The best road cycling routes around St. Thomas

There are over 240 road cycling routes around St. Thomas, catering to various skill levels. This includes 64 easy routes, 130 moderate routes, and 48 difficult routes, ensuring options for every cyclist.

St. Thomas offers a challenging and exhilarating road cycling experience due to its mountainous topography. You'll encounter significant elevation changes, including strenuous climbs and exciting descents. The terrain features winding coastal roads and rugged hill climbs, with surfaces ranging from compact asphalt to packed dirt and occasional rocky segments.

Yes, St. Thomas is known for its demanding climbs. For instance, Mafolie Road is a notable ascent, spanning 1.7 miles with an average gradient of 9.8% and sections as steep as 16.3%. A full island circumference ride can also present significant challenges, covering 76.2 km with 1,882 meters of elevation gain and gradients up to 10.2%.

For a more relaxed ride, the Charlotte Amalie waterfront offers flatter terrain. This area is ideal for leisurely cycling and exploring historical sites such as the 99 Steps, Fort Christian, and the vibrant shopping district.

Road cycling routes in St. Thomas offer breathtaking panoramic views. High peaks like Crown Mountain (1,555 feet) provide expansive vistas. Scenic lookouts such as Drake's Seat and the USVI Skyline Drive Lookout offer stunning perspectives of Magens Bay and the surrounding islands.

Yes, among the 242 routes, 64 are classified as easy. A good option for a more accessible ride is the Swansea Marina to the Mumbles loop, which is rated easy and offers a manageable distance and elevation profile.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 170 reviews. Reviewers often praise the island's unique combination of challenging climbs, exhilarating descents, and spectacular coastal views that make every ride memorable.

While cycling, you might encounter various natural and historical landmarks. Keep an eye out for Carreg Bica Standing Stone or the scenic Rams Tor Headland. The island also features beautiful beaches like Caswell Bay Beach and the iconic Bracelet Bay and the Mumbles Lighthouse.

Roads in St. Thomas can be narrow, steep, and feature many blind curves, often lacking shoulders. It is highly recommended to stay off the main roads due to traffic and local driving customs. Cyclists should be prepared for varied surfaces, from asphalt to packed dirt, and occasional rocky segments, requiring a versatile bike and good fitness.

Yes, for advanced cyclists seeking a significant challenge, routes like the Swansea Marina to Devil's Elbow loop offer a difficult rating with substantial distance and elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Devil's Elbow and Bwlch Bryn-Rhudd loop from Swansea.

While specific weather data by month isn't provided, St. Thomas offers a tropical climate. Generally, the cooler, drier months from December to May are often preferred for outdoor activities, avoiding the peak hurricane season and higher humidity of summer and fall. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Yes, St. Thomas and its surroundings feature natural attractions. You might find the Penllergare Waterfall or the Moel Darran Trig Point, which offers a unique natural monument, accessible from some routes.