"TomCAt" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hello, I am thinking of going to Myrtle Beach the week of
April 19-- 27.
> How is the cycling in that area?
It's definately not a top cycling destination, but it's still workable if you're going there anyway.
I visit often -- my sister lives there.
Mostly I just ride up and down Business 17, and through the oceanfront neighborhoods. It's not bad
riding by any means, but tacky strip/sprawl architecture is not my idea of great scenery. The best
riding is probably through North Myrtle Beach. The neighborhoods are nicer, and there aren't always
houses blocking your view of the ocean. There are usually plenty of riders out.
You can also ride on the beach itself. It's technically not allowed in some places, but no one will
give you a hard time -- especially in late afternoon.
The biggest problem is that while most in-town roads are fine, the highways and secondary roads
you need to take to go from A to B are not bike-friendly. I have little faith in SC drivers, and
accident rates aren't reassuring. I've been looking for good day-trip type rides, and haven't
found much.
The most promising ride for my next trip is from Murrel's Inlet to Conway. Murril's Inlet is kind of
neat, and Conway is kind of neat too -- a sleepy little old southern town on the intracoastal
waterway. The road connecting them (707) doesn't seem as dangerous as some others in the area.
Another idea is to head south on 17 to Pawley's Island. It's a neat place, with classic beach homes
over 100 years old, and a fantastic beach at the mouth of a beautiful inlet. However, I'm still wary
of that stretch of Hwy 17. If you just want to pedal around casually for a few miles, it's worth
taking your bike down there in the car. It's much prettier than Myrtle Beach proper, and the houses,
beach, and inlet much more interesting.
Highly recommended -- Benjamin's Bagel in Surfside, and lunch at Brookgreen Gardens. The plantation
tour at Brookgreen/Huntington is interesting too.
Matt O.