DOWN LOW, WAY LOW…

The Navigator and I, along with Wood-Man and Sherry Shazam, are into our 2nd full day of vacation in the Low Country of S.C. We’ve made our 3rd annual trek to Hilton Head Island for a little fall getaway and Low Country cycling, sun, and, of course, cuisine. But first…

(Final Thursday evening ride of the season!)

BicycleHaywoodNC, our local Advocacy Council, held the final Thursday evening post-work ride of the 2011 season last Thursday (Sept. 29, 2011). Shown above, the 10 final participants enjoyed a delightful evening cruise from Rolls Rite Bicycle to Lake Junaluska and back via parts of the Haywood County Greenway. We enjoyed an easy spin of 10.5 miles along paved roads and packed pea gravel. Bicycles on the trip included a tandem, a mountain bike, a cruiser, my Salsa Fargo, a Surly Long Haul Trucker, two Surly Pacers, and other fine brands. It was quite the eclectic bunch! Due to darkness arriving sooner now, the evening rides have run their course for this season. Another successful season saw more new and newly returning riders joining the weekly rides. Included this year were starting points in nearby Clyde, NC, as well as, some rides originating in Canton, NC.

NOW TO THE LOW COUNTRY…

Our first two days have been blessed with clear sunny skies and temps in the low 70’s during the day. The Wood-Man and I got out for a light spin yesterday just to loosen our legs after the previous days 6.0 hour drive to the island. Hilton Head is a recent recipient of the League of American Bicyclists Silver level commendation for being a Bicycle Friendly Community. The separated bike paths are everywhere and you can travel fully around the island without need of a car.

To get under the heavily travelled William Hilton Parkway, cyclists and pedestrians take an “under highway” bridge that runs along one of the many creeks and tributaries that make up HHI.

(Wooden bridge providing access under William Hilton Parkway)

(View from the bridge crossing under WHP)

Today will bring more extensive riding for me and the Wood-man. We’re going in search of some open roads for some more fitness riding. The speeds are slow where we are staying and the security is tight so you don’t stray too far from the rules of the road. I also hope to get by one or two local bike shops just to check out things. Of course, if I get waylaid by the sun and sand all bets are off…

More from the Low Country to come…

- Zeke