.
Thinking “It’s still winter! Why are we talking about summer?” Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m already looking forward to warmer days. Plus, it’s never too early to plan! Personally, I like to plan ahead, so I’m ready for the adventures ahead. Plus, there are some great deals right now that you can take advantage of right now!
Scenic Trail Riding: Turning a Ride into a Mini Escape
One of the most popular summer bike activities is scenic trail riding. This isn’t about speed or competition. It’s about getting off busy roads and into places that feel quiet, open, and immersive.
Many national parks and public lands maintain bike-friendly trails that range from paved paths to packed dirt and gravel. These trails often offer views you won’t get from a car — lakes, forests, overlooks, and wildlife corridors that feel surprisingly remote, even if they’re close to home.
If you’re planning to explore public lands, the National Park Service publishes up-to-date information on bike-accessible trails, safety rules, and seasonal closures, which can help you plan ahead.
Transport tip:
Trail riding usually means driving to the trailhead. Make sure your bike is secured in a way that prevents sway, rubbing, or contact with other bikes during the drive. Long gravel roads and uneven pavement can shake loose poorly mounted setups.
Family Bike Adventures: Making Summer Memories
Biking is one of the easiest outdoor activities to turn into a family tradition. It works for a wide range of ages, it’s budget-friendly once you own the gear, and it encourages kids to be active without feeling like “exercise.”
Family-friendly bike paths are often found in regional parks, riverwalks, and greenbelt systems. These areas usually offer flat terrain, frequent rest stops, and scenic views that keep kids engaged.
Ideas to try:
- Pack a picnic and ride to a shaded park
- Explore a local rail-trail converted from old train tracks
- Turn a ride into a scavenger hunt or photo challenge
Transport tip:
When traveling with multiple bikes, consistency matters. Different frame sizes, wheel diameters, and tire widths can make loading tricky if your transport system isn’t designed to handle variety. Choose a setup that keeps bikes evenly spaced and stable, so loading doesn’t become a weekly headache.
Mountain Biking: Pushing Yourself Off the Pavement
For riders who want more challenge, mountain biking offers a completely different summer experience. Dirt trails, elevation changes, and technical features turn each ride into a mental and physical workout.
Organizations like the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) maintain trail networks and provide resources on responsible riding and trail access. Their site is also a good way to discover trail systems while traveling:
Mountain biking often means driving farther from city centers, sometimes on rough access roads. The last thing you want is to arrive at the trailhead with a loose bike, damaged components, or straps that have worn through from vibration.
Transport tip:
Heavier bikes and suspension frames benefit from upright, well-supported transport. Make sure weight limits are respected and that the bikes don’t rely solely on thin straps or frame contact points that can rub over time.
Bike-Friendly Camping Trips
Combining biking with camping is one of the most rewarding ways to use your bike in the summer. Campgrounds near trail systems let you ride directly from your campsite, eliminating daily loading and unloading once you arrive.
Bikepacking gets a lot of attention, but traditional camping with bikes transported by car is often more accessible — especially for families or groups.
Why it works:
- You can explore multiple trails from one base
- Bikes become part of the daily routine, not the whole trip
- Gear stays secure at camp instead of in a vehicle overnight
Transport tip:
Camping trips usually involve a fully loaded vehicle. Bikes need to stay out of the way of coolers, tents, and luggage while remaining easy to access. Vertical or hitch-mounted solutions can free up interior cargo space and keep everything organized.
Exploring New Cities by Bike
Summer travel doesn’t always mean wilderness. Many cities now offer extensive bike infrastructure, making cycling one of the best ways to explore neighborhoods, waterfronts, and downtown areas.
Urban riding lets you:
- Cover more ground than walking
- Avoid parking issues
- Experience the city at a slower, more local pace
If you plan to bring bikes along on a road trip, secure transport is essential — especially when parking overnight in unfamiliar places.
Transport tip:
Look for setups that allow your vehicle’s rear access while bikes are mounted. Being able to open a hatch or tailgate without unloading everything saves time and reduces wear on your gear.
Why Bike Transport Matters More Than You Think
Most people focus heavily on the ride itself — the trail, the destination, the scenery. But transport is what determines whether biking fits naturally into your summer plans or becomes an occasional hassle.
Reliable bike racks make it easier to say yes to spontaneous rides, longer trips, and multi-day adventures. When loading and unloading is quick and secure, biking stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling like freedom.
A good transport setup should:
- Keep bikes stable at highway speeds
- Prevent contact between bikes
- Support different bike sizes and weights
- Allow easy access to your vehicle
If you’re frequently driving to trails, parks, or campsites, investing in the right solution can extend the life of your bike and reduce stress before the ride even begins.
Final Thoughts: Make the Ride the Easy Part
Summer is short. The best bike memories often come from unplanned detours, last-minute invites, and trips that start with “Let’s just go see what’s out there.”
When your bike is easy to transport, those moments happen more often.
Whether you’re riding with family, exploring new terrain, or chasing scenic views, a little preparation goes a long way. Secure your gear, plan your route, and let the ride — not the setup — be the highlight of your summer.