6 day family vacation there planned for next month. I’ve read that there are miles of paved bike trails. I’m guessing that these are recreational trails not really suitable for high-speed (relatively speaking, in my case) riding.
Anyone been there? I was not planning on bringing the bike, but I’m tempted…
I visit Kiawah every December for the marathon. You’re not going to want to ride the sidewalks. The roads are fairly wide though, so you’ll be fine. In December, there is very little car traffic, but I’m sure there are a lot more cars this time of year! Very flat and breezy.
Uhhh…Kiawah is cyclist UNfriendly. The paved sidewalks and trails are populated by kids and old folks out on walks and beach cruisers. You won’t be able to ride at training speeds on the trails. AND you ARE NOT allowed to ride bicycles on the roads within the community. I was abused by several Mercedes S500 types for riding in the street when I stayed out there for one of my wife’s anesthesia conferences. They like their beach and golf at that place. Bikes are kids’ toys to them and belong on the sidewalk. You will seriously piss off the natives for daring to have your $5000+ “TOY” on their roads. They grudgingly put up with an annual December marathon and a September Oly distance triathlon. Don’t get me wrong…They’re actually nice folks out there. They’re just not cyclist/multisporter friendly (which I find odd since I still know several really good multisport athletes that live out there).
You CAN access very good riding from Kiawah, though. You’ll have to ease out of the community (or from the hotel) by riding on the paved trails…but once you leave the gate you can ride the roads. If you’re staying at the hotel…the gate exit is about 500 yards from the hotel parking lot…so no big deal there. John’s Island makes a really good loop ride (50-60 miles if I recall) and if you’re going REALLY long you can stretch your ride all the way to downtown Charleston and back to get 80+ miles. I lived in Charleston for 4 years and did this ride quite often, though in reverse since I lived downtown near The Citadel.
Thanks Bri…I had a feeling the bike was gonna be a no-no on those trails. The ride to Charleston sounds great, but I won’t have time for anything that long unfortunately.
I think I’ll leave it at home and run those trails instead.
Defitintely get off Kiawah and out to John’s Island. Riding is not welcomed on Kiawah (except during the annual triathlon). Waidmalaw is adjoining and nice, you can hook up over US 17 to Edisto as well (stay off 17 though). The riding is beuatiful. There is not much in the way of a shoulder anywhere so be careful. Early morning is best (at first light but not in the dark). I miss riding by the big live oaks and marsh. There are some good group rides as well including one from John’s Island on Tuesday eve’s. What TriBri forgot is how often I used to drop him on those flat roads! Have fun!
Yes, but this isn’t the same old TBG these days…
I been trainin’
Gettin’ STRONGER…
You been workin’
Gettin’ WEAKER!
;->
PS, I’ll be in Chucktown from 13-20 May, come on up and we’ll see about “dropping” some beers, if not Stickboy and his coolees.
too true brother. we arrive the 14th and my liver is in great shape. see you then!
db