General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Looking for a Long Bike Route: Charlotte Area Rss Feed  
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2013-08-13 11:54 AM

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Expert
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Greenville, SC
Subject: Looking for a Long Bike Route: Charlotte Area
Im going to be up in the Charlotte area (Fort Mill) this weekend and I'm looking to do 60-80 miles. Can anyone suggest some good safe routes?


2013-08-13 1:35 PM
in reply to: Clempson

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Subject: RE: Looking for a Long Bike Route: Charlotte Area
out of ft mill go east on 160 across 521 and you will find many options.  Using the general boundaries of Waxhaw, Monroe and I-485  there many miles to be ridden.  This whole area is heavily biked so I would say it is bike aware while safety is relative as a solo.  Some of the best rides I have ever had were down that way getting lost and finding my way home.  I generally stay off of 16 because of traffic.  200, 84, and 75 aren't that bad early.  If it looks like a good road to take,  it is.  Lots of rollers but probably a bit flatter than you are used to.  Waxhaw or wesley chapel are good spots to plan on getting more water. 
2013-08-13 4:27 PM
in reply to: Clempson

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Whispering Pines, North Carolina
Subject: RE: Looking for a Long Bike Route: Charlotte Area
Originally posted by Clempson

Im going to be up in the Charlotte area (Fort Mill) this weekend and I'm looking to do 60-80 miles. Can anyone suggest some good safe routes?


I asked the same question a few months ago, when I was in town. one of the best routes starts from Inside Out Sports. You can go towards the airport and ride out that way. Lots of open roads that are good quality. Go into IOS and they'll give you a cheat sheet with the turns.
2013-08-13 7:55 PM
in reply to: jsp8

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2192
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Greenville, SC
Subject: RE: Looking for a Long Bike Route: Charlotte Area
thanks for the replies, i think im leaning more towards the waxaha and south area since i t looks like i can do one big 50 mile loop with only a few turns. airport area around the lake looks pretty good too, but im not sure about the tega cay traffic
2013-08-14 7:38 AM
in reply to: 0

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Master
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Charlotte
Subject: RE: Looking for a Long Bike Route: Charlotte Area
Here is a route that is heavily traveled by bikers. 56m. Start near the Harris Teeter in front of Sun City on 521. If you park at CVS across the street, you don't won't even touch 521. I ride these roads all the time. Some of the roads (Zion / Unity Church) are a little rough in SC but it isn't a long stretch.

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/267444813

STAY OFF WAXHAW HWY AND 521.

Plenty of convenience stores on this route if you need to stop (miles 7, 13, 35, 40, and 50). You will see more bikers and horses than cars if you are out in the morning. The route is rarely flat except for Old Waxhaw road. Rolling for the most part. Nice hill on Waxhaw Marvin Rd to get you warmed up in the beginning.

If you have any questions, shoot me a message.

Edited by bgraboski 2013-08-14 7:44 AM
2013-08-14 1:40 PM
in reply to: bgraboski

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Greenville, SC
Subject: RE: Looking for a Long Bike Route: Charlotte Area
yea thats exactly the area im looking to ride in pretty much. might have to work your route into the one i have planned to further avoid 521. my route crosses waxhaw hwy just like yours though.

my planned route is here: http://connect.garmin.com/course/4494146

leaving out on 160 and coming back on Doby's Bridge. I have no clue about these roads. It puts me on 521 for a very short period of time on the way out and back... not sure if i should just park my car at the school near where it looks you started yours at.


2013-08-15 10:19 AM
in reply to: 0

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Master
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Charlotte
Subject: RE: Looking for a Long Bike Route: Charlotte Area
Originally posted by Clempson

yea thats exactly the area im looking to ride in pretty much. might have to work your route into the one i have planned to further avoid 521. my route crosses waxhaw hwy just like yours though.

my planned route is here: http://connect.garmin.com/course/4494146

leaving out on 160 and coming back on Doby's Bridge. I have no clue about these roads. It puts me on 521 for a very short period of time on the way out and back... not sure if i should just park my car at the school near where it looks you started yours at.


Garmin connect is out so can't see your route right now.

I would avoid 160. It is pretty heavily traveled as that connects Fort Mill to Indian Land. There are Bix Box stores along that road (Lowes) and some warehouse/distribution centers so there can be a lot of traffic and/or semi's. Not sure on Dobys Bridge. 521 is "OK" to ride on for a few minutes but it is basically a 60mph highway with a few lights. I have gotten lost and ridden on it for 4-5 few miles but don't recommend it for anything more than a mile.

I would drive over to the spot I was talking about (the CVS on the corner of Jim Wilson).

Also, if you do park at the high school and your route take you on Shelly Mullens, that road will shake your fillings out! Jim Wilson is 1000x smoother out to Waxhaw. I would say "trust me" and park at the CVS (or Harris Teeter across the street). There is a light at Jim Wilson if you want to park at teeter and cross 521.

Crossing over Waxhaw highway is no problem. It is just a two lane road but it is 55mph with little/no shoulder.

Edited by bgraboski 2013-08-15 10:21 AM
2013-08-15 11:42 AM
in reply to: bgraboski

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Expert
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Greenville, SC
Subject: RE: Looking for a Long Bike Route: Charlotte Area
thanks for the feedback. i'll be parking on the other side of 521 at the CVS... although right now it looks like i might have to just take my trainer with me, weather looks poor.
2013-08-19 11:29 AM
in reply to: #4828000

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Master
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Charlotte
Subject: RE: Looking for a Long Bike Route: Charlotte Area
U get any miles in Sunday? At least the rain broke for the afternoon if u waited!
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