Georgia
Biking Exploration on St. Simons and Jekyll Islands
Program No. 2181RJ
Bike St. Simons and Jekyll Islands with experts, exploring a historic lighthouse, learning about coastal ecosystems and enjoying authentic traditions of Southern culture and cuisine.
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800-454-5768
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6 days
5 nights
11 meals
5B 3L 3D
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Jekyll Island, Georgia
2
Biking, Horton House, Clam Creek Marsh Walk, Sea Turtles
Jekyll Island, Georgia
3
Biking, Horton Pond, Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Museum
Jekyll Island, Georgia
4
St. Simons Island, Ft. Frederica, Christ Church, Lighthouse
Jekyll Island, Georgia
5
Jekyll Island South Dunes Nature, Elective Off-the-Path Ride
Jekyll Island, Georgia
6
Program Concludes
Jekyll Island, Georgia
At a Glance
Set amid coastal marshlands of swaying cordgrass and studded with lighthouses, former plantations and Gilded Age mansions, the Golden Isles of Georgia mark not only the meeting of the coast and the Atlantic, but also of the native peoples, Spanish missionaries, African slaves and wealthy vacationers who have all played parts in coastal Georgia’s history. From the Tiffany window in Faith Chapel to the historic Jekyll Island Club to the lush maritime forest, take in St. Simons and Jekyll islands by bike.
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Novice to intermediate cyclists! Bicycling 13-20 miles per day at 9 miles per hour, moderate pace, concrete bike paths, flat terrain. One-speed, land cruiser bikes provided, foot brakes.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- By bike, see a 200-year-old working lighthouse, Christ Church, Fort Frederica and cabins where enslaved people lived.
- Bike to the marshes and learn about Georgia's expansive estuarine and coastal ecosystems.
- Explore more than 20 miles of winding bike trails on Jekyll Island, former playground of the Rockefellers and Morgans.
General Notes
Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Fred Collins
Fred Collins has lived full time on St. Simons Island since 1971 and has been leading cycling rides on the island for a half-dozen years. With his family roots an hour away in Baxley, Ga., where his family lineage goes back to the Revolutionary War and Civil Wars eras, Fred is passionate about sharing his knowledge of the history of the area. He made his living in the banking and finance industry.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Fred Collins
View biography
Fred Collins has lived full time on St. Simons Island since 1971 and has been leading cycling rides on the island for a half-dozen years. With his family roots an hour away in Baxley, Ga., where his family lineage goes back to the Revolutionary War and Civil Wars eras, Fred is passionate about sharing his knowledge of the history of the area. He made his living in the banking and finance industry.
Suggested Reading List
(8 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Biking Exploration on St. Simons and Jekyll Islands
Program Number: 2181
Georgia Trilogy
St. Simons Trilogy
A compelling, vibrant saga of conflict, love, and a young man's search to fulfill his dreams.
In this enthralling first novel of the St. Simons Trilogy, Eugenia Price shares the compelling story of James Gould, a young man with a passionate dream. Raised in post-Revolution Granville, Massachusetts, Gould could only imagine the beauty and warmth of lands to the south. It was there that he longed to build bridges and lighthouses from his very own design and plans. The gripping story unfolds as Gould follows his dream to the raw settlement of Bangor on the Penobscot River, to St. Simons Island off the coast of Georgia, to lawless Spanish East Florida, and back—at last and finally—to St. Simons. Along the way, he encounters hardship, peril, failure, and success, but it is the unwavering love of Janie Harris, an especially beautiful and strong-willed young woman, that fulfills his deep need for someone who can share the dream and the life he has chosen.
Jekyll Island: The Nearest Faraway Place
Jekyll Island's undisturbed beauty, combined with its pleasant year-round weather and refreshing ocean breezes, provides a breathtaking backdrop for a variety of wonderful experiences. Located midway between Savannah, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida, Jekyll Island is approximately 5,700 acres and the smallest of Georgia's barrier islands. As a tribute to the Island's allurement, the Jekyll Island Authority has published Jekyll Island The Nearest Faraway Place, a coffee table book recognizing the inspired talent of residents and guests and their ability to capture unique perspectives of our cherished Island. During the period of March through September 2010, a competition was conducted to discover photographs of, and poems about, Jekyll Island. Scenic images and inspiring narratives portraying Jekyll's beach and marsh, sunrise and sunsets, wildlife, nature, historic landmarks, and views from above were sought for inclusion in this project. Submissions included 70 from Georgia, 17 from different states, 4 from Canada and 1 from the United Kingdom. Results of the competition were announced and the winning selections are featured in the commemorative publication. Copyright of the selected works and all rights to publish became property of Jekyll Island Authority. Jekyll Island The Nearest Faraway Place is now currently available at the Visitor Information Center, the Commissary, the Jekyll Island Book Store, the Jekyll Island Museum Store, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Hattie's Books in Brunswick.
Freedom's Shore: Tunis Campbell and the Georgia Freedmen
Rice Gold: James Hamilton Couper and Plantation Life on the Georgia Coast
Drawing from a wealth of information, particularly from primary sources such as diaries, letters, plantation records, etc., the author has recreated the story of James Hamilton Couper and his times into an exciting, interesting, and readable account. The work begins with an introductory chapter. The Georgia Coast, a land of sluggish rivers, murkey blackwater swamps, and studded with a string of islands, is the home of a special breed of people. The are as wild, reckless, exciting, beautiful, and contradictory as the land itself. Bagwell examines the Couper heritage, from kings, war, and intrigue in Scotland to their firm establishment on the Georgia Coast. As colonial times move into antebellum, the Coupers progress, especially with James Hamilton Couper of Hopeton Plantation. On his grand tour of Europe, many on that continent commented on the abilities and potential of this young man. Couper made quite a name for himself in the area of politics, plantation management, scientific agriculture, archaeology, and architectural design. In the sinking of the Pulaski, he was hailed the hero of the occasion. The publication of this volume will be a valuable addition to the history and culture of the South, especially Georgia and its coast.
Jekyll Island Club, The (GA) (Images of America)
In the late nineteenth century, some of the wealthiest families in America joined together to form the Jekyll Island Club. The Club operated for 54 years, from 1888 until 1942, and attracted an elite membership. The families of Cyrus McCormick, J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, and William Vanderbilt were among those who enjoyed the leisurely pace and recreational adventure of the Georgia coast. The Jekyll Island Club includes images of the architecture, clothing, transportation, and natural beauty unique to the island. This exquisite collection is sure to rekindle awe and wonder in the hearts of those who have visited the island, and will serve as a wonderful introduction for newcomers. The Jekyll Island Club is a fascinating look at a bygone period.
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Journal of a Residence on a Georgian Plantation in 1838-1839
The Jekyll Island Club
In the late nineteenth century, some of the wealthiest families in America joined together to form the Jekyll Island Club. The Club operated for 54 years, from 1888 until 1942, and attracted an elite membership. The families of Cyrus McCormick, J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, and William Vanderbilt were among those who enjoyed the leisurely pace and recreational adventure of the Georgia coast. The Jekyll Island Club includes images of the architecture, clothing, transportation, and natural beauty unique to the island. This exquisite collection is sure to rekindle awe and wonder in the hearts of those who have visited the island, and will serve as a wonderful introduction for newcomers. The Jekyll Island Club is a fascinating look at a bygone period.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Program Concludes
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
11
| 5B |
3L |
3D |
Activity Level
Set amid coastal marshlands of swaying cordgrass and studded with lighthouses, former plantations and Gilded Age mansions, the Golden Isles of Georgia mark not only the meeting of the coast and the Atlantic, but also of the native peoples, Spanish missionaries, African slaves and wealthy vacationers who have all played parts in coastal Georgia’s history. From the Tiffany window in Faith Chapel to the historic Jekyll Island Club to the lush maritime forest, take in St. Simons and Jekyll islands by bike.)
Best of all, you'll...
- By bike, see a 200-year-old working lighthouse, Christ Church, Fort Frederica and cabins where enslaved people lived.
- Bike to the marshes and learn about Georgia's expansive estuarine and coastal ecosystems.
- Explore more than 20 miles of winding bike trails on Jekyll Island, former playground of the Rockefellers and Morgans.
General Notes
Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
Fred Collins
Fred Collins has lived full time on St. Simons Island since 1971 and has been leading cycling rides on the island for a half-dozen years. With his family roots an hour away in Baxley, Ga., where his family lineage goes back to the Revolutionary War and Civil Wars eras, Fred is passionate about sharing his knowledge of the history of the area. He made his living in the banking and finance industry.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Novice to intermediate cyclists! Bicycling 13-20 miles per day at 9 miles per hour, moderate pace, concrete bike paths, flat terrain. One-speed, land cruiser bikes provided, foot brakes.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(8 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
11 meals | 5B | 3L | 3D |
4 expert-led lectures
10 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Upon check-in, your bike leader will have a bike fitting for each participant. After receiving your bike, you’ll be asked to take a test ride around the parking lot to access your biking capability. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Bicycling on St. Simons and Jekyll Islands is the best way to see both islands. Each day we will head out on our bikes to a historical or ecological site. Every day is a field trip of learning and riding with a history instructor and/or naturalist. The pace is not fast and we will be stopping at various spots getting on and off the bike for field trips. There are bathroom stops all along the way at some of the places we stop. A sag wagon is available in case of an emergency. We divide the group in half. Each group will have a leader in front of the bicyclers and a sweep at the rear. Meals will feature local cuisine in a variety of settings. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Biking, Horton House, Clam Creek Marsh Walk, Sea Turtles
Location:
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island
Activity Note
Getting on/off bikes; riding about 15 miles, approximately 4 hours on Jekyll Island. Flat terrain with concrete biking paths. Walking up to 2 miles daily.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll start the day off exploring approximately 15 miles of winding trails, perfect for biking. These paved paths are a great way to explore Jekyll Island’s historic sites, beaches, marshes, and maritime forests. Trails wind along the ocean and the interior maritime forest... breathtaking! We will ride to the Jekyll north end, stopping at the Horton House, fishing pier, nature pond, and Clam Creek Marsh Walk. Expect to see birds as well as other coastal life along the journey. We will learn from a naturalist about Georgia’s expansive estuarine and coastal ecosystems, as well as the plants and animals that depend on them. We’ll stop along the way to take a marsh walk to better see and understand the salt marsh ecology with an expert from Tidelands Nature Center.
Lunch:
At the historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel.
Afternoon:
Our biking on Jekyll Island continues to the south end, where we will stop at the Tidelands Nature Center for a lecture from a staffer that will focus on sea turtles, their unique biological characteristics, and the efforts being made by organizations to preserve their population. These include, for instance, devices employed by the shrimping industry to avoid trapping these animals as bycatch. Known to be present in almost every ocean in the world, these speedy swimmers glide through the water on large flippers encased in smooth scaly skin and a hard shell to defend themselves from predators. We’ll return to the hotel late afternoon.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Biking, Horton Pond, Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Museum
Location:
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island
Activity Note
Getting on/off bikes; riding about 15 miles, approximately 4 hours. Walking on Driftwood Beach is on soft beach sand and uneven terrain for about 1/2 hour. Getting on/off a tram to see two cottages on field trip; approximately 1 hour riding time.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today, we’ll start out with a North Loop Ride on Jekyll Island. Stopping at Driftwood Beach (sometimes called Boneyard Beach), resembling a tree graveyard, we’ll see the “most photographed beach.” This is a textbook example of the effects of erosion on a barrier island. We’ll continue our ride to the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, Jekyll Island’s only four-star resort and National Historic Landmark.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll ride our bikes over to the Mosaic Visitor’s Center, where we will have a presentation on Jekyll Island history from a docent at the historic Jekyll Island Museum. The Museum’s many exhibitions feature objects and photographs from extensive collections and will introduce us to the rich heritage of Jekyll Island, whose social and architectural legacy is reflected in the Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark District. Afterwards, we will board the Museum trolley for a field trip that will include one stop along the way. Now that we have had time to rest on the trolley, we'll begin our biking from the museum back to the hotel, where we will load our bikes and be ready for our field trip on St. Simons Island tomorrow.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At the hotel, we’ll gather for a lecture given by a local expert on the life and time of Isaac Peckham, the lighthouse keeper on St. Simons Island from 1883 to 1893, in preparation for a visit to the lighthouse tomorrow.
Day
4
St. Simons Island, Ft. Frederica, Christ Church, Lighthouse
Location:
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Meals:
B
Stay:
Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island
Activity Note
Getting in/out of a van. Getting on/off bikes; riding about 10 miles, approximately 4 hours on St. Simons Island with historical stops.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
The van will transport our bicycles to St. Simons Island, a 20-minute van ride from Jekyll Island. We will then cycle to Christ Church and Harrington School. Christ Church is the gravesite of Eugenia Price, best known for her historical novels which were set in the American South, especially “The Trilogy” books. Harrington School served as the main educational structure for three African American communities on St. Simons Island. It hosted grades 1-7 until desegregation in the 1960s.
Lunch:
On your own in the tiny seaside village of St. Simons Island.
Afternoon:
We will continue to explore St. Simons Island. The island is the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles and was originally developed by the slave-owning colonial English into plantations of cotton and other cash crops. Out of the widespread West African slave population in the southeast region of what is now the United States grew the distinctive Gullah and Geechee cultures. Since the turn of the 20th century, however, the island transformed into more of a resort community with a significant seasonal population. At Ft. Frederica, we'll walk the paths of Fort Frederica, established in 1736 by James Oglethorpe. Ft. Frederica was made to defend Georgia’s southern border from the Floridian. Moving on to our last stop, we will visit the historic St. Simons Lighthouse for an expert-led field trip. While here, we’ll explore the historic St. Simons Lighthouse campus which includes the Lighthouse, the Keeper's Dwelling Museum, the oil house and Victorian Gazebo. We’ll board our bikes on the van and return to Jekyll Island after a long and glorious day on St. Simons Island. Along the way, we’ll drive through the Avenue of Oaks, once the entrance to Retreat Plantation. The Avenue of the Oaks is now the grand entrance to the Sea Island Golf Club. We will follow the drive around the magnificent double row of 160-year-old live oak trees which create the Avenue of the Oaks.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Jekyll Island South Dunes Nature, Elective Off-the-Path Ride
Location:
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island
Activity Note
Getting on/off bikes; biking 10 miles in the morning. Elective: afternoon ride is offered for anyone wanting to “Explore Jekyll Off The Path.” The distance varies and can be up to 15 miles. Walking and other activities for those declining to take the ride according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This is our last day of biking. We will depart for the South Dunes for a nature program; this will include a beach walk and maritime forest walk. We’ll learn more about Jekyll Island’s natural resources from our naturalist. This is a walk through one of the island’s most diverse habitats, where we’ll learn historical facts and identify unique vegetation.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Our biking leader will offer an elective ride to explore Jekyll “off the path.” By the end of the week, however, you may decide you’ve had enough riding and want to relax by the ocean pool, or spend the afternoon in other ways you prefer.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Recall the fun trips you have taken during the week, share stories, and take home memories of a week you'll never forget. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Program Concludes
Location:
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
11 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
3 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
- Feb 16, 2025 - Feb 21, 2025
- Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025
- Mar 23, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025
- Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025
- Apr 27, 2025 - May 02, 2025
- Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
- Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 37 Reviews
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This was a fun time. The balance of biking and learning made it relaxing with time off of the bike to "catch your breath." Do all of this in the company of friendly people at a beautiful location was really great.
— Review left May 4, 2024
This is an good program. The bike trails on Jekyll Island offer an excellent way to see the beauty of the island - its a fascinating area with an interesting history. The trails are level and mostly situated well away from traffic (which is relatively light on the island). Fred Collins and his team provided effective leadership and informative educational content that added to the enjoyment of the program.
— Review left May 4, 2024
Riding the cruiser bikes allows for a slower experience so you can better appreciate what you’re passing plus it’s intimate; you’re out in nature & get some exercise in the process!
— Review left May 3, 2024
This tour provided a perfect mix of physical endurance along with historical and nature-based instruction. We were tested physically and learned so much about our own role in the environment.
— Review left March 30, 2024
Fred (our leader) and his "team of 3" were outstanding. Hotel staff wonderful. Bikes in great shape! Beautiful Island with an amazing history and wonderful biking! Hotel itself not great, our room could use an update and the HVAC outside of our room ran loudly 24-7. Location of hotel not great, nothing around it for some distance, few of us, if any of us, had cars. The little village was a mile away. Challenging to get to meals that were "on our own" because at times the hotel shuttle was off-island. Trip hotel should be in vicinity of the little village. Overall the "included" meals were OK. Most disappointing meals were at the Jekyll Club. Just because one is "not Vegan/Vegetarian" does not mean we eat processed deli meat. There were no other options, we all received the same sandwich, just a sandwich, it had no "side" of anything. Some greens on the side would be great. The salad we received on at the Club another day was very small, not enough to fill. Considering we were biking and burning calories better sourcing (and at times quantity) of food would be expected. Had looked forward to lunch each day because the sourcing/quality of a Hampton Inn breakfast is not great. Muffins, waffles, pancakes are eating dessert for breakfast, and the salty eggs and meats not healthy either.
— Review left March 23, 2024
If you are thinking of signing up for this trip do it now!! Jekyll Island is a fabulous location to ride and sightsee.
— Review left March 13, 2024
If you like history and nature and bicycling, this is a great program and a great way to see some of the barrier islands on the Georgia coast. The cycling is easy, almost completely flat. Most routes are paved and when not, there is an alternative paved route available. But even the unpaved routes were very accessible to even a beginning biker.
— Review left March 9, 2024
This trip was a perfect blend of physical activity and learning. We bicycled in a beautiful setting and got to know the area pretty well. I learned about several eras and a little about the Gullah culture. A lot of good stuff was packed into the week.
— Review left March 9, 2024
Very enjoyable trip to two beautiful islands. Haven't ridden a bike in a few years, but muscle memory kicked in quickly. Beautiful bike trails. Hotel right on a fabulous beach, although it was a bit chilly in February. Would recommend this trip.
— Review left February 24, 2024
This trip is fun, interesting and energetic! HOWEVER, it is more strenuous than “novice” level. I recommend that you do some bike training before you attempt this. Even if on a stationary bike for a number of weeks prior to condition yourself properly. We did condition (30 mins, 3-4xs per week for 3 months on stationary bikes-and we loved the trip and plan to do more bike & multiport trips in the future.
— Review left February 23, 2024
This is the first Road Scholar trip for my wife and me, and we were most pleased! Loved the educational aspects and history which were very well presented.
— Review left October 30, 2023
It was a wonderful experience, with staff who were well prepared and knowledgeable.
The riding was very doable even to a novice.
— Review left October 20, 2023
as a first time traveler this was a great trip. Fred and Linda where great group leaders always happy to answer questions and suggestions. If you are at all interested in this trip sign up before all the slots are filled up
— Review left May 13, 2023
I love biking, and I love beautiful places. Wishing for another biking trip with built in scenic vista time to slow down, stop and savor the surroundings. So grateful that at 75, a cancer survivor, with crohns and lupus I managed to see the value in a little challenge that was wonderful.
— Review left May 7, 2023
I loved this trip. We cycled on paths through beautiful vegetation as well as along the beach. As we rode from points of interest the cycling was broke up throughout the day in a manner that did not seem like we really rode that much when in actuality we rode over 10 miles a day. The weather was perfect. The points of interest were very educational. And the group we had meshed very well. Our leaders were very professional and made sure we had all that we needed for each day. They clearly explained instructions several times each day to make sure everyone was on the same page. The instructors made sure that no one was left behind and that all riders of different skills were accommodated. I recommend this trip to anyone who wants a leisure bike ride through beautiful scenery.
— Review left May 6, 2023
A fun and informative program about a beautiful and historic area in Georgia.
— Review left April 30, 2023
Beautiful biking on Jekyll Island. Lots to see and do. Nice hotel. And guides were fantastic
— Review left April 17, 2023
I was very much an inexperienced bicycle rider prior to last week. I had some concern about being able to "keep up" with the group.
The leaders described well about the upcoming day and gave options for those like me who might not wish to ride quite as far. That was great!
I feel proud of myself for doing something outside my comfort zone and a bit physically challenging at age 75 1/2.
Thank you Road Scholar !
— Review left March 14, 2023
This trip is fun, moderately challenging with time to learn about history, marine life, ecology and yourself.
— Review left March 11, 2023
Great biking experience and learned so much history at the same time!
— Review left February 25, 2023
The Jekyll Island experience covered interesting US history, and island ecosystems and was a lot of fun. The excellent leaders were locals who gave us insights unavailable to the casual visitor.
— Review left February 24, 2023
Jekyll was delightful. We rode at a pace that was quit leisurely so we could look around and enjoy the sights. If you want a trip with active or fast riding this is not the trip for you.
— Review left November 14, 2022
Gentle riding, flat roads, not hard if you are used to riding your bike! Beautiful scenery and breezes, and interesting history!
— Review left October 23, 2022
Great trip with overall easy biking in beautiful Jekyll Island. Lots of nature, beautiful beaches, lots of history to be discovered. Also enjoyed the comraderie of other participants.
— Review left October 23, 2022
If you are a new or casual rider this trip is for you. The pace and flat terrain make for an easy ride. There are frequent stops so time in the saddle is not a pain! Jekyll Island is a beautiful state park and the perfect place to explore on bike.
— Review left May 16, 2022
A great program with great leaders, nice hotel and interesting things to see.
— Review left April 28, 2022
This is a wonderful program for anyone who enjoys biking through beautiful, flat terrain. Fred, Linda, Dottie, & Jack are great tour leaders with many entertaining stories to share about the history of the islands. High praise to all of the leaders for a very fun adventure!
— Review left April 20, 2022
If you like to bicycle, learn history, enjoy great meals and beautiful surroundings, this is the trip for you!
— Review left April 16, 2022
The bike trip on Jekyll Island is superb! It is a beautiful quiet island with trails made for biking. The locals are very accommodating when bikes cross the street. The hotel is very nice and the beach is white sand and walkable for long distances. The meals were a good variety and delicious. We had lunch at the Jekyll Island Club and it was an elegant step back in time!
While the rides were up to 20 miles a day, it was flat and we had lots of interesting nature stops since Jekyll is a state park. The park rangers were great.
St. Simon's has some interesting places to visit and we had some really good talks there, but the biking was some times along side a busy road. They are two different islands and I preferred Jekyll for riding.
The leaders were local people and very personable.
This is a must do trip if you like moderate biking, along with history and nature!
— Review left March 12, 2022
Want to enjoy learning? Then sign on to a Road Scholar adventure. Led by knowledgable guides, you will learn by seeing, listening, and doing each day, along with time off to follow your own interests or just to relax. Chose the part of America—or the world—you wish to explore and then contact Road Scholar.
— Review left February 28, 2022
Great biking experience through marshes, forests, and rides along the ocean paths. You will also enjoy interesting American history and ecology presentations about the area from your guides!
— Review left November 8, 2021
This program was a delight and you will be happy you went, guaranteed.
— Review left November 6, 2021
I enjoyed the leisurely pace of the coaster bikes. The flat topography made for relaxing rides. Due to bad weather, our group missed portions of the planned ride on St. Simons Island, and we spent two days on Jekyll Island repeating certain trails, so perhaps some review of the itinerary is in order. I was not a fan of the catered food brought to our hotel for dinner, as it was not kept hot. The one night we ate out was much more pleasant and allowed us to experience the local folk. I appreciated greatly the many historical sites we visited, and learned much about the coastal environment of Georgia, thanks to the guest speakers. (Loved the live snakes and other critters.) The tour leader made some sexist comments at the beginning of the trip, which was unfortunate given that the group was composed mostly of women, and perhaps put too much attention on himself.
— Review left June 2, 2019
This trip was stress free from beginning to end. It was a relaxing, yet somewhat physical trip. The biking was easy, on flat, paved surfaces. The food was plentiful and good, the leaders were interesting and fun, and the days spent out and about were thoroughly enjoyable.
— Review left April 15, 2019
Look at Uber and Lyft and much lower transportation options from Jacksonville Airport.
— Review left April 13, 2019
For the most part this was an excellent experience.
Group leader Fred Collins and his team were very knowledgeable and kept us on schedule each day.
The Best Western Hotel at St. Simons was excellent. Good breakfast, quiet rooms and great coffee.
Local scenery was marvelous. The lectures gave us a great appreciation of the local history and environment.
The down side. The single speed foot brake bikes were not suited for the conditions we were in. San Simon Island has narrow sidewalks where the bicycles were driven. Within our group of 20 we were tightly packed when stopping and starting and crossing intersections often with vehicle traffic.
The foot brake was always in the way. Trying to stop was often difficult as the peddles had to be positioned properly so you had a good back stroke. When someone if front of you stopped unexpectedly and your peddles were in the wrong positon the only way to stop was jump off.
In a similar fashion when starting you could not put the peddles in tbe
position you wanted.
The sidewalk/bikepath was very narrow. The handle bars were very wide. This made it awkward when encountering oncoming bicycles and pedestrian traffic,
If a single speed bike was needed then the bmx style with hand brakes and free wheeling peddles is the way to go. At the very least a foot brake style with a single handbrake would allow you to control stopping.
My wife took three spills attempting to stop. And has the scrapes and bruises to show for it. She rides at home on a standard women's mountain bike with no issues.
On Sunday when we arrived Fred let me take a bike for a ride. It was fun; no traffic, nothing to watch out for. This changed immediately when the traffic came into play on the bike ride.
The single speed foot brake bike is a bad choice for the St Simon riding.
I note that Fred and his helpers did not ride the cruisers.
— Review left April 3, 2019
Learned a lot about the St. Simons/Jekyll Island area. Very Interesting. Believe you should be able to bike 10 miles before you go. Great trip.
— Review left March 24, 2019
