Bicycle Across South Carolina (BASC)

Bicycle Across South Carolina (BASC) is a multi-day gravel ride that takes participants off the road and onto the scenic trails of South Carolina. Riders will experience the adventure of a lifetime as they explore rural gravel roads, camp under an endless country sky, and engage with a community of like-minded enthusiasts.

BASC offers an all-inclusive cycling experience for riders and non-riders. Each ride is fully supported by mechanical and medical staff, rest stops snacks and drinks, and SAG vehicles. After the ride, participants are encouraged to hang out at camp, explore the nearby towns, or grab a beer and hang by the fire!  Nightly activities will include happy hour, dinner, live music, lawn, games, bonfires, and more! 

Location: McCormick County, South Carolina - Among the pines and hill country of Sumter National Forest, nestled along South Carolina’s Freshwater Coast of Lake Thurmond.

Base Camp: The South Carolina Governor's School for Agriculture at John de la Howe (JDLH)

JDLH is a state-funded, public, residential high school focused on providing a unique and challenging agricultural education program. Our school, the first statewide program of its kind in the nation, will allow students to receive hands-on training in the fields of agriculture, agribusiness, forestry, land management, food science, and more - all aimed at assessing the needs of modern farms. 

John de la Howe School is the oldest educational institution in South Carolina below the college level. It was established in 1797 through the will of Dr. John de la Howe, a French Physician who immigrated to Charleston in 1764. JDLH became an agency of the state of South Carolina in 1918.

Routes: THIS IS A GRAVEL / OFF-ROAD RIDE. Participants can expect 3 days of moderately challenging terrain.  The dirt/gravel roads are well maintained by the US Forest Service.  Each day will bring hills, gravel, and paved roads.  You should expect a ratio of 50% paved and 50% gravel roads each day.   The ride is set up for mountain, cross, gravel, and crossover bikes with wider, knobby tires.  Road bikes are not recommended.

• Long Route: 50-60 miles per day
• Short Route: 20-30 miles per day

Ride Format: Each day, the ride will start and end at our BASC Basecamp. 3-Day, 2-Day, and 1-Day ride options are available. 

Rest Stops: Rest stops will be placed along each bike course; you can expect at least 3 rest stops each day for the long course and at least 1 rest stop for the short course. Locations will be stocked with water and an electrolyte-type drink. Along with appropriate cycling snacks.   If you require specific food or beverage, please plan on bringing along your ride!

Best Bike Options: Given the terrain type and BASC being a gravel ride experience; mountain, gravel, and cyclocross bicycles are strongly recommended. Bicycles that have wider, knobby-type tires will roll over the gravel/dirt roads with greater ease.  

• E-Bikes are welcome – please follow the recommendations above regarding bike types.
• Please do not plan on riding a triathlon, beach cruiser, road, or any bicycle with skinny tires and no tread.  We also do not recommend single-speed bicycles, but rather bikes with gears.
• Helmets are required. 

Mechanical Support: While we will have support vehicles on each bike route, that can assist in changing a flat or perhaps a minor mechanical issue, it is strongly suggested you bring the necessary tubes, tools, and supplies you need for your specific bike type.  The event may not have the items you require at the time to service your bike. 

Children: These routes are not recommended for children under 14 years old. If you are unsure whether these routes are right for your child, please email us at BASC@postandcourier.com. Anyone 17 and under can register as a "Child Rider". 

Refund Policy: We do not offer refunds. If a registrant is unable to attend Bicycle Across South Carolina for any reason, they will be able to transfer their registration to another rider or carry over to 2023 NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 1, 2022. Please email BASC@postandcourier.com before September 1, 2022 to transfer. There will be a transfer fee of $50. 

FAQs: https://bicycleacrosssouthcarolina.com/faqs/ 

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 is extremely contagious and is believed to spread mainly from person-to-person contact. Infection may result in serious illness, injury, permanent disability, death, or property damage. As a result, governments and health agencies recommend social distancing and have, in many locations, prohibited the congregation of groups of people. While the Company has implemented preventative measures designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Company cannot guarantee that eventgoers will not become infected, and attending this event may increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. EVERYONE ATTENDING THIS EVENT IN ANY CAPACITY ASSUMES ALL THE FOREGOING RISKS.

Produced by South Carolina Event Productions, Inc.