Navigating BASC

How do I know where I’m going? With 157.4 miles to cross in three days, oftentimes riders find themselves asking that exact question. At BASC, our goal is for every rider to arrive at the night’s campsite without struggling to find it. Navigating the sometimes overgrown trails of South Carolinas dense swamps and forests can lead to a sense of vertigo, even for those familiar with the landscape. This year, we have established three ways for participants to safely navigate the trails.

Navigating the Trail with Signs

Navigational signage will be hung along all 157.4 miles of the trail, helping riders safely get to their destination. Signs will mark all lefts, rights, straights, and rest stops along the route!

Navigating the Trail using Ride with GPS

Ride with GPS is a route planning and tracking app with turn-by-turn voice navigation for cyclists, runners, and hikers. With multiple map styles available, including satellite and street-view, to ensure you have the best route.

All BASC routes are available for free on Ride With GPS.

To utilize Ride with GPS, download the smartphone app, and load the respective days’ routes before arriving on-site, as there will be minimal cell phone coverage at some parks. We ask that all riders who use the app are required to have the routes downloaded prior to check-in. If you don’t have access to a smartphone, you will be required to partner with someone who does as this is a safety requirement for all participants.

• Day 1: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32880923
• Day 2: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32880924
• and Day 3: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32880925

Navigating the Trail using TraQCentral

This year we have partnered with TraQCentral to deliver the safest event possible and elevate your overall experience. Simply download and use the TraQCentral free mobile app.  The app displays the route(s) and your location.  If needed, you can request assistance with the simple click of a button.  It receives any notifications, including location-specific alerts such as road conditions or weather warnings.  Plus, you can also share your progress with friends & family. Download TraQCentral today and pre-register it with Bicycle Across South Carolina here.

With TraQ, riders can:

• Receive system-wide, location-specific, and even personal messages from organizers.  Messaging could be about anything, including schedule changes, road conditions, or weather.
• Share progress with friends and family by sending a tracking link via text, email, or social media.  The personalized web page displays the route(s) and monitors progress with up-to-the-minute location
• Access a variety of event information within the mobile app.  By default, it displays the route(s) and your current location.  It also includes event schedules and its physical footprint.

Rider Expectation: Saftey First

There will be 3-4 SAG (Saftey and Gear) vehicles equipped with supplies such as; inner tubes, floor pumps, tire levers, multitools, first aid kids, bottled wanted, and more. SAG vehicles will be following along the trail within a safe distance from riders. However, being that Bicycle Across South Carolina is a self-supported ride, we encourage riders to come prepared with the necessary equipment and tools.

The mark of a safe and effective cyclist is the ability to show respect and awareness of their surroundings. Including weather, road conditions, and others who may be using the road. We request that all riders follow these basic guidelines:

1. All participants who are mounted on a bicycle shall wear a securely fastened helmet that meets either the US DOT helmet standards or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard for bicycle helmets. Helmets with the European CEN certification may also be worn by riders while participating in the BASC event. For more information about our helmet policy, please click here.
2. Obey all traffic laws and stop at all stop signs
3. Ride no more than two abreast (Some areas only have room for one rider at a time.)
4. Ride as far to the right of the road as safe to do so
5. Move right and ride single-file when cars are behind you and need room to pass
6. Use appropriate hand and verbal signals when turning or stopping
7. Alert slower riders when you are passing on the left and do not pass on the right
8. Observe whether an intersection is clear before crossing
9. Do not wear headphones while riding
10. Always ride in a safe and predictable manner

Housekeeping

This year’s ride will take place on October 15th – 18th with 3, 2, and 1-day ride options. Sign up here!

For the most up to date information, subscribe to our Newsletter here! Or follow us on Instagram and Facebook

Catch up on some previous blogs:

• • • • • • If you’re asking yourself what to pack… check out our Packing Guide
          • If you’re wondering where to sleep… read more about our Nightly Accommodations
          • Are you are curious about our COVID19 guidelines… Study up on our new precautions and regulations to keep BASC safe