So a lot of you have been wondering, what type of bike is right for this ride? Long time rider and self-proclaimed Palmetto Trail expert, Mat Brady, is here to help!
We encourage riders to use whatever bike they’re comfortable with based on their past experiences. There are a few different types of terrain on the trail; gravel, trail, and a mixture of both. Long story short, we’d recommend using a hybrid or gravel bike.
Day 1
The 3-Day ride kicks off in Poinsett State Park in Wedgefield, S.C and weaves through the High Hills of the Santee Passage. This portion of the ride is a little more challenging and is designed for experienced riders only. The terrain can be a bit tough and there are some steeper inclines and fast descents that can be difficult. A hybrid or gravel bike would work well on this route although a mountain bike would be ideal.
Day 2 and Day 3
The 2-Day ride winds through the crops and farmlands of rural South Carolina before emerging onto the shoreline of Lake Moultrie.
“I’ve been leading a (semi) monthly ride around Lake Moultrie for a few years now using a lot of the same bits of the Moultrie Passage you’re using Day 2 and a drop bar cyclocross/gravel bike is definitely king of the lake.” – Mat Brady
Hybrids and/or gravel bikes are perfect for the 100+ plus miles riders will experience on Day 2 and Day 3.
The final day of riding goes through the Francis Marion Forest. Long-leaf pines guide riders over bridges and along old logging roads.
“Tires between 33mm and 50mm in width would be ideal but the position you take on a flat bar hybrid (or mountain bike) is less aerodynamic and can be a real burden with the winds that tend to blow off the lake.” – Mat Brady
As we mentioned earlier, it is totally up to you which bike you’d like to use. Go with what you’re comfortable with! 3-day riders are welcome to use different bikes over the course of the 3 days if they’d like.
Kids
Kids are welcome on Day 2 and Day 3 of the ride! Day 1 is very challenging and we wouldn’t recommend for any rider who isn’t able to handle the mileage and the incline. If your child would like to participate, the only thing we ask is that they can ride a bike with at least 20” wheels. Bicycle trailers are not permitted.
If you have questions about whether your child is equipped for this ride, email me here: BASC@PostandCourier.com.
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 ($270 for the 2-day ride and $370 for the 3-day ride).
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