Road Cycling - Looking for a fun ride (TX to NC (I-20 to I-85))

Going home to see the folks in a few weeks and I'll be driving I-20/I-85 (both ways). I'll be taking my bike and I thought it would be fun to stop on the way there and the wat back and do some nice 20-30 mi ride. I'd like to do something scenic or historical that doesn't require so much climbing that I'm too tired to drive or more than a 5-10 mile detour from my main route (if possible). Any thoughts? TIA

PS Don't withhold your great ride just because it doesn't meet those cirteria. Who knows? I might get a wild hair and go for it :)

I know this is a lame response buttt...

I believe if you do a search for cycling routes on google or similar and enter some locations you should come up with something, if that doesnt work try for cycling clubs along your route and check their websites.

Cheers Pedl'nfool

Not a lame respons at all :) The problem is that the drive is such a long distance and it's kind of hard to search for bike shops "within 5 miles of I-20 between Texas and NC" :D I was kind of hoping someone night now a nice ride along the way. I guess sticking to "close to I-20" is kind of unreasonable, but given the length of the drive, I'd like not to go TOO far of course :)

you may want to try something along the blue ride parkway. mountainous and beautiful.

Ok, here's one:

In Alabama get off I-85 at exit 62 (Hwy 280) and cross back over I-85 heading toward Opelika. Pass Glynn Smith Chevrolet and at the top of the hill turn right onto 6th Street (there's a mobile home dealer on the corner). Go to light and turn left into downtown Opelika. This is Avenue B. Go three blocks and on the right is the county courthouse parking lot. Park here and unload your bike.

Leaving on your bike from the courthouse parking lot take Avenue B one block to 8th street (you passed this on the way in) and turn left. Cross 2nd Avenue and continue straight. This passes through the historic district. Not bad, eh. Continue on 8th Street until it ends at Oak Bowery Road. Turn right. Take Oak Bowery Rd to the end. Turn around and come back the same way. Distance about 20 miles. A few rolling hills. Light traffic.

Check www.mapquest.com or some such to orient yourself with my directions would be a good idea.

I live off of I-20 (Tuscaloosa AL), there is always a ride here, I can not say that it is historic or even scenic, but a ride is a ride through the countryside (sort of).

You could try and see if there is anyone who know more about natchez trace (http://www.natcheztrace.com/parkway) it could be pretty (I know there have been some other post about it in the past also)

Try the The Chief Ladiga Trail in Alabama or the Silver Comet Trail in Georgia. Both are rail-to-trails and are not too far off of I-20

The Silver Comet Trail (http://silvercomet.tripod.com/)

The Chief Ladiga Trail (http://www.trailexpress.com/cl_mainpage.shtml)

My parents live near BRP so I'll likely drive up there while visiting if I have time.

Thanks for the other suggestions. I will check them out...