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.