We have homes in coastal South Florida/Treasure Coast area and in the NC mountains in Waynesville, 20 miles west of Asheville. I ride road bikes both places. In our area of Florida, we're blessed to have some barrier islands where really rich people live and where there is little traffic. I'm about 3.5 miles from Jupiter Island and can get in 28 miles with almost no traffic except for the 3.5 miles getting to and from the island. Celine Dion, Tiger Woods and Gregg Norman all have homes there. There are lots of riders and very little traffic except maintenance workers. If we go north of Jupiter Island, there's a short stretch with some traffic but then back on a barrier island. It's great, flat, ocean front riding.
In NC, there are no shoulders and bike lanes are rare. And there are mountains. Fortunately, there are some 2 land roads through the national forests that are lightly traveled. Where I leave from is about 18 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, mostly through a lightly traveled road in Pisgah National Forrest, all uphill. But then its all downhill coming back.
I don't like to ride in urban areas. We used to spend summer vacations just outside of Mt. Pleasant on the Isle of Palms. I wouldn't feel safe riding in that area. But once you get outside of urban areas almost anywhere, it's probably pretty good. I feel safe in Florida and in NC.
Of the towns mentioned in this thread, my vote would be Greenville, SC. Its a great town, pretty country side and some good hills.
In NC, there are no shoulders and bike lanes are rare. And there are mountains. Fortunately, there are some 2 land roads through the national forests that are lightly traveled. Where I leave from is about 18 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, mostly through a lightly traveled road in Pisgah National Forrest, all uphill. But then its all downhill coming back.
I don't like to ride in urban areas. We used to spend summer vacations just outside of Mt. Pleasant on the Isle of Palms. I wouldn't feel safe riding in that area. But once you get outside of urban areas almost anywhere, it's probably pretty good. I feel safe in Florida and in NC.
Of the towns mentioned in this thread, my vote would be Greenville, SC. Its a great town, pretty country side and some good hills.