Friday morning kicks off in The Poinsett Tea Room at Poinsett State Park for breakfast and packet pickup! From there, riders will begin to depart as they start their 3-day ride.
Friday Route Options
Day 1 offers two different route options; a shorter route (20 miles) and a longer route (40 miles).
Both routes will take riders through the sharp turns and mountainous terrains of “The Knot.” The only difference between these two routes is the loop at the beginning of the ride that allows riders to choose the extra 20 miles or bypass it. This day is intended for more experienced riders that can handle steep inclines and fast declines.
The High Hills of the Santee Passage cover some of the most historic sections of the trail. Cyclists will feel the presence of the Catawba Indians, early settlers, traders and plantations. The hilly topography is an unexpected surprise in the middle of the state but offers a welcomed challenge to the able rider. Often mistaken for mountains, these ancient dunes were formed millions of years ago along the ancient shoreline when megalodons and giant whales plowed the oceans.
The Lake Marion Passage is filled with wildlife and vistas of the coastal plains. Cyclist will stop for lunch in the swamp at Sparkleberry Landing and later hop on a boat for the last leg to the evening, ending at your campsite at Santee State Park. Our volunteers will have your gear there and the hospitality tent will be open.
2-Day Riders Join
Meanwhile, our 2-day riders will start arriving at the shuttle in Awendaw. The shuttle will take the 2-day riders and their belongings to the campsite for the night in Santee State Park.
2-day riders, 3-day riders and all non-riders will meet at Santee State Park for a night of barbecue and homemade ice cream!
Barbecue, Carolina Keller, and Homemade Ice Cream
Set up your camp or take the shuttle to your hotel, then join us for happy hour and a barbecue dinner served between 6 pm and 9 pm. Enjoy live music, dancing and laser skeet shooting. The park historian will share the origins of the man-made lake, the Santee Indian Mounds and the British Fort Watson, which was overtaken by the troops of General Francis Marion in 1871.
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What to Expect Saturday Morning
Breakfast and coffee will be served between 7 AM and 8 AM as riders get ready to depart for Day 2!
The day begins winding through the crops and farm fields of rural South Carolina before emerging onto the shoreline of Lake Moultrie. The trail follows along the dike system giving riders an elevated view of the lake created in the early 1940s by the South Carolina Public Service Authority. Its effluent is the Cooper River and is dammed by the Pinopolis Dam. It covers about 60,000 acres and was named for Governor William Moultrie.
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 has been extended for another week! Discounted pricing will be offered now through August 11.
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