Friendly

We are a group of 10 Canadians wanting to go to South Carolina for a week in March 2013. The purpose of our trip is to ride everyday distances from 30 to 60 miles.

We are hesitating between Myrtle Beach and Charleston. Which of these two areas would offer the best and safest road rides?

Most of the information I have found on the web is outdated or very limited.

Can someone help?

Thanks!

no1mad 

Moved from General Discussion in the hopes that the OP will find some locals who can help him out.

NealH

I like Charleston, and lived there for a bit back in the early 70's. For bike riding, you will need to get out of town proper but the outlying areas (Francis Marion, Isle of Palms, Johns Island, etc) are generally nice and offer good roads.....and flat. Traffic is never heavy but on the main roads there will be some. Longer routes almost always include some relatively busy roads as its hard to always avoid due to the roadway infrastructure. The wind is something else you may have to deal with especially as Spring approaches. But its a town worth visiting and cycling during your visit is an excellent way to appreciate the town and surrounding area (e.g., plantations, lowland refuges, etc).

There is a lot of history associated with Charleston and quite a bit to do and see....in addition to some good restaurants. Lots of Southern culture and a relatively easy town to get around. My advice is to pass on Myrtle and focus on Charleston.

DieselDan

"Safe roads" and "South Carolina" don't belong in the same sentence. I've always lived here. Base yourselves out of Georgetown and use lightly traveled backroads. Expect hostile motorists. I've never ridden that area, but I tried before I got sick. Spring is a better time then fall, or as we call fall, deer hunting season.

AT&T does have good mobile phone coverage in the entire state, as do the other three US carriers. You never go too far before you find the next little town (20km or less)

Friendly

Thank you so much for your input NealH. We are certainly drawn to Charleston for its attractions.

Friendly

Does anyone have any suggestions on decent cycling destinations in the South East US. We would like a safe place to ride in addition to being warm and comfortable at mid-March. We also would like to remain North of Georgia to be within a day's drive from Canada.

Thanks!

Friendly

Thanks for the input DieselDan. I know Georgetown as I toured it a few years ago. Interesting little town but rather small.

yellowsirocco

You could do the Silver Comet / Chief Ladiga. It is a rail-trail. If you did it all the way and return it would be 4 days of riding.

Friendly

Thank you much yellowsirocco! I am taking note of this. I think the group is now looking at the Orlando Area for this year.

Thank you to all for the replies.