Day 1 Cycling San Juan to Luquillo

We woke up excited and ready to get going on our journey, but needed to figure out how to get everything packed in our panniers so we can retrieve it when needed. We’re guessing we’re each carrying between 20 and 25 pounds. We loved Viejo San Juan and are now ready to check out more of the island. 

First stop…. Coffee and a bite. This place, like many others grow their own coffee beans! What special about these beans is the way they roasted them - we both chose the whiskey roasted bean! 

The ride out of town was mostly bike paths, but we did need to navigate the busy morning traffic at times. Seeing the ocean and ocean front parks helped us get in island time. 

We just never know what we’re gonna see when we’re touring. This chocolate shop, off the beaten path,  popped up and essentially called us in.  The chocolate was pricey, but we couldn’t resist. 

We arrived in Luquillo shortly after 1:00.  36 miles and now we have time to explore this popular coastal town famous for its golden sand beaches and being a popular nesting ground for the leatherback turtle - the largest of the turtle species weighing up to a ton! We didn’t see any,, maybe because they usually come to lay their eggs in March.

 

A lunch stop with a beach view, pina coladas and fish tacos …. Island time and worth the wait. 

After a little siesta , we were ready to check out a new restaurant in town La Mar.  Jonathan was our server and did a great job helping us make our menu choices. 

The sangria was brought out with a  smoldering cinnamon stick … very unique !  

We shared the octopus salad with fries and grilled chicken with Puerto Rican rice and beans. 

We were stuffed silly! 

Free day to check out Old San Juan

Today our focus was finding good coffee, then dialing in our rental bikes with the gear we brought, and finally exploring as much of Old San Juan as time allowed. In total we covered about 10 miles and rewarded ourselves with interesting sites, wonderful beverages, fun experiences and delicious foods.

Tim chatting up this statuesque woman. 

The colorful houses are all over Viejo San Juan. 

For me, the best part of visiting the San Juan National Historic Site- Castillo San Felipe del Morro was watching a group of students on a field trip roll down the hill in a race upon the teachers countdown. 

Feral cats have inhabited Old San Juan for centuries.  It is said that a mayor of San Juan in the mid 1500s brought them in to kill rats. “Save a Gato”  is now a nonprofit organization that has trapped, neuter and spayed cats of Old San Juan for near 20 years.

Cathedral Basílica Menor de San Juan Bautista

Our lunch was on this tiny  balcony overlooking a popular gathering spot for tourists/cruise ship groups. A great people watching location. 

There are plenty of chicken fending for themselves. 

We found the perfect place to give our feet a rest…. Cerveceria Callejon. This local brewery provided a flight of their 5 brews. 

Dinner included sangria, grouper ceviche and yuca mofongo stuffed with seafood. 

The perfect end to a full day was a scoop of gelato.  We knew it would be great based on the online popularity and the long line to place our order. 

Arrival in San Juan, Puerto Rico

It was a smooth but very long journey to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Walking out of the somewhat chilly airport, we were hugged by 85 degrees with humidity. 

After checking into our hotel, we met up with Robert owner of San Juan Bike Rentals. He made this tour possible by supplying us with  bikes that were meticulously maintained to make sure we were set for our 10 day self supported clockwise journey around the island of Puerto Rico.  It was fun finally meeting Robert after Tim had first contacted him nine months ago. He is of Puerto Rican descent from NYC and met his Puerto Rican wife while on vacation here.  Robert - like you, we are also glad you’re here and appreciate all your efforts to get us off to a great start. 

Upon recommendation from Our Uber driver, our first stop in old San Juan was Lupulo, a fun establishment with 50 taps and tasty apps. We enjoyed local beers and Puerto Rico‘s version of deep fried cheese curds. 

A random stroll around gave us a glimpse of the fun and colorful atmosphere of historic San Juan. The only prerequisite we had for the afternoon was finding a dining spot that included the drink that originated in Puerto Rico - the very tasty Pina colada! 

It just so happens that servers were trying to make room for an incoming large party. We offered to change tables to make things easier for them. For that reason we enjoyed a second piña colada with a cinnamon spice twist compliments of the staff. 

Since it was officially Fat Tuesday, we thought we would check out FAT TUESDAY bar on the way back to our hotel.  We were shocked that this establishment had very few people within.   It was time for us to turn in, so we also did not partake.

This crocheted masterpiece was suspended above a walkway. Very creative, colorful and impressive. 

Heading to Puerto Rico with a big smile 😁

Over the last two days we’ve been getting to know Abby, our Trusted House Sitter from Missouri. She was eager to be introduced to our pet family… including the bees, hen,  Lucy and our backyard friends. 

Abby ready to feed the hive with sugar water plus. 

Donkey and the herd welcoming Abby. 

Checking out the nature trail in Greenhorn Creek. 

Lucy has a new friend. See you again in 2 weeks!

Getting ready for a February 2026 cycling adventure circumnavigating Puerto Rico

We are planning our route, booking our stays and checking out the "must sees" of the coastal area of Puerto Rico. The planning stages are always exciting and a bit nerve wracking too.

Our greatest concern currently is how open our pooch Lucy will take to the house guest that will be caring for her and our home. Lucy is not one that willing nor quickly adapts to new people.