Mullet Point Parking Area

A while back, we decided to begin bike riding for exercise and for the most part we enjoy the exercise, being outdoors, doing something together, and hopefully benefiting from the activity.  We ordered two bikes from Wally World (more on that in another post) and mountied two Thule Low Rider Bike Mounts on the bed of the truck just behind the headache rack — thus began our adventure.

Gulf Shores, AL – Bike the Coast

On our recent trip to the AL Gulf Coast, we biked the part of the Gulf Shores Biking Trail which parallels Highway 180 between Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan – at least the first 6 or so miles from Highway 59.  Being from south Louisiana where there is very little or no local relief (it’s almost FLAT); we find the slightest hill a challenge.  When you think of the coastal area of AL, you would expect it would be the same as LA but not so.  There are challenging parts of this small 6 mile run, at least enough to give it character and to make that heart pump a little stronger.  Most of the trail is separated from the highway by trees so you have the feeling at times that you are biking through the woods.  If you like to bike, this is a nice enjoyable ride.

OK, so we did the short run, most mornings doing about a 30 minute ride in Gulf Shores right down the street from our RV Park (Bay Breeze).  Now for something a little longer…

Point Clear, AL – Bike the Eastern Shore

We knew of a dedicated bike trail of approximately 43 miles on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. After riding in the truck from Fairhope to the southern end of the trail @ Mullet Point, we decided to ride the southern tip of the trail.  Not being long distance riders, we rode about 5 miles to Point Clear, visited Punta Clara Kitchen for a short rest (more later) and returned to our truck @ Mullet Point. Good ride, more than we usually do at one time, but who knows, maybe we’ll work up to a 50 mile ride one day.

OK, Punta Clara Kitchen in Point Clear, makers of specialty candy as well as jams, jellies, preserves and pickles.  We figured most of what they had to offer would either melt or be consumed (so we would not have to carry it) on the way back to the truck. After remounting the bikes on the back of the truck, we returned to the candy shop. This way we could take our time, taste a lot, and pick out those special deals to take back with us.  Began in 1952 as a backyard hobby, it has grown into a family business located in a grand Victorian home built in 1897.  They have a large variety of items and many are available for tasting — makes deciding what to purchase difficult.  We settled on fig preserves, dark chocolate covered pecans, and margarita pecans.  At least that takes care of desert for a couple days!

Alabama Gulf Coast on Dwellable