Top Tips for Touring the Southern States on a Bike
January 20, 2023America has one of the most diverse landscapes in the world, as it is home to vast deserts, dense wilderness, tropical beaches, awe-inspiring mountains, rolling prairies, charming towns, and bustling cities.
The country is a cyclist’s dream, as you can travel through varied environments for a truly unique, eco-friendly, and unforgettable travel experience. If you’re unsure where to visit, you cannot go wrong with the likes of America’s south, such as Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
After all, the states are home to rich landscapes, exciting cuisines, vibrant cities, quaint towns, and world-famous music scenes, to name a few reasons. If this sounds like a perfect cycling trip, check out the below top tips for touring the southern states on a bike.
Invest in a High-Quality Bike for the Diverse Roads
Like anywhere, the south has a mix of good and bad roads, which you must consider before embarking on a cycling trip across one or more of its states. South Carolina and Georgia have some well-designed country roads, and you’ll be spoilt for bike lanes in coastal Florida. However, you may come across some busy highways with next to no shoulder. For this reason, you’d be wise to invest in a high-quality single-speed bike from steed bikes. The streamlined bicycle offers greater control thanks to its lightweight design for exceptional maneuverability, speed, and smooth acceleration.
Make Time for Sightseeing
Don’t look back on a cycling tour with regrets. Set time aside for sightseeing. As eager as you might be to visit as many destinations as possible by bike, you will be happy you made time to explore a charming southern town. You will fall in love with a southern state even more when exploring its stunning squares, savannahs, parks, historic landmarks, delectable cuisines, and beautiful architecture.
Stick to Paved Roads for Basic Services
Unless you’re a seasoned cyclist, it’s safe to stick to paved roads. Southern drivers are often more than happy to steer out of a rider’s way on the road, but remaining near paving will prevent the likelihood of an accident or injury. Of course, the biggest benefit of sticking to paved roads is the fact you’ll have constant access to basic services. You can trust you’ll never be too far away from a gas station, dollar store, coffee shop, hotel, or hostel during a ride.
Prepare for Hot Weather
Don’t underestimate the temperature of America’s southern states. During summer, they can experience an average high of 27°C (84°F), which can feel hot and humid. For this reason, you must wear effective sunscreen and long-sleeved cycling clothing to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Also, always have a bottle of water to replenish lost minerals and prevent dehydration.
If you cannot bear the thought of riding across the southern states during summer, you could time your trip for fall or winter, as the seasons will experience milder temperatures. However, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently reported warmer-than-average temperatures in southeastern states throughout winter.
