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.
Participant Reviews
Based on 50 Reviews
SHOWING
Worse trip we have taken with Roads Scholar, very disappointing. Group leader was insensitive and not very caring about our group and what was going on. First day bike ride was 9 miles and we couldn’t stop, too much to start right after a travel day to get to program. Rental bikes were hard to maneuver, coaster brakes not very good and people were falling. Needs new group leader and better itinerary. Jekyll islands was beautiful
— Review left December 18, 2025
Beautiful, relaxing, educational, comfortable, well organized, fun learning experience
— Review left October 26, 2025
If you want to challenge yourself while improving your cycling skills, with excellent leadership, this is the trip for you! The gorgeous setting was an added bonus!
— Review left October 25, 2025
This program was fun, active, and well run.
— Review left October 19, 2025
Jekyll Island is a beautiful beautiful place for this type of road scholar experience
— Review left October 17, 2025
Beautiful, relaxing area to explore on bikes. Though not a regular rider, I found the rides at a moderate pace but it could have been a tad slower. The beach cruisers were easy to get around but at times wished I was on an e-bike. It was great to see deer and wildlife on our paths and on a beach walk we were unexpectedly treated to dolphins frolicking offshore.
The hotel accommodations were nice, breakfast was okay - typical hotel food but adequate. The restaurants chosen served very good food. The crew leaders,
Fred, Linda, Wanda and Bob were great, keeping everyone on track and safe. The educational leaders at our stops were knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The riders in our group were easygoing and very nice to know.
Overall it was great experience, a personal best, and a fun way to explore these islands.
— Review left May 11, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed my biking exploration on St. Simons and Jekyll Islands! Fred, Linda, Bob and Wanda were wonderful leaders and kept us on course and on time throughout our stay. They imparted a great deal of knowledge to us as we learned about the area. We had many options to select from and that made the experience great for all of the participants. It was a great balance of scheduled time and free time throughout the trip. Thank you for an awesome learning experience!
Bob P.
— Review left May 3, 2025
This was a wonderful biking experience on Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island. It was good for novice bikers as well as more experienced bikers.
The history of both islands was presented in detail. Daily distances ranged from 14 to 19 miles per day on flat terrain.
— Review left March 31, 2025
5 Star in every division. Great leaders, wonderful trails and scenic views, fabulous food, entertaining lectures and congenial people. If you decide to go: leave your bike at home ( you don’t need to it) . Be prepared to bike 13 miles a day ( not just around the block!) and know you’ll love this experience!
— Review left March 31, 2025
Very nice trip to a beautiful area, enhanced by excellent weather & a fine trip leader in Fred. As an experienced cyclist, I was positively surprised that riding at 9 mph on a new-ish 1-speed beach cruiser would turn out to be better exercise than I thought it would be. Highly recommend this trip.
— Review left March 30, 2025
Great program but this assessment is way too long : )
— Review left March 29, 2025
Excellent and I would like to someday be able to go on another biking trip with the road scholars
— Review left March 5, 2025
If you are considering a bike tour but not sure if you are up to it, this bike tour is made for you! Easy riding, lots of breaks off the bike, excellent bike paths - couldn't be better for a novice rider. Top notch Program Leaders as well!
— Review left October 31, 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
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
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
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
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
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