5 exciting bicycle tours that will get family moving

Let the good times roll during May, National Bike Month. Here are five places to enjoy two-wheeled fun.

Cycle Florida. Choose your view in the St. Petersburg-Clearwater area of the Sunshine State. Roll past nature preserves, city skylines or endless beaches in Pinellas County. Consider the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail, a 38-mile track built atop an abandoned railroad line. The route extends from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. Bike rental shops plus water fountains and rest areas along the way make it easy to select one section or take on the entire span.

Mount Rushmore Family Tour, Rapid City, S.D. Ride past buffalo. Soak in a hot spring. Discover Bedrock City and learn about the Crazy Horse Memorial. Join an award-winning outfitter for this six-day family bike tour centered on the Mickelson Trail bike path. The “Big Mick” gives families easy two-wheeled access to national parks, active mammoth digs, water slides and rock climbing, with a grand finale in the town of Deadwood, where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane once caused a ruckus.

Pedal and picnic, Minneapolis. Kimpton’s Grand Hotel Minneapolis offers guests the option to join in a 5-mile guided ride through this bike-friendly city. You’ll arrive at the historic Stone Arch Bridge, a former railroad bridge crossing the Mississippi River at St. Anthony Falls, and savor a picnic brunch prepared by your guide, hotel chef Kris Koch. The ride takes place now through the end of September on Sundays. Self-guided bike packages are also available.

Block Island, R.I. Ride through a scenery-rich island where more than 43 percent of the pristine natural environment is protected. You’ll explore more than 30 miles of scenic trails and 17 miles of beaches and learn about the plentiful wildlife on this bird migration route stopover. Mostly flat, smooth, paved roads make it possible for two-wheeling members of multiple generations to enjoy this wonderland. You’ll also sample fresh seafood and learn about local history.

Spokane. Go with a guide or chart your own course as you explore the rail trails of Eastern Washington, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and on to the Montana border. Level, paved and pristine pathways make for stress-free and scenic family cycling. Up the adventure quotient by mixing in a day of kayaking, rafting or fishing on local rivers. Stop by a hot spring or consider a side hike.