Thirty miles off the coast of Massachusetts, Nantucket is an island that evokes numerous associations, ranging from affluence to maritime tragedies. For many years, up until the mid-19th century, this island was the whaling capital of the world, driven by the demand for the vividly burning and nearly odorless wax derived from the head case of sperm whales. The misfortune that inspired Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick (1851) was the ill-fated journey of the Nantucket-based whaling vessel, Essex. Present-day Nantucket is recognized as a sophisticated, upscale retreat characterized by a laid-back atmosphere, featuring breathtaking beaches, iconic lighthouses, and a town center rich in maritime history. Moreover, few places in the United States offer the same opportunity for exploration by bicycle, as the island is equipped with paved paths running parallel to all major routes.