The Olympics are inspiring to watch, but you don't have to be a top athlete to ride the open road by bicycle. Bike to an urban bed and breakfast, cycle on bike trails at a quaint country inn or do both.
Oregon
Originally a Victorian floating bordello in Fulton, Oregon, in 1910 the Fulton House was hauled onto shore and placed on a log foundation in nearby Portland. Today, the Fulton House is a restored home close to Springwater Corridor biking trail. The trail is a former railway roadbed that winds east for 21 miles from Portland to the town of Boring, Oregon. Stay in one of the elegantly decorated rooms. After cycling, relax amid the outdoor patio, garden, waterfall and koi pond, and soak in the hot tub. There are free maps for Springwater Corridor and other area biking trails; plus an indoor locking sun-porch for bike storage. Several bike rental companies are nearby.
Texas
The city of College Station, home to Texas A&M University, is a bike rider's dream thanks to its 33 miles of bike lanes, 59 miles of bike routes, and 8 miles of multi-use paths. The Rudder Jessup B&B just across from the university campus, is a wonderful bed and breakfast with tall, plantation-style design. Choose from one of four well-furnished rooms with antiques, and enjoy the inn's famous Lemon Chiffon pancakes on the pleasant veranda!
Minnesota
Ride the Root River Bicycle Trail in southern Minnesota, and roll up to the Wenneson Historic Inn in the quiet town of Peterson, Minnesota. The Wenneson has been in the hospitality business in one way or another since 1904. In 1994 it was renovated into a rural Victorian oasis, with comfortable guest rooms, and an outdoor courtyard that stays remarkably free of mosquitoes during the summer months. Worth noting: stay any one night between Sunday through Thursday, and get the second night half-price!
Connecticut
The Westbrook Inn Bed and Breakfast & Cottage is a wonderfully restored Connecticut B&B. Located close to the Atlantic Ocean, this 1876 multi-story house is an elegant Victorian refuge. The Westbrook Inn provides complimentary bikes to ride around town and to the local beach less than 1/4 mile away. Nine antique-appointed rooms, some with working gas fireplaces, feature beds made with luxurious, triple-sheeted linens. Stay in the two-bedroom cottage for ultimate privacy with a full kitchen, 1 1/2 baths, and spacious living room with gas fireplace.
New Jersey
Three stories of covered verandas at Inn The Gardens Bed & Breakfast in Ocean City, New Jersey will make you take a second look. Built as an early 20th century summer retreat with an unobstructed ocean breeze, the B&B offers old-fashioned charm with modern conveniences, at great rates. For cyclists, Ocean City is home to a variety of designated bicycle routes and bikeways that ensure safe travels. Meanwhile, the famous Boardwalk is a fabulous place to ride a bike along the downtown area of the island.
Pennsylvania
For a real rollicking ride, travel the Allegrippis Trails in Huntingdon Country, Pennsylvania. Zoom up and down more than 30 miles of multi-use trails designed by mountain bikers. Some who have ridden the Allegrippis Trails call it "a roller coaster on two wheels." When your adventure is done, unwind at the nearby Inn at Solvang. This is a beautiful heritage home on a peaceful 80-acre estate. The Inn at Solvang provides restful, traditionally-appointed rooms and three-course gourmet breakfasts that include homemade baked goods, in-season vegetable frittatas with local cage-free farm eggs, and fresh fruit smoothies. The Inn even offers many vegetarian and gluten-free menu choices, just what you need to fuel up for the trail again!
-- James Careless