jonwvara 

Has anyone ever toured along the Great Pee Dee River in South Carolina (no laughing at the name, that's really what it's called)? I'm looking for a nice, somewhat relaxed three or four-day tour that would be doable in late February (I know, it might be cold there then, but it will definitely be a lot warmer than here in northern Vermont). I more or less arbitrarily picked the Pee Dee valley off a map because it seems wild and scenic with no major highways = little traffic. Anyone have other thoughts on a possible route?
Best, Jon

eric von zipper

Planning on camping or staying in hotels? Day time temps would probably be fine, but it can get pretty cold at night. Average temps in Florence, SC: upper 50s and mid-30s for that time of the year. Tonight it's going to be in the 20s. Anyway, I've only driven on I-20 and I-77 through that part of SC, I'd be interested in hearing about touring there; I might do it when the weather warms up enough for me to camp.

gpsblake

The entire area is often referred to as the Pee Dee area. US 501 can be an experience to ride on when the beach season starts up but won't be a factor in late Feb, you should have no problems. SC 41 and 34 are lightly traveled in that area. It's a flat area with some swamps and some areas of pine trees along with farmland. SC 9 to the beach is designated a state bicycle route if you decide to take a view of the ocean. If you camp, it's really just a matter of picking out the best spot. You probably won't see any gators or black bears unless you are really lucky in late Feb.

You can also use google maps to find lightly traveled roads but there is no guarantee they will be paved roads. Personally, I like to travel on unpaved backroads as long as they aren't mud pits.

Sounds like a great trip.

tarwheel 

Well, if you don't mind waiting until a few weeks, Cycle North Carolina has a great 3-day tour along the coast from April 11-13. The ride is based in Oriental, NC, with loops ranging from 20-100 miles each day. Oriental is cool little coastal village. Plenty of camping (indoor or outdoor) and local motels. I'm signed up to go.

https://www.ncsports.org/nccyclemain.php

1-track-mind

I was actually going to suggest this area as perhaps being a better option than Pee Dee for someone coming from the north. Closer and much more interesting stuff to see.
Tarwheel-Have you done this trip before thru Cycle North Carolina ?
I love to hear a report.

jonwvara 

Late Feb./March is my only time window, so North Carolina is out. I prefer riding on my own (with friends) as opposed to a group ride, anyway. What appeals to me about the Pee Dee is that it is supposed to be wild--my idea of scenery is birds and bears and woods and alligators, not scenic towns with nice coffee shops. Given temperatures, rather than bike camping I'm thinking we might comfortably car-camp (four of us will be driving down with bikes) for a few nights at Cheraw State Park, up toward the North Carolina line, riding some loops in that area before heading south to spend a few more nights at Huntington Beach State Park and riding that area before scramming back north to the icy wastes.
Thanks to everyone for their thoughts.
Jon V.

1-track-mind

I think you are going to find Pee Dee wild allright, wildly boring.