Our collection of special places and free programs (or almost free) continues. Today, our tidbit, highlight how can be inspiring a “simple” ride, starting at Leblon, passing through Ipanema and Copacabana and finishing on Leme.

For the ride be more enjoyable, how about take your bike? Exactly! Our tidbit today will be done by bicycle, so take it from the garage and come with us!

There are no excuses for those of you who don’t own a bike. You can rent one at several points from the coast in specialized stores, such as Special Adventure (in Botafogo) or Ciclovia Zona Sul (on Arpoador). Stay tuned also to the Mobilicidade, a service which offers 19 stations along the way in Zona Sul, where you can pull out and return your bike. It’s easy & simple.

Before we start the ride, remember to wear appropriate clothes and comfortable shoes. This is essential. Be sure to use sunblock and bring some cash to buy water, coconut water or whatever you prefer. And now, ready to ride? We guarantee you will not regret it! You will see the most famous postcards in town, and also reinvigorate your body and mind. It’s awesome!

We began the tour in Leblon Belvedere. The huge deck is a great place to get inspiration and review your route. There is easy to see the whole coast of Leblon and Ipanema! Get down at the start of the bike path, take a deep breath, look back and be greeted by the Dois Irmãos Hill.

From Leblon to Ipanema, there is 3.5 km (2.2 miles) of pure beauty. Throughout this initial route, it is very common to see some of the Brazilian celebrities walking and even riding on the shore. The glamorous hotel “Marina” is located across the sidewalk. Impossible not to notice it! The beach of Leblon always kept a quite familiar environment, but nowadays you often see stylish youths on the Posto 12 or ”na Rainha“, referring to the strip of sand in front of Rainha Guilhermina Street.

Let’s move on because the ride continues. Right now we are in the Garden of Allah, which represents the local division of the neighborhood of Leblon and Ipanema and gives access to the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. For those unaware, the name is a reference to the movie “The Garden of Allah,” with Marlene Dietrich and Charles Boyer, launched in 1936, two years before the square’s construction.

Arriving at Ipanema, many spots deserve a special highlight. Next to Posto 10, you will see the Country Club, one of the most exclusive clubs in town, limited to only 850 members of high society. At the beach in front of it, you can see athletes training beach volleyball.

We continued a little further between Joana Angelica and Maria Quitéria streets, arriving at a spot known as Coqueirão. The space has one of the largest concentrations of beautiful people per square meter of the city. Some say that Coqueirão is what Posto 9 was one day. Really? We prefer to avoid controversy, but feel free to check it by yourself . ;)

Since we’ve mentioned Posto 9, let´s ride a little more and get to the most famous corner of Ipanema’s Beach. The most contentious area of ​​Rio sands is renowned for being a hub of fashion and innovation every summer. After all, who does not remember the Verão da lata or Verão do apito? They all happened at Posto 9. Someone can guess what will be the new sensation of the next summer? Bet’s on!

We rode a little more and reached the Farme de Amoedo street, the LGBT piece of beach, which attracts a more stylish, modern and very cheerful people. The flags that symbolize the movement are seen a lot.

Further, at the corner of Joaquim Nabuco street, we found the Fasano Hotel, one of the most charming and sophisticated hotels of Brazil. It was designed by the French designer Philippe Starck to reflect the glorious era of Bossa Nova, the golden years of the neighborhood. And he made it! It is currently the preferred of international celebrities.

A few more meters and we’re already at the end of Ipanema, close to the Arpoador beach. And it is worth a getaway, huh? Pedal to the “Stone of the Arpoador” and watch surfers on waves at Diabo Beach (Diabo means Devil, but it looks more like God’s Beach). The beach received this nickname because of the strong force of waves. Enjoy the short break and go to visit the Park Girl from Ipanema close by.

We returned to our course and crossed the Francisco Otaviano street to get to the beginning of Copacabana beach. At this point, we have the Forte de Copacabana culture program (open from Tuesday to Sunday and holidays – the entrance is cash-only, ok?). There, the visitor has at his disposal long-term exposures of the Army Historical Museum, which brings in a light and pleasant way the figure of a military hero. Very cool! It is also worth to meet the Colombo Confectioners inside the visiting area. Very tasty, huh?

From the fort, another 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) of bicycle paths links the “Princesinha do Mar” to Leme. There’s a lot of nice stuff to know there. Along the way, a quick stop to see the new kiosks, which line the entire beach. The choices go from draft beer to champagne and sophisticated tasty dishes. But let’s not exaggerate, huh?

We continue to cycle to discover the beauties of the internationally famous Copacabana Beach. Throughout the seashore you will see people playing racquetball, beach tennis, beach volleyball, footvolley and beach soccer. A bit of everything! Interestingly, the racketball and the “futvôlei” was born there, in the sands of “Copa“, between Posto 4 and 5. Cool, huh?! Worth a try … it is so fun!

Just a little more! We continue to be surprised with the majestic Copacabana Palace Hotel. A spectacle! The hotel opened in 1923 and, even today, is preserved as synonymous of luxury & glamour. It is undoubtedly the most traditional hotel in Brazil.

We rode a few more meters and crossed the Princesa Isabel Avenue, a barely perceptible division between Copacabana and Leme. Despite the discrete limit, the contrast between the neighborhoods is great. While the Copacabana’s neighborhood is restless and gathers children, with youths and elders from all regions of Brazil (and the world), Leme is characterized by the tranquility and a typical residential environment. There are a few roads and almost no movement. The wide strip of sand and the calm sea make Leme Beach a great place for families with children. We recommend it!

Well, that’s it! We got to the end of the route. Now, it’s time to stop, breathe deeply, take a coconut water and return. Did you notice how the bike ride can be fun? We hope you enjoy it as much as us. Enjoy the ride and then tell us about what you saw and leave us a comment. Okay?! We count on your help… ;)

Until next time!