Jungleland

Hey all. My mom (who is a cyclist getting on in age) and I were planning on doing an organized century this fall together as her last century ride (in Maryland) but they were all cancelled.

We still would like to do a 100 mile ride and would like to make a bit of a winter break out of it so are considering riding from Charleston, SC to Savannah, GA (staying a few days in both towns on either side of the ride). My wife could crew us. My only concern is, using street view the roads don't seem overly conducive to bikes but I wanted to check if anyone had any experience doing all or part of that route. We would be fine on trails but for a century ride, don't want to be overly slowed by crowded walking trails.

Thanks for any help you could provide.

vespasianus

The problem with that is all the water crossing you have to do - which shoves you back on the the main Route 17 road. That is a death trap. South Carolina is a terrible place for road cyclists. In fact, there have been two cyclist killed on that road in the last 10 days.

Coming to Charleston and doing some of the rides around the islands and such would be a better idea. We did a 100 miles ride In early August that covered 100 miles (heat was terrible).

Jungleland

Thank you, that's what I was worried about. Maybe a 100 miler in the area would be the safer option (and logistically easier).

Juan Foote

Just wanted to mention that both of those towns do experience winter.

A suggestion I make is to consider a way S Florida ride at/near Big Cypress/Everglades.

Jungleland

We really don't want to ride in hot weather (cold weather is much easier to deal with for us). I don't want to risk it being 90 degrees (but we are fine with 30 degrees).

Rogerogeroge

Look at wind patterns. Yeah, wind will always be blowing inland (east to west), but I bet that it will also generally blow NW ('up' the coast). If you're riding Charleston to Savannah, that may make it a lot harder. Charleston to Savannah is going SW. Savannah to Charleston may be a lot easier.

sedges

Silver Comet Trail and Chief Ladiga Trail makes 100 miles of paved, off road riding. It is a wonderful ride any time of year. There could be winter weather, but that is usually well forecast. Smyrna, GA to Aniston, AL

WaveyGravey

Do you know if the Silver Comet Trail is open completely? Thanks

RichinSC1

The only really bad stretch is Hwy 17 just south of Charleston. For less and slower traffic you could take Hwy 61 toward Summerville but get off at Hwy 17 Alternate just southwest of Summerville. Google maps has a bike option and it lets you drag the route to Hwy 61. On a side note you should not miss Beaufort SC. Its a miniature Charleston.

RichinSC1

Actually I just looked up the map and you can avoid a lot of Hwy 17 and without going far out of the way by simply getting on the West Ashley Greenway. This parallels Hwy 17. It will take you from the Ashley River to Main Road which is about 10 miles south of Charleston.