The Palmetto Trail
The backdrop for the inaugural Bicycle Across South Carolina is The Palmetto Trail. The Palmetto Trail stretches 500 miles across the state of South Carolina. The trail offers hiking and bicycling paths that wind around lakes, across mountain ranges, through forests and into towns.
Established in 1994, this historical trail caters to outdoor-enthusiasts. The trails stretch through the Blue Ridge Mountains all the way to Awendaw on the Intracoastal Waterway.
The Palmetto Trail is one of only 16 cross-state trails in the United States, making it the perfect fit for Bicycle Across South Carolina. BASC takes riders along 150 miles of this beautiful trail, from the midlands near Sumter to the coast in Awendaw. We have also partnered with The Palmetto Conservation Foundation to promote safe outdoor recreation.
Palm trees line both sides of the coastal trail as a narrow path winds through the maritime forest. “You would think you’re walking through an isle of palms” says Marie Butler as she describes one of her favorite spots along the trail.
Marie is a Coastal Trail Technician at the Palmetto Trail Conservation and oversees trail maintenance and their volunteer program.
The Palmetto Conservation Foundation
Bicycle Across South Carolina first decided to partner with The Palmetto Conservation Foundation after learning that their mission aligned with ours; to showcase the natural and historical sites of South Carolina. From there, our partnership and event came to life!
At first, the land was not naturally developed for recreational activities. As a result, the Palmetto Conservation Foundation (PCF) took the initiative to conserve the natural environment while making it accessible to the community. PCF has ensured the trail is clear for walkers, runners and riders and has completed more than 350 trail miles in 14 counties.
Volunteers are a huge part of The Palmetto Trail and the Conservation. The group of dedicated volunteers are out on the trail year round repairing bridges, clearing brush and maintaining the safety and essence of the trail.
“All of our work is done through donations from industries as well as individuals. So we’re always in need of boards for bridges and other materials to help repair the trails” Marie says.
A portion of the proceeds from BASC will be given back to The Palmetto Conservation Foundation. For more information, check out their website: https://palmettoconservation.org.
Join Bicycle Across South Carolina
As the event continues to evolve and come to life over the next few months, we want to hear what you’d like to see at BASC. Post-ride yoga? Football on a big screen? Email me here and we’ll see what we can do!
Early Bird Pricing is available until August 1st ($245 for the 2-day ride and $345 for the 3-day ride).
Register in the month of May to receive a free BASC hat as a tribute to National Bike Month!
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