Hi everyone, my name is Mike, and I’m currently cycling around Thailand. When I’m not repeating cringy adventure quotes, I’m running my bike blog – Pinch-Flat. The good people at Wanderlust Marriage have been kind enough to let me share a guest post on bicycle date ideas. I hope you enjoy it!
It’s coming up to summer. As warm evenings and sunny days increase – so does the chance of new love blossoming. Whether you’ve got butterflies over the anticipation of a first kiss or looking to mix things up for a milestone anniversary, a great date can help to make the moment all the more memorable. Romantic walks on the beach are nice but have you ever thought about bikes? The longer days and pleasant weather are all about adventure, and what’s more fun than a bicycle adventure? (although admittedly, I may be a little biased!)
Here are my top 5 bicycle date ideas to get things rolling in your love life!
1) A Romantic Picnic
We’re starting off with a classic. There are few things more romantic than a picnic in the park. Bring a bottle of wine, a warm blanket, and your favorite shareable snacks. Be sure to huddle close together as the warm sun slowly sets behind you.
You don’t need to worry how you’re going to carry everything. There are lots of different backpacks available now, and there’s even bike specific wine holders!
Going on a romantic bike picnic has never been easier. This gives you more time to spend the day flirting with each other underneath the trees. An excellent bicycle date idea!
2) Go On A Bicycle Wine Tour
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in a country where wine is everywhere, why not combine cycling and your love of the good stuff.
In places like France, there are many guided tours for you to choose from where you can combine French wine, cycling, and food.
I’m not sure there are many more romantic experiences to be had then slowly rolling through green hills to your next vineyard.
3) Three Course Meal In Three Different Places
Bicycles are incredibly convenient. Without having to worry about parking costs or taxis, you can turn a date night into a city-wide culinary tour!
Head out for tapas at your favourite place in old town, and then pedal down to that new Italian restaurant you’ve heard so much about.
Cruise across the city to share a cheesecake in the cafe where you first met, and if you’re not ready to pop, finish off the evening with a drink in that new bar that’s recently opened up.
Without having to worry about parking, the bicycle date ideas here are endless, just make sure you’ve not eaten so much you’re unable to ride home.
4) Rent A Tandem Bicycle
Have you always wanted to try a tandem but never got around to it? While one person riding a tandem is possibly the world’s saddest metaphor. Seeing two people on a tandem inspires a warm, fuzzy feeling in everyone.
Pedaling a tandem bike is all about cooperation, and that’s essential for a successful relationship. Take a trip to your local bike shop and see if you’re able to rent one for a few hours or even a weekend.
5) Go On A Scenic Bicycle Adventure
There’s something to be said for good old fashioned sightseeing. No fuss, complaints or cost! Head out to your favorite viewpoint, or even better, get a map and mark down a few viewpoints to check out.
You could make a day of it, or for the truly adventurous couple, you could pair the day with an evening camping under the stars.
You can set up a tent, or it’s even possible to get two people camping hammocks. Either way, it’s nice to enjoy the simplicity of spending time together in the great outdoors.
A Few Do’s And Don’t For a Cycling First Date
Cycling makes for an excellent alternative date idea. However, you need to be considerate so that you don’t put your other half off. They might not think exercising is quite as romantic as you do!
Here are two top tips to make sure you’re still a couple at the end of your date.
Ensure that you have a destination in mind
As a cyclist, I love nothing more than cycling around and seeing where I end up, and this is great fun when I’m on my own.
But with a date, the feeling might not be so mutual. Sometimes the only thing that enables your date to get through the ride is the thought of a hot chocolate at the end.
Don’t leave them behind
Leaving them behind would be a terrible idea! It can become a little frustrating if your partner hasn’t got the legs you have. Having to wait constantly makes the activity you love a game of patience. But whatever you do please, please don’t leave them behind!
They’ll either think you’re horrible as they wallow in the lack of their own fitness or they’ll get lost!
Neither one of them is something you want to experience on a date.
So there we have it. A few bicycle date ideas to get you thinking about different scenarios to mix up date night!
Photo credit: unsplash.com