Day 119, Nov 21. Lake City to Moncks Corner, SC

A lot of today's route was on U.S. 52. I was concerned the traffic would be so heavy as to make this a 'ride for survival' kind of day. Not so much. Route 52, while two lanes each way, with a median and no shoulder, proved to be a very lightly traveled road, with barely perceptible grades. Flat country is where a tandem flies, we averaged 14 mph for the 55 miles today. Not bad for a 70 pound bike and a 60 (500?) pound trailer. Route 52 was so pleasant that we ignored Google maps every attempt to shunt us onto less traveled, and longer, side roads. Today reminded me of the longest day on our ride from Seattle to Washington, DC, where the short cue-sheet read something like:

"mile 5, turn right on U.S. 12
mile 112, turn left off route 12 into camp site."

We were on route 52 all day.


Not much traffic early on, and very flat all day.


Lots of water today; lots of swamps too.


The C&O tracks followed us all day.

All good things must come to an end. Traffic got a bit heavier as we got closer to Moncks Crossing, but still not objectionable. Then, 1.2 miles from our turn off for our motel, U.S. Alt 17 joined our road, easily doubling the traffic without adding a lane. NOW we were in survival mode with Margaret constantly watching her mirror, while I split my attention evenly between the road ahead and my mirror. To add to the fun, this short section of highway also went over the Copper River/Tail Race Canal on a high, steep bridge. There is nothing like taking up one lane of a very busy two lane highway while doing 6 mph.

We are experienced cyclists, and we made it through. Then after a shower, we found the Tail Race Tavern and filled up.


Beer candied bacon

For anyone who may be curious, beer candied bacon is "Thick Cut Hardwood Smoked Bacon candied in Beer, Brown Sugar & Fresh Rosemary topped with Scallion." Oh yeah.

Tomorrow we ride 35 miles to Charleston, SC. We will be staying three nights.