There are so many who would not consider the
Low country of South Carolina for a cycling vacation.
I find these roads of South Carolina very gentle, pretty, scenic,
historical, and low traffic.
I find the roads dependably warmer and inviting in early spring.
I know what I like in roads and these roads are some of the best.
This is the first of March.
Soon the scent of purple wisteria will follow riders everywhere on the
routes.
As soon as I say this I hear the echo of "I prefer the mountains....".
"I love the Blue Ridge Parkway......"
Avoid the Blue Ridge Parkway often on weekends. Traffic will ruin the
rides along with weather.
Yes, the mountains are really wonderful but you have to have a good
forecast.
The mountains are very predictable after April 15.
Until then give me flatter roads and warmer weather and soon wisteria.
While Jane raced the Greenville races I rode one of my favorite rides.
I started in Bamberg and just thought I'd see how far I'd get.
I took Carlisle St. to Spring Branch,
I took Spring Branch to Hunters Chapel Road.
Soon the Tulips will be gorgeous at this house on Hunters Chapel.
Hunters Chapel
I make a right turn just beyond this store on Ehrhardt .
The road drops down to the Little Salkehatchie River.
These rivers and swamps are the "low-country's" resources and heritage.
So there's a little climb up from the river.
The entire ride has only 800 or so feet of total gain.
Looking back.
Horse country.
This is one of my favorite houses on the route.
This is 601. I don't stay on this road long at all. It's a bit busy.
In Ehrhardt the route takes a left but the ride could be made shorter by going straight and turning later.
Looking (and going briefly) dead south on 601.
Very soon the best ride is turning right on 64.
Before getting out of Ehrhardt we turn left on Mt. Pleasant Rd.
Staying on 64 would shorten the ride. I like this road fine but it is long and straight. 1 curve in 10 miles.
Farming communities with low traffic make for some great riding.
There is so much to see.
We turn right toward Rivers Bridge State Park.
Entrance to
It's sad to see an entire forest under the "scorched Earth policy" that the supposed need for money causes.
A large forest laid to waste for profit with a sign of mobile home park coming soon. Ludicrous.
Leave some trees for the mobile home dwellers.
Everybody deserves a nice place to live.
This is the heritage of South Carolina.
Cypress trees with Oak and others that make a cool spot in the road and to the eyes.
It was right here that I had my last flat and called for friends to help me out.
Allendale was just up the road but my friend Dallas drove 26 miles and picked me up here.
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Michael