Pedal Through Paradise on Block Island

Zena Clark didn’t just dream of quitting her job and riding off into the sunset – she did it. After decades running restaurants, inns, and even a nightclub, this Block Island native swapped high-stress management for island breezes and bike spokes.

In 2023, she launched Block Island By Bike, blending her love for biking, storytelling, and the island she calls home. “Call it a midlife crisis,” she jokes. “I gave my notice and headed into semi-retirement. I’d been dreaming about a guided bike tour for years.”

Now, she spends her days cruising 16 to 18 miles with visitors, leading scenic, story-filled rides past the island’s most iconic sights. The route kicks off on High Street and winds by Mohegan Bluffs, New Harbor, Corn Neck Road, and Settler’s Rock. Clark outfits each rider with a helmet, earpiece, and pedal-assist e-bike – perfect for Block Island’s rolling hills. “It’s not a race. We go at your pace,” she says. “And if the farmer’s market is open, we always stop for a scone from the famous Scone Lady.”

Clark weaves history, personal anecdotes, and island lore into each tour. She starts with the glaciers that shaped the land and moves through centuries of island life, adding her own childhood memories along the way. “My favorite moment comes when we reach Sachem Pond,” she says. “The breeze picks up, the ocean’s in view, and people gasp. It’s pure magic.”

Getting the business off the ground took persistence. Block Island didn’t allow e-bike rentals, so Clark worked with the town council to pass a new ordinance specifically for her guided tours. She’s now collaborating with lifelong friend Corrie Heinz, owner of Pond and Beyond, to create “Surf & Turf Adventures” – a full day of biking and kayaking.

For Clark, this career pivot has been as rewarding as the island is scenic. “It’s unbelievably refreshing to have all happy customers,” she reflects. “I’m doing something I absolutely love, and people can feel that.”

She plans to keep the tours small and personal. “I want to grow while staying hands-on,” she says. “When people ride with me, I want them to feel like they’ve seen the real Block Island.” For more information or to book your tour, visit BlockIslandBikeTour.com.