Start Date:

Mar 16, 2019

End Date:

Mar 23, 2019

Start Location:

Charleston, SC

End Location:

Charleston, SC

Total Days:

8

Riding Days:

6

Rest Days:

2

Miles:

311

Average Daily Mileage:

51.8

Surface:

Paved

Riders:

60

Airport:

Charleston International (CHS)

Tour Leader:

Greg Edwards

Meals:

Catered meals

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Meals - Catered meals

Our catering staff will provide all meals and rest stops will be located approximately every 25 miles. You'll start each day with a hot breakfast, followed by a mid-morning rest stop to fuel you on to lunch. Another rest stop awaits you mid-afternoon and you'll be rewarded each evening with a sumptuous dinner. Vegetarian and special dietary needs will be accommodated, though food selection may be limited in some locations.

Accommodations:

Camping, Motel Options

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Accommodations - Camping, Motel Options

Campsites range from private campgrounds to state parks to school athletic fields. Bathrooms are available at each evening's campsite. If access to indoor facilities is unavailable or insufficient, we may supplement the facilities with portable toilets and a shower truck. Fully supported tours are designed to be primarily camping trips, but motel options are often available at the participants' expense. For those who elect to stay indoors, a list of indoor accommodations is provided 60 days before your trip's departure and participants must make their own arrangements for indoor lodging. In most cases, motels will be located within a few miles of the official campsite and we will be happy to pick up and drop off luggage from the lodging facilities identified in the Tour Information Packet. You will need a good freestanding tent with a ground cloth, a sleeping bag rated appropriately for the season and elevation of your tour, and a sleeping pad.

Type:

Supported

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Type - Supported

Supported tours range from fully supported to van supported, and add an ease of travel that comes when vehicles transport your personal gear.

Physical Difficulty:

Intermediate

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Physical Difficulty - Intermediate

Characterized by rolling terrain and medium-distance days (40–60 miles per day). Intermediate tours can involve some climbing, but the climbs are usually shorter (1–2 miles), and the grade tends to be no greater than 6% for an extended period. These tours are best for individuals who are regular or semi-regular cyclists.

Level of Support:

Fully Supported

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Level Of Support - Fully Supported

Adventure Cycling's fully supported tours — where all personal and group gear is transported by a vehicle each day — are larger groups (typically between 40 and 90 riders) who will camp together with occasional indoor overnights and enjoy catered meals. Indoor lodging options are often available at the participant's expense (see “Accommodations” for more information).

Cost:

$1,499.00

Overview

Enjoy mild temperatures and the beauty of the azaleas and dogwoods in bloom as we discover the historic South on this eight-day fully-supported tour. It all starts (and ends) in Charleston, South Carolina, a city brimming with historic charm and ranked among the nation’s most visited cities. We’ll ride through the South Carolina Lowcountry, known for its sweeping waterway views, shrimp boats resting comfortably at their docks, and beautiful antebellum homes. We’ll spend a day off during our ride in the historic city of Savannah, known for its beautiful squares, live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, fabulous history, and fascinating stories. Then we are off to explore coastal wildlife refuges and the pristine stretches of Georgia’s Golden Isles — once inhabited by Guale Indians — including vibrant coastal communities rich in history and full of traditions. 

Day 1

Charleston, South Carolina, 0 miles. Known for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, distinguished restaurants, and hospitable people,“The Holy City,” has something for everyone, ranging from the antebellum historic sites such as Patriot’s Point or Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, to the modern and inspiring new Charleston Museum and the South Carolina Aquarium. Come early and explore the “Oldest City in South Carolina” on your own, or join us on an unsupported fun ride at 8:00 AM to many of the major attractions. Once you have the opportunity to discover why Charleston is called “America’s Most Friendly” city, we will meet in the afternoon for registration and orientation at beautiful James Island County Park.

Day 2

Charleston to Walterboro, 58 miles. If you like small towns and beautiful, historic churches, you will really enjoy Walterboro. This quaint plantation town is also home to the South Carolina Artisans Center, Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Tuskegee Airmen Monument.

Day 3

Walterboro to St. Helena Island, 63 miles. After a morning of beautiful Lowcountry plantation riding, Beaufort is our first attraction. Its historic downtown and unique feel has earned it recognition by Southern Living magazine as “The Small Town We Love,” and “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living magazine. We’ll continue through the Sea Islands area with its rich African-American heritage, then spend the night on historic St. Helena Island, where Martin Luther King, Jr. drafted his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

Day 4

St. Helena Island to Savannah, Georgia, 58 miles. Today we’ll ride through the unique Port Royal and Sea Islands region. This is the start of our journey into the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry,  where we’ll find a veritable haven of history and heritage, arts and culture — all wrapped in warm hospitality. Our destination is Red Gate Farms, near the city of Savannah, known for its beautiful squares, live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, fabulous history, and fascinating stories. 

Day 5

Savannah, 0 miles. Enjoy a layover day at Red Gate Farms, an oasis of southern charm just a few miles from the heart of the Savannah’s Historic District, the largest historic district in North America. This beautiful, old city was spared by General Sherman during the Civil War so its ornate antebellum architecture still stands. Savannah is known for its pedestrian-friendly layout, manicured parks, horse-drawn carriages, and rich culture and history.  You can take a tour on the Old Town Trolley that comes right to our camp.

Day 6

Savannah to Townsend, 60 miles. It may be hard to leave the enchantment of the “Southern Belle of the Georgia Coast,” Savannah, but the natural beauty of the rivers, estuaries, islands, beaches, and natural habitats we will explore today will certainly not disappoint. The quiet ride through the 2,672-acre Harris National Wildlife refuge will provide an excellent opportunity for bird watchers. 

Day 7

Townsend to St. Simons Island, 53 miles. Today we will have the opportunity to visit Fort King George Historic Site as we ride through the town of Darien on our way to the beautiful and unspoiled St. Simons Island. With its distinctively charming and unhurried beach lifestyle, it was voted America’s #1 Favorite Romantic Town and #1 Favorite Beach Town by Travel + Leisure magazine.

Day 8

St. Simons Island to Charleston, 19 miles. At noon we will shuttle back to Charleston where it all began, but not before exploring Fort Frederica National Monument, the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, and the other attractions the island has to offer.

"I appreciated the opportunity to ride a bike early in the season with an easy terrain. Also enjoyed seeing a new part of the country."