Where You Can Rent a Bike in Brewster, Massachusetts

As part of a socially-distanced Cape Cod vacation, you might look for outdoor activities that take place in open spaces. Riding bikes on the Cape Cod Rail Trail is a great way to stick within your family bubble, avoid crowds, and see large chunks of the Cape in a single day, and there’s no better place to begin your journey than the Brewster area.

The great thing about getting a vacation rental in Brewster is that the Rail Trail runs through the middle of downtown and passes Nickerson State Park, making it easy to visit its top attractions.

You’ll also find numerous bike rental shops in Brewster and its surrounding towns, so you don’t even have to bring your bike to Cape Cod.

Here’s a look at some of the bike shops that make it easy to explore the trails around Brewster, Massachusetts.

Brewster Bike

You’ll find Brewster Bike on Underpass Road, which sits between Long Pond Road and Main Street. The shop is small, but there’s an excellent selection of bikes for the entire family.

Under normal circumstances, you can rent bikes from this location for at little as two hours and as long as a week. The rates are competitive, with adult bikes costing $16 for two hours and $100 for a week-long rental.

COVID-19 has brought changes to the business model at Brewster Bike, however, as you must rent your bike for at least 24 hours. Helmets are usually included in the rental cost, as well, but they’re currently asking customers to bring their own helmets for sanitary reasons. Bike deliveries remain available.

Once you get your bike, the Cape Cod Rail Trail is steps from the shop, so you’ll be riding in minutes. Many people will take the Rail Trail up to Nickerson State Park to explore the area’s kettle ponds.

Rail Trail Bike Shop

The Rail Trail Bike Shop is also on Underpass Road, so it has easy access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, too. This shop is taking shorter-term reservations, despite COVID-19, so you can grab a bike for as little as three hours at an affordable rate of $20. Full-day and week-long rentals are also available.

Besides their selection of mountain bikes, this venue carries tandem bikes, road bikes, and trailers for the kids. There are car racks available for rent if you plan to travel away from the Rail Trail for a ride elsewhere on the Cape.

While you’re at the Rail Trail Bike Shop, make sure you have a look at their kayak and paddleboard rentals. The shop will deliver these boats directly to any of the area’s kettle ponds, so you can spend a day on the water without having to arrange transportation.

Rentals in Dennis

Those with a vacation rental on the west end of Brewster might consider heading to Dennis to rent a bike. Dennis Cycle Center and Barb’s Bike Shop are easily accessible via Slough Road and Airline Road, as you can take either route under the Mid-Cape Highway to an industrial zone in South Dennis.

Once there, you can rent bikes at reasonable rates for a few hours or up to an entire week. Helmets are included in the rates, and e-bike rentals are available, as well. Dennis Cycle Center also offers bike deliveries for an additional fee.

Both of these shops are right along the Cape Cod Rail Trail, making it easy for you to head for a ride in one of the Cape’s most scenic locations.

Rent a Bike in Orleans

If your vacation rental is on the east side of Brewster, a quick trip over to the bike shops in Orleans might make more sense for you. Luckily, Orleans has three downtown options that are seconds from the Cape Cod Rail Trail.

The bike shops in Orleans are also appealing because they’re relatively close to the Cape Cod National Seashore. Even if you have to drive for a few minutes to reach Orleans, it’s well worth the journey because of its access to the scenic beaches and highlands.

More specifically, Idle Times Bike Shop and Orleans Cycle are on Main Street in the heart of downtown Orleans. Idle Times recommends reserving ahead of time, but Orleans Cycle runs on a first-come, first-served basis.

Idle Times also offers free delivery to most towns on the Cape, although there’s a fee if you’re staying in Sandwich, Barnstable, Mashpee, or Falmouth. You’ll find e-bikes and recumbent bikes at Idle Times, as well.

Another rental option on the north side of Orleans is Mike’s Bike Trail Rentals, which has direct access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Mike’s is a family-friendly venue with an ice cream shop next door and a mini-golf course across the street, so you can spend even more time in the area after riding the trail.

Get on the Cape Cod Rail Trail

If access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail is an essential factor for you when selecting a vacation rental, Brewster is an outstanding option because the path runs through the middle of town, and it has numerous bike rental shops.

You’re also an easy drive from Dennis, Orleans, and other places with Rail Trail access and more bike shops, giving you multiple places to start your journey.

Cape Cod is full of great activities for the entire family. Still, with social distancing measures in effect throughout the country, it makes sense to explore the bike trails as a family and keep yourself safe throughout your vacation.