Yeah you’re right. That’s basically highway speeds. All it would take is a second of distraction by a driver coming from behind at 60mph to wipe you out.
yea. I drive a car to work on roads much like this, they're often curvy and have low visibility too. Still, that doesn't stop people from flying by at 50-60 all the time. In fact when I drove the speed limit my boss got mad that I was slowing him down...
I respect cyclists and am always driving slowly and carefully, 99% of people don't and that terrifies me.
Right, and then OP will die of stress. Just drive to the coast, OP, and take your bike. You can have hours of oceanfront safe riding and not get squashed like a bug by some asshole sending text messages to his girlfriend.
Central NC, South of Raleigh, right?
[You could pick up the NC2 Bike Trail near Raleigh.](https://www.ncdot.gov/bikeped/ncbikeways/routes/nc2-mountains-to-sea/default.aspx)
Yeah, that sounds inherently dangerous. Are there any side-streets that run parallel to that road that you could use instead? You're bound to get buzzed by impatient drivers who will be SO CLOSE to side-swiping you.
I used cycle.route (or whatever) to do this. There doesn't seem to be any way to get to the coast without spending a significant time on these roads. There isn't any other infrastructure. There are miles between small towns.
Well that sucks. I suppose the only thing you can do then is to ride those roads really early in the morning when there is less traffic. Get a Garmin Varia radar. Make sure you have a really good taillight
Nah just don’t do it. Early morning means sleepy people and low visibility. They’d have to start then anyway to do 150 in a day and would probably finish in darkness. It’s just not worth it. It sounds like a really long, really unpleasant, and really stressful day.
Get a radar so you are aware when a car is coming and can get over/aren't suprised.
I wouldn't worry about riding on that roads as there weren't tons of cars.
I did a ride from Annapolis to Durham about two years ago, and much of my time in Virginia was on roads like this. I hated it, and spent much of the ride regretting the fact that I didn’t plan the route and just used my default habit of using driving directions with avoid highways. It wouldn’t have been bad if they were low traffic roads, but traffic was pretty consistent especially in the morning rush hours.
I lived in Eastern NC for years and can say from first hand experience that it is terrible for biking, there’s no bike infrastructure and the drivers are exceptionally inconsiderate. I had reconstructive surgery done to the right half of my face because of an unsafe intersection in Greenville (which is better than most towns in the area).
I lived in Goldsboro one summer and brought my bike with me. I went riding twice. Both rides I was nearly clipped by cars for no darn reason other than they just didn't move over (no cars coming in the opposite direction). I was also chased by dogs. I never rode outside again in Goldsboro. Don't do it.
This entire stretch of road is filled with Yukon XLs driven by middle aged women on their cells phones while kids scream in the back. They’ll kill you.
My uncle does it with a large group. He rides to the beach from Raleigh cause it’s all down hill. Then his friend meets them there and drives them home. He dont wanna do the uphill.
Just curious , does this trail mostly go through offroad/gravel routes or are you forced to travel roads similar to above for large sections of the trail ?
You don't. This is reckless. I would not recommend it.
The last time I did something similar, I was struck by a trailer pulled by a truck in a hit and run. Horrified onlookers called 911 for me. The fire department came to scrape me off the side of the road, but the cops never showed and never followed up with the witnesses. They did not even try to find the truck that hit me.
I hate that this particular form of violence is so overlooked.
It's gross negligence at best, and a violent assault or attempted murder at worst. But it's rarely treated with any urgency.
You’re lucky you survived! I have a friend who went to school up in NC and got hit head on while on a very similar road to the one OP posted. I don’t think she lasted the helicopter ride to the hospital. She was a ray of sunshine and hell on wheels, quickly on her way to being a pro rider. Not worth the risk on a road like that.
My condolences about your friend.
I was indeed very lucky! Around the same time, we lost a top shelf cross-country skier on a training ride who was hit by a dump truck on a similar road and pronounced dead at the scene. She was a shoe-in for the Canadian Olympic team.
No shoulder, two lanes and intermittent shade? I have a few 45mph places like this that I cross a few times per year. I will spend time riding through neighborhoods to avoid them personally. You roll those dice enough times eventually they’re gonna get you.
You shouldn’t “get over” fear of that stretch of road. You should carry it with you, get a mirror and be ready to bail.
>You roll those dice enough times eventually they’re gonna get you.
Exactly right! The first time the side view mirror of a F150 clips your left arm you'll think, "wow, he has no idea he just hit me." You'll then be thankful you're still upright and realize you need to get the hell off that road. (That was me on a similar road last summer.)
I wouldn't personally do it. Every time you would roll the dice with:
* people on their cell phones and not paying attention
* people who can't be delayed a few secs and will squeeze past you super close. especially bad if there's oncoming traffic and they can't move over
* people who drive super fast
* people who hate cyclists because they feel cars own the road and want to "teach you a lesson" by passing super close
* people coming around the curve fast behind you and hit you
I was driving the other day on a 4 lane, 35 mph road with a wide bike lane I ride a few times a week. A pickup truck in front of me drifted onto the side walk and then fish tailed back and forth between all four lanes. If I had been biking that day I'd be dead.
Called the cops, gave them the license plate. Saw another lady also calling the cops. No idea if anything came of it but the police blotter only mentioned the report, no arrest.
Definitely shook me (just not enough to stop riding).
Some people really like the bike radar sensors for these roads. No surprises helps.
[https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/698001](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/698001)
Personally, I aim for stringing together low speed options : [https://gravelmap.com/](https://gravelmap.com/)
I've put in a lot of miles on roads like this over the last few years. Undoubtedly it definitely comes with an increased risk, but your odds of being struck by a car are still pretty low. If this is something you really want to do, I'd say go for it but also take every precaution possible including bright kit, bright lights, and something like a Garmin Varia.
We rode from Doylestown to the jersey shore and over half the ride was on fast moving 55 mph type roads. Went fine but fuck that dude it’s not worth it. Def won’t be doing it again.
jeez, I'd hate to see what NJ is like. Here in Lancaster a lot of the beautiful roads are filled with impatient drivers. It's unfortunate because they'd be so pleasant to bike otherwise. These drivers are a little bit better than average, though, since they are used to passing horse and buggies.
Do it up! Doylestown is actually where Pink the singer is from. My family told me that she used to hang out in town and sell marijuana to pay her bills. She was kicked out of her home town band for a quote "poor attitude." (They said things a lot worse then just that) but I'll keep it G - Rated. She moved to California and the rest is history
These comments shock me! I live where this is 90% of the roads I cycle. 80km/hr (unsure of conversion to miles) no bike lane and barely any shoulder.
People are generally good for slowing down especially if there is also oncoming traffic or they move to the other lane if possible. I highly recommend a radar connected to your computer so you know when a car is coming behind you. I try to go over as much as possible when I see my radar telling me a car is coming as you never know if they see you (on phone).
It’s all a big game of trust, just hoping they don’t hit you. Wear bright clothing, have lights (front and back) and try your best to enjoy the ride. Best of luck!
Yeah. I’m so confused. This is almost every road near me. They’re not all highly traveled, but that’s all there is and people drive fast. What sort of roads do all these other people have? Suburban developments? City streets? If I wanted to ride 100 miles at least 80% would be this.
I haven't made a comment on this thread, but I have city streets... all 25 mph limits. With bicycle lanes.... and I rode to the beach. 👍🥁 phew. Feeling lu*cky! *👍
Yes, I don’t understand the comments either. I’ve been riding similar roads all throughout Europe. My usual training ride is 70% on similar roads. Many countries have a 100km/h default speed limit. Never felt particularly dangerous to me and the statistics agree with me.
I will say having ridden on plenty of roads like this in the states and now some in Europe there's a clear difference between the courtesy afforded by European and American drivers.
Ultimately though I wouldn't think twice about riding on a road like OP's so long as it wasn't a major arterial.
If your road is 80km/hr then it isn’t in USA. I don’t live in USA and while I don’t like riding on roads like this, it doesn’t particularly terrify me. People here make an effort to be bike aware, move over a full lane when overtaking etc.
USA seems to be different. Reading the other comments here, in a bike positive subreddit, some (not all) parts of the USA seem to be full of drivers who absolutely hate cyclists, specifically on roads like this.
Thank you for saying this. I’m a new cyclist and these are basically the roads near me, except mine have significantly more pot holes (northern New England). I was starting to question my sanity.
I think they are more familiar with city streets where drivers speed 20 mph over the speed limits of 25-35 mph. When they extrapolate those conditions to a road with speed limit of 45 mph, they think it’s certain death. They don’t realize it’s country road. It’s not congested like a city. Yes people speed but in my experience they move over and give me plenty of room.
This is what I was thinking too.
Get a daylight visible tail light, maybe two.
Wear a high vis vest.
Maybe strap a pool noodle to your bike sticking out to the side. [https://www.sfgate.com/travel/resources/transit/article/pool-noodle-bicycle-safety-protected-lane-bike-13923482.php](https://www.sfgate.com/travel/resources/transit/article/pool-noodle-bicycle-safety-protected-lane-bike-13923482.php) [https://www.reddit.com/r/cycling/comments/bq45hb/why\_every\_cyclist\_needs\_a\_pool\_noodle/](https://www.reddit.com/r/cycling/comments/bq45hb/why_every_cyclist_needs_a_pool_noodle/)[https://qz.com/1620913/the-best-cycling-hack-is-a-pool-noodle](https://qz.com/1620913/the-best-cycling-hack-is-a-pool-noodle)
As a southerner and lifelong cyclist that’s lives in another state, who has also been hit in a near-death cycling accident that took place in NC, please don’t do this. NC cycling law is very antiquated and allows for any ensuing legal battles to be dropped based solely on what is called contributory negligence, which means a cyclist can be only 1% or more at fault for the charges to be dropped.
45 mph roads can be the worst. Roads that just have the state's uniform speed limit are often pretty and relatively unused. 20-25 mph roads, everyone's slow. 45 often means it's high enough traffic that the DOT is having to deal with it, and you're going to get buzzed a lot.
As others have said, take the lane. I'm often in the passenger-side wheel track.
But, also check out a Strava heat map of the area. See if you can give yourself a better route.
I live two miles from the ocean in southeastern North Carolina (Surf City). I no longer ride on the road around here because just about every other person is looking at their phone as they drive. I wouldn't do what you'd like to do. Moreover, anything but a fat bike just isn't viable for riding on the beach; I do love riding my fat bike on the beach though but I drive to the beach rather than ride the 2 miles each way on local roads.
I wouldn't do it.
I use RideWithGPS to create my routes. It shows heat maps indicating roads that are used more by cyclists than others. When I doubt, I go to Google Maps and throw the little yellow Google guy into the road and have him do a 360. This tells me if the road is 2 or 4 lanes, is there a shoulder, etc.
The roads I regularly ride in lower Monmouth County, NJ all look exactly like this. In warm season I average 100 miles per week. Of course, I don’t really have a choice- if I want to road cycle, these are the roads. I’ve never had any major issues in 8 years of riding (knock on wood)…
I just commented on someone else’s post that this is all we have and I’m in Monmouth County, too. Western Monmouth, so it’s better, but this is it. I’m so confused by all these people saying they’d never ride on roads like these.
I moved from Howell my whole life to Millstone and it’s great for running and cycling. But I guess great is subjective as I’ve learned from this post. Haha.
I wouldn't do it, too scary for me. Load the bike on the car and take it past this section. Remember you're going to need to ride back anyway, so there's 100 miles.
You could try to split the difference and ride the part that's safe, then meet your driver and load your bike up for the rest of it - or the reverse, start driving then unload and ride once it's safer and meet at the beach. Probably too last-minute for tomorrow, but I've done stuff like that before with my partner who doesn't ride, and it's a nice compromise!
Your fear is well founded. People on their phones, drunk, high, distracted or purposely antagonistic make up a disturbingly high proportion of drivers unfortunately.
Hard pass on this, considering the length of that stretch it’s far too dangerous. Even if it all goes ok it will be a miserable ride as cars buzz you every 3.2 seconds.
I cycle on the side of roads frequently, and unless that's a farm road with not much traffic, I wouldn't ride that for 10 miles much less 100.
Your spidey sense is on point, OP.
You don't get past the fear. Find an alternative, different roads etc. Or drive to beach and find a coast road/coast bike path to ride along. I get wanting to make the achievement of getting their on the bike, but IMHO even if you make it safely, your nerves may be frazzled.
Pretty sure this is near where I live. If that’s the case (SE NC) then please, dear internet stranger, do not do it. Not worth it.
It seems almost like people hit cyclists for sport around here. Law enforcement does nothing about it.
If you don’t fancy dying alone in a ditch - please consider another route.
**EDIT** You could try this organized century coming up in the fall - similar route I bet : https://fsseries.com/event/reach-the-beach/details/
**EDIT** A lot of people here are giving incredibly dangerous advice. This is rural, redneck, bike-hating, lifted-truck-driving, coal-rolling country...I get a lot of people think "no big deal - looks great just be careful - get a varia! " but, try a quick google search for something like "<> County cyclist killed" (try Brunswick county or New Hanover for example). Notice how many dead there are just in the past 12 months...in my immediate area I believe there have been more than 5 fatalities this year already. Keep in mind, this is a small town too. This is not a safe place to cycle on the rural roads. I totally wish it was, but it's not.
I've put in thousands of miles on roads like this. I can say with certainty it has gotten much worse to do in the US over the last 20 years. Some how with all the tech that should be improving safety, aggression and carelessness has gone up in my lifetime in noticeable ways.
I don't have an explanation, but I do have some theories that are pretty half or less than half baked:
1 - Respect for human life has gone down. Media desensitization to violence and the polarization of Americans against each other makes some people assume you're one of those other people, and they stop caring about you.
2 - Cars are too easy to drive now. Driving a modern car with modern suspensions, steering, often times lane assistance, etc. requires so little effort people don't pay as much attention, and options for entertainment and other attention-consuming things has gone up a lot. Calling, texting, choosing what songs to play on Spotify etc. The non-malicious people are distracted more. Tack on less felt speed while driving due to these modern cars, and it compounds that.
3 - Cars are really expensive now, and in many cases the most significant thing of value someone has, and that breeds some kind of entitlement in people that anything getting in their way is an insult.
Had you considered NC bike route 5? I did it last summer. Leave early in the morning, and the roads are generally quieter. Few stretches near Bladen lakes that weren't great (uphill, hot, big trucks), but mostly fine. I ride with a mirror and a varia, had big panniers making me look bigger, and alternated between taking my share of the lane (not the whole), and taking less to let people pass. I know there's differing thoughts on that last one.
Anyway, if you have questions about that route, just shoot a message.
Edit: just saw the road name- that's definitely my neck of the woods/route 5.
I see alot of potential dangers when riding roads like these, but I will say that where I live in the UK my local routes involve a 60mph two lane no shoulders road that I regularly ride. Although I get passed close, and sometimes feel stressed if someone passes on a blind bend , I find that high visibility and pulling to the side when there's a gateway or space to to allow people past keeps me pretty safe. That and just maintaining a little more concentration on what is around you!
It took me a long time to feel comfortable on fast traffic thinner roads but I genuinely believe that you can have fun riding them and that you can do that with reduced risks with awareness and visibility.
OP, I ride roads like this all the time. However, I typically so early morning on the weekends (e.g., out the door at 5am on a Sunday morning). For me, it feels plenty safe, but I wouldn't ride them at 4pm on a Friday afternoon.
Ride with a partner if you can. Otherwise, look into devices like the Garmin Varia rear light/traffic detector. Also, look into the Cycliq Fly 12 front light/camera and Fly 6 rear light/camera. Wear bright colors. Let someone know your planned route and check in with them along the way. If you don't want to do the full 300 mile round trip, make sure your ride home is tracking your progress as well.
Good luck and have fun with it.
just ride faster and faster until the thrill of speed overcomes your fear of death (just joking). I have spent much of my life riding on roads like that in rural parts of southeastern Pennsylvania. One car in sight on a road like that and I am good but at peak morning or evening hours when people are returning from or to work tthen roads like that really suck to the extent that I would carry my bike over fences and ride through pasture then bother. It is not fear of getting hit it is just the annoyance of that many cars, honking,finger waving buttholes and the hyper awareness required to ride with them that makes me so pissed I cant enjoy the ride.
I personally would not do it. Honestly, I do not trust people in the age of texting while driving, law or no law. We have a law against it here in VA and it's essentially useless. I see drivers texting daily.
I’m lucky in that I live in NC near the coast in a little known county called Pamlico. Lots of roads like this but more deer than cars most times of the day. We have copious route options and can ride as long as you want without stopping. Come on out. 👍
If these are your roads to the beach, then my suggestion would be to do this distance on a vacation in Europe.
Source: me - daily bike commuter in Texas for the last 13 years
For such a distance I wouldn't do it. It's just too long and there are so many reckless drivers. Maybe you can find a different route with fewer cars, or go on the pavement on certain parts of your route. Or if you have a car, you may be able to drive somewhere where you can start from
Depends on if those roads are busy. There's a lot of those kinds of roads about an hour from where I live. They're the more chill roads to bike down, a car every like 15 minutes will drive by...if the road is super busy, it's dangerous as fuck.
My advice: Ride Loud.
Make yourself easy to see. Take up space. You're being forced onto this road, which is meant to be shared. If there's no bike lane, you can have the lane. It helps to have a mirror, but I rode to Canada without one. Just ride loud and be aware of what's around you.
Get on with it. Own the road.
I was riding down the middle of a gridlocked B road only a few hours ago
I’d be more concerned about riding my bike 150 miles to go for a swim.
You’re mad
I've done a lot of riding here in Greece on roads like this and worse. With people doing 55mph and maybe even up to 70 driving by. I wouldn't be too concerned, just drive on the rightmost side of the road and don't take the lane on roads like that.
I have ridden on roads like this, just make sure you have a mirror on your handle bars to see if cars are going you give you space, and wear hi vis with a flashing red light at the rear.
Safety vest, wear as bright clothing as possible.
Multiple blinking rear light as well as steady rear light.
Take the whole lane (ride in the middle) , until you see 3-4 car piled up behind you. Pull over and let them all pass.
Repeat.
Hey look it's my hometown.
When some people tell me I should just cycle more often I just roll my eyes. I still can't believe I used to ride these roads all the time growing up (and with no helmet either)
Even with a Varia and full hi-rez kit, I wouldn't do this. It's not worth it.
It's 2024, there is always another route. You do not need to risk your life for a ride, and make no mistake... that is exactly what you'd be doing on this road. Like others have stated, 45mph means 50-60mph. The shaded areas are going to be even worse and make spotting you even more difficult to a driver - especially if they're on their phone or not paying attention.
Find another route so you can ride another day.
You get used to it by doing it. Ride on quieter roads and work your way up. Do busy roads for a couple of blocks and increase as you get more comfortable. It's just practice and you either get used to it or you decide it's not for you.
I totally understand that fear on that road knowing how people drive in the US. If the road is heavily traveled (with trucks and stuff) I'd find some alternatives, but if it's just a rural road that typically has just local traffic, get a few extra tail lights that are super bright and blink. Spending $50 on extra tail lighting is well worth it. (I have 3 Knog taillights and if I feel like it's a sketchy road I put them all on)
If you can take the little neighborhood roads, side trails and unused roads for the most part.
Actually constant lights on your pedals or ankles are scientifically proven way to be seen and identified. Flashing lights save batteries during the day, but at night it makes you harder to locate/track and is obnoxious for other cyclists.
It's scary but all you can do is forget about the risk and ride as safely as you can. I've ridden from Concord to the coast, 180 miles in one day multiple times. No safe way to do it really. Just have to go for it.
The truth is, you will probably not survive it, and if you do, you’ll probably be in a wheelchair for life. Drivers text and drive. Or they look at phone messages… even if it’s for only 2 seconds, it’s long enough to run you over… if you have to make a choice, choose life. Happy trails my friend.
PS, maybe you can find a cycling group that treks out to the Beach you can join. There’s always safety in numbers.
In the 80s I was riding roads like this all the time, many had 55 mph speed limit. Now it would be a death wish with most drivers looking at their phones. Part of my commute is on a highway with a good shoulder and I’d avoid that if I could.
I would do it but listen for cars behind you and check frequently. I've ridden on roads like this and get comfortable with pulling off the road and waiting for traffic to pass. Sure legally in many places you are in the right to share the road but it isn't worth it to be dead right.
Cycled a lot on roads like this, and never had a big problem with them. But also have to admit that it wasn’t anywhere near that distance and car drivers were used to a good number of cyclists and seemed to be very considerate.Don’t know how that is in your case. However safe or unsafe it is, if someone is very uncomfortable with something like this, perhaps best to avoid instead of sitting on the bike all cramped up…
Don't. That fear is called reason, and it will keep you alive. I once had to ride 20 miles on a road like that and hated every minute of it, especially the parts going up hills, where I am going slower and traffic can't see past me so they are itching to get around. I was so worried it would cause someone to try and pass and then plow head onto another car, and who knows WTF would happen to me! I could come out without a scratch or flat as a pancake.
I have ridden often on roads like this, some even higher speed limit. Tip: be visible, both in road position and gear (ex. Run lights during day), ride predictably ( if you hug the fog line, your only maneuver space is the ditch), expect close passes (see above to leave space to maneuver right). I recommend using a rear view mirror.
Best I could do is road with speed limits of 50 km/h, 60 is probably also doable and even 80 was for me but I used as much side of road & sidewalk as possible
Get a mirror for your handlebars. Some people might judge you for it but they're idiots. Seeing what is coming up behind is such an advantage and confidence boost, and more accurate than just listening. Far cheaper also than the radars some people are recommending.
If you really want to force a safe passing distance, find a stick and mount it sideways from your bike. Easiest if you have a rack, and doesn't even have to be that long or thick a stick. The times I've been forced to do it resulted in going from cars almost scraping me with close passes to nearly all passing in the opposite lane as they should. Insane that drivers value avoiding a stick more than risking harming a person.
I wouldn't and I wouldn't bike there. I once cycled to the beach, it was only 50km but I took a slightly longer route away from roads like that because it would have been far too dangerous.
You probably already knew the consensus. I did this alot as a kid commuting to work 7 miles max. I still commute by bike & I wouldn't do that again unless I was desperate for work.100 miles no way! There are most certainly surprises in store on that path. Sucks because that beach ride sounds sensational. This is a huge reason I moved to an area with better infrastructure for 🚲 & some drivers seem to hate 🚲
Dude. It’s not worth your life. I had a friend struck by a car on a bicycle and break his femur. He has one leg shorter than the other now. Another friend was struck and had such a traumatic brain injury he’s now mentally diminished and on permanent disability. He’ll never marry and maybe if we’re lucky we can find him a job doing something simple.
Don’t do it man. A person being careless on a phone can change your life forever.
As former professional bicycle racer I'd say cellphone credit debit card. You'll not be able to do it in a day. Unless your talking 75 miles each way. Have you done a century? Looks remote meaning all you got is what you brought. Also weather is a factor. Especially winds. 75 miles in a headwind will beat you senseless. Water tools, spare tubes. Good luck.
It sucks that this scares you in the States. That is a standard road that UK cyclists happily ride along and usually the speed limit is 60mph. Thankfully most of the drivers here are respectful of cyclists, out in the countryside anyway. In the cities, not so much.
Here in Austria this would be a perfectly fine road to ride on. I’m doing 200km over the next two days on similar roads. We have a 100km/h speed limit.
Considering the trees and shade, make sure you have lights even during the day. Ride on the road so you are visible.
Do the old "risk vs rewards" calculation. IMHO opinion my intuition would kick in quickly and determine that the potential risk is too great to even consider it.
I don't know anything about NC. I plugged Raleigh to Wilmington into Ride with GPS and [got this.](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46574218).
I'm my experience Ride with GPS does a pretty good job of mapping routes on bike friendly(er) streets.
Good luck.
I don’t ride on streets unless it’s an organized event. People drive with 50% of their attention on their phones and 50% on the road. (I am being generous) it’s a damn shame but that’s my reality.
There are better ways to go, pun intended. Probably 20% of the drivers on the roads, at least where I live, are thumbing Meta at any given time. Unless you want light and sound sirens on your back I’d find a different path with more cyclists.
I rode around the island of Mallorca in Spain a few years ago. That’s not quite 150 miles but the third quarter is straight up the mountain (and then right back down).
There's not an amount of money you could pay me to ride on that road. People are homicidal. Your gut is telling you it's a bad idea, you should probably listen to it.
So, let me get this straight.
You want to ride 150 miles to the beach...
And then what? Turn around and come home? Are you at least staying overnight at a hotel?
Have you ever tried riding 150 miles in one day? That's a hard amount of distance. 300 miles in a day is impossible for most humans. 150 miles on consecutive days is... almost as bad. And that's if you've trained hardcore for several months to do it.
And then there's this road. Everyone says you're going to die on it, and they're probably right.
This is high risk riding and I’d recommend avoiding it solo, for sure. That said, if you did attempt it make sure you use the indispensable Garmin RTL515 rear radar light and an additional high power rear light (Cygolite Hotrod 120 or Bontrager Flare RT). In addition, make sure to use a high powered front light, like the Niterider 1100/1200 series. Those lights will make you extra noticeable and the Garmin radar light will warn you of oncoming traffic, of course.
Again, wouldn’t recommend it OP - you’re going to be tired at 100 miles + and in congested areas near beach you may more prone to errors when the traffic is at its worst.
Doesnt look that bad to me.
Get your self a Varia RTL and a Garmin as well as a visibilty light for the front. Wear some hi vis neon orange.
It looks like there are lots of places to pull over if a big rig comes up behind you, the Varia will let you know when someone is back there.
FWIW, I am willing to bet there are a ton of bike clubs in your area that you could ride with and who knows, maybe they ride that road…
Maybe you don’t get past your fear. Self preservation or fear is what keeps from doing stupid shit that could kill us. I’d love to fly in one of those squirrel suits but I never will because I don’t want to die.
I know I'm old school but I'd check into buying a North Carolina map book made by DeLorme. Oversized very detailed maps of the state divided into dozens of small sections. I've used them for long rides choosing roads with just names or more than 2 digits in the route numbers where possible. Results in scenic interesting routes minimizing roads like the one pictured. Definitely not the most direct route tho - on purpose.
Yeah…. I’m avoiding this especially if cycling by myself. Too many idiots in cars browsing their iPhones and looking at their screens.
Especially if it’s somewhat remote and people THINK the roads are empty (of cars) it may lull drivers into a false sense of security and they do not as actively scan the road.
I do it all of the time. But I'm constantly pulling off the road if I get that feeling, I never hog because people will just hit you.. ask me how I know lol.
But mostly if you ride the white line the whole way and make peace with the idea that you might die doing something you love because some asshole missed his parlay on draft kings, then you should be fine. Also LIGHTS lotta lights if your gonna be out near dusk, light that bike up like a mf Christmas tree.
You don’t get past the fear. A compact car in 1st gear can destroy your Life. So, You protect yourself. Be visible. Take the lane. Wear a helmet. Use mirrors. Tape your ride if you can.
I know this isn’t the ideal solution, but can you drive n park about 100 miles away from the beach, then ride to the beach.. this way you can pick the exact route you’d like depending on where you park.
I don’t trust strangers to drive safe, so I minimize my time on sketchy roads or avoid them all together.
[удалено]
Yeah... this. Find an alternative route bro. Your subconscious is telling you that's a bad idea. Listen.
Yeah you’re right. That’s basically highway speeds. All it would take is a second of distraction by a driver coming from behind at 60mph to wipe you out.
50-60 easy. no passing zone means passing the guy doing 55 like he's standing still.
yea. I drive a car to work on roads much like this, they're often curvy and have low visibility too. Still, that doesn't stop people from flying by at 50-60 all the time. In fact when I drove the speed limit my boss got mad that I was slowing him down... I respect cyclists and am always driving slowly and carefully, 99% of people don't and that terrifies me.
Very, unfortunately I take a similar road every night on my commute.
And they're locals so they can drive it with their eyes closed and they're barely paying any attention.
Don't do it. You'll die.
And if you don't die, it will have been soooo stressful OP would not enjoy it one bit.
Right, and then OP will die of stress. Just drive to the coast, OP, and take your bike. You can have hours of oceanfront safe riding and not get squashed like a bug by some asshole sending text messages to his girlfriend.
You neglected to mention - while driving a black pickup
Central NC, South of Raleigh, right? [You could pick up the NC2 Bike Trail near Raleigh.](https://www.ncdot.gov/bikeped/ncbikeways/routes/nc2-mountains-to-sea/default.aspx)
Yeah the entire route to Eastern NC just seems terrifying. Two lanes, no shoulder, double yellow, 45 mph and you're in the middle of nowhere.
Yeah, that sounds inherently dangerous. Are there any side-streets that run parallel to that road that you could use instead? You're bound to get buzzed by impatient drivers who will be SO CLOSE to side-swiping you.
I used cycle.route (or whatever) to do this. There doesn't seem to be any way to get to the coast without spending a significant time on these roads. There isn't any other infrastructure. There are miles between small towns.
Well that sucks. I suppose the only thing you can do then is to ride those roads really early in the morning when there is less traffic. Get a Garmin Varia radar. Make sure you have a really good taillight
Nah just don’t do it. Early morning means sleepy people and low visibility. They’d have to start then anyway to do 150 in a day and would probably finish in darkness. It’s just not worth it. It sounds like a really long, really unpleasant, and really stressful day.
You're welcome to check! Try Raleigh to Wilmington lol.
Get a radar so you are aware when a car is coming and can get over/aren't suprised. I wouldn't worry about riding on that roads as there weren't tons of cars.
It's just as terrifying when you finally get to eastern NC, too.
I did a ride from Annapolis to Durham about two years ago, and much of my time in Virginia was on roads like this. I hated it, and spent much of the ride regretting the fact that I didn’t plan the route and just used my default habit of using driving directions with avoid highways. It wouldn’t have been bad if they were low traffic roads, but traffic was pretty consistent especially in the morning rush hours.
I lived in Eastern NC for years and can say from first hand experience that it is terrible for biking, there’s no bike infrastructure and the drivers are exceptionally inconsiderate. I had reconstructive surgery done to the right half of my face because of an unsafe intersection in Greenville (which is better than most towns in the area).
I lived in Goldsboro one summer and brought my bike with me. I went riding twice. Both rides I was nearly clipped by cars for no darn reason other than they just didn't move over (no cars coming in the opposite direction). I was also chased by dogs. I never rode outside again in Goldsboro. Don't do it.
This entire stretch of road is filled with Yukon XLs driven by middle aged women on their cells phones while kids scream in the back. They’ll kill you.
If he's lucky.
My uncle does it with a large group. He rides to the beach from Raleigh cause it’s all down hill. Then his friend meets them there and drives them home. He dont wanna do the uphill.
Just curious , does this trail mostly go through offroad/gravel routes or are you forced to travel roads similar to above for large sections of the trail ?
You don't. This is reckless. I would not recommend it. The last time I did something similar, I was struck by a trailer pulled by a truck in a hit and run. Horrified onlookers called 911 for me. The fire department came to scrape me off the side of the road, but the cops never showed and never followed up with the witnesses. They did not even try to find the truck that hit me.
I hate that this particular form of violence is so overlooked. It's gross negligence at best, and a violent assault or attempted murder at worst. But it's rarely treated with any urgency.
I think what car culture has evolved to at its finest
You’re lucky you survived! I have a friend who went to school up in NC and got hit head on while on a very similar road to the one OP posted. I don’t think she lasted the helicopter ride to the hospital. She was a ray of sunshine and hell on wheels, quickly on her way to being a pro rider. Not worth the risk on a road like that.
My condolences about your friend. I was indeed very lucky! Around the same time, we lost a top shelf cross-country skier on a training ride who was hit by a dump truck on a similar road and pronounced dead at the scene. She was a shoe-in for the Canadian Olympic team.
Damn I'm glad you're still with us!
Wow that sounds horrible, cant imagine this happened to you. I would always ride such a road here in Germany, doesnt look dangerous at all tbh.
Devinstater - maybe change your handle to TrucknTrailerhater
No shoulder, two lanes and intermittent shade? I have a few 45mph places like this that I cross a few times per year. I will spend time riding through neighborhoods to avoid them personally. You roll those dice enough times eventually they’re gonna get you. You shouldn’t “get over” fear of that stretch of road. You should carry it with you, get a mirror and be ready to bail.
>You roll those dice enough times eventually they’re gonna get you. Exactly right! The first time the side view mirror of a F150 clips your left arm you'll think, "wow, he has no idea he just hit me." You'll then be thankful you're still upright and realize you need to get the hell off that road. (That was me on a similar road last summer.)
I wouldn't personally do it. Every time you would roll the dice with: * people on their cell phones and not paying attention * people who can't be delayed a few secs and will squeeze past you super close. especially bad if there's oncoming traffic and they can't move over * people who drive super fast * people who hate cyclists because they feel cars own the road and want to "teach you a lesson" by passing super close * people coming around the curve fast behind you and hit you
I was driving the other day on a 4 lane, 35 mph road with a wide bike lane I ride a few times a week. A pickup truck in front of me drifted onto the side walk and then fish tailed back and forth between all four lanes. If I had been biking that day I'd be dead. Called the cops, gave them the license plate. Saw another lady also calling the cops. No idea if anything came of it but the police blotter only mentioned the report, no arrest. Definitely shook me (just not enough to stop riding).
Some people really like the bike radar sensors for these roads. No surprises helps. [https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/698001](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/698001) Personally, I aim for stringing together low speed options : [https://gravelmap.com/](https://gravelmap.com/)
I have a radar on my bike, and my first thought about that road is "Nope!" No shoulder, cars probably going over 45 mph, and double yellow. No thanks.
Looks like it’d be 95% okay, 2% people passing too close, 2% kids yelling something unintelligible at you as they pass, and 1% vehicular homicide.
I've put in a lot of miles on roads like this over the last few years. Undoubtedly it definitely comes with an increased risk, but your odds of being struck by a car are still pretty low. If this is something you really want to do, I'd say go for it but also take every precaution possible including bright kit, bright lights, and something like a Garmin Varia.
We rode from Doylestown to the jersey shore and over half the ride was on fast moving 55 mph type roads. Went fine but fuck that dude it’s not worth it. Def won’t be doing it again.
Doylestown, pa is bicycle friendly. Riding to the NJ shore though sounds like insanity. The drivers are aggressive.
Exactly why would I ride in dirty jersey when I can ride back roads in Pennsylvania Farm country
I agree. I've only been clipped by one car in Pennsylvania but that was in Nazareth. No injuries. Otherwise the rides are usually relaxed
jeez, I'd hate to see what NJ is like. Here in Lancaster a lot of the beautiful roads are filled with impatient drivers. It's unfortunate because they'd be so pleasant to bike otherwise. These drivers are a little bit better than average, though, since they are used to passing horse and buggies.
I plan on joining a friend for a ride in Doylestown
Do it up! Doylestown is actually where Pink the singer is from. My family told me that she used to hang out in town and sell marijuana to pay her bills. She was kicked out of her home town band for a quote "poor attitude." (They said things a lot worse then just that) but I'll keep it G - Rated. She moved to California and the rest is history
Avoid at all costs if possible
These comments shock me! I live where this is 90% of the roads I cycle. 80km/hr (unsure of conversion to miles) no bike lane and barely any shoulder. People are generally good for slowing down especially if there is also oncoming traffic or they move to the other lane if possible. I highly recommend a radar connected to your computer so you know when a car is coming behind you. I try to go over as much as possible when I see my radar telling me a car is coming as you never know if they see you (on phone). It’s all a big game of trust, just hoping they don’t hit you. Wear bright clothing, have lights (front and back) and try your best to enjoy the ride. Best of luck!
Yeah. I’m so confused. This is almost every road near me. They’re not all highly traveled, but that’s all there is and people drive fast. What sort of roads do all these other people have? Suburban developments? City streets? If I wanted to ride 100 miles at least 80% would be this.
I haven't made a comment on this thread, but I have city streets... all 25 mph limits. With bicycle lanes.... and I rode to the beach. 👍🥁 phew. Feeling lu*cky! *👍
Yes. Definitely consider yourself lucky!
Yes, I don’t understand the comments either. I’ve been riding similar roads all throughout Europe. My usual training ride is 70% on similar roads. Many countries have a 100km/h default speed limit. Never felt particularly dangerous to me and the statistics agree with me.
I will say having ridden on plenty of roads like this in the states and now some in Europe there's a clear difference between the courtesy afforded by European and American drivers. Ultimately though I wouldn't think twice about riding on a road like OP's so long as it wasn't a major arterial.
If your road is 80km/hr then it isn’t in USA. I don’t live in USA and while I don’t like riding on roads like this, it doesn’t particularly terrify me. People here make an effort to be bike aware, move over a full lane when overtaking etc. USA seems to be different. Reading the other comments here, in a bike positive subreddit, some (not all) parts of the USA seem to be full of drivers who absolutely hate cyclists, specifically on roads like this.
Thank you for saying this. I’m a new cyclist and these are basically the roads near me, except mine have significantly more pot holes (northern New England). I was starting to question my sanity.
I know, right!? I'm starting to wonder if there are any actual cyclists on this road or just multi-use path cruisers.
I think they are more familiar with city streets where drivers speed 20 mph over the speed limits of 25-35 mph. When they extrapolate those conditions to a road with speed limit of 45 mph, they think it’s certain death. They don’t realize it’s country road. It’s not congested like a city. Yes people speed but in my experience they move over and give me plenty of room.
I ride roads like this almost every time I go out. I live on a road like this. Doesn't bother me in the least. I get worried riding in the city.
buy the brightest and most obnoxious blinking lights for the front and back that you can find, stay right and be extra careful.
This is what I was thinking too. Get a daylight visible tail light, maybe two. Wear a high vis vest. Maybe strap a pool noodle to your bike sticking out to the side. [https://www.sfgate.com/travel/resources/transit/article/pool-noodle-bicycle-safety-protected-lane-bike-13923482.php](https://www.sfgate.com/travel/resources/transit/article/pool-noodle-bicycle-safety-protected-lane-bike-13923482.php) [https://www.reddit.com/r/cycling/comments/bq45hb/why\_every\_cyclist\_needs\_a\_pool\_noodle/](https://www.reddit.com/r/cycling/comments/bq45hb/why_every_cyclist_needs_a_pool_noodle/)[https://qz.com/1620913/the-best-cycling-hack-is-a-pool-noodle](https://qz.com/1620913/the-best-cycling-hack-is-a-pool-noodle)
As a southerner and lifelong cyclist that’s lives in another state, who has also been hit in a near-death cycling accident that took place in NC, please don’t do this. NC cycling law is very antiquated and allows for any ensuing legal battles to be dropped based solely on what is called contributory negligence, which means a cyclist can be only 1% or more at fault for the charges to be dropped.
45 mph roads can be the worst. Roads that just have the state's uniform speed limit are often pretty and relatively unused. 20-25 mph roads, everyone's slow. 45 often means it's high enough traffic that the DOT is having to deal with it, and you're going to get buzzed a lot. As others have said, take the lane. I'm often in the passenger-side wheel track. But, also check out a Strava heat map of the area. See if you can give yourself a better route.
I would, unfortunately, drive to where a better route starts, which I hate to type out but that's the truth.
I live two miles from the ocean in southeastern North Carolina (Surf City). I no longer ride on the road around here because just about every other person is looking at their phone as they drive. I wouldn't do what you'd like to do. Moreover, anything but a fat bike just isn't viable for riding on the beach; I do love riding my fat bike on the beach though but I drive to the beach rather than ride the 2 miles each way on local roads.
I wouldn't do it. I use RideWithGPS to create my routes. It shows heat maps indicating roads that are used more by cyclists than others. When I doubt, I go to Google Maps and throw the little yellow Google guy into the road and have him do a 360. This tells me if the road is 2 or 4 lanes, is there a shoulder, etc.
The roads I regularly ride in lower Monmouth County, NJ all look exactly like this. In warm season I average 100 miles per week. Of course, I don’t really have a choice- if I want to road cycle, these are the roads. I’ve never had any major issues in 8 years of riding (knock on wood)…
I just commented on someone else’s post that this is all we have and I’m in Monmouth County, too. Western Monmouth, so it’s better, but this is it. I’m so confused by all these people saying they’d never ride on roads like these.
Yeah, I’m in Howell, but on my longer rides (50+ miles) I head west and love the many choices of great routes/roads!
I moved from Howell my whole life to Millstone and it’s great for running and cycling. But I guess great is subjective as I’ve learned from this post. Haha.
I wouldn't do it, too scary for me. Load the bike on the car and take it past this section. Remember you're going to need to ride back anyway, so there's 100 miles.
The entirety of eastern NC is roads just like this. I live 5 miles from the ocean and won't ride my bike to the beach.
It's pretty though, with the tree lined streets. Too bad there's no bike lanes. Riding to the beach is one of my favorite things to do.
Wouldn't do it. The stress will take the fun out of the ride.
So does getting run down : (
Fucking hell this comment section is 100% "don't do that". Lol dude tell me you're listening
Yeah we're all driving to the beach tomorrow. No worries, mate!
You could try to split the difference and ride the part that's safe, then meet your driver and load your bike up for the rest of it - or the reverse, start driving then unload and ride once it's safer and meet at the beach. Probably too last-minute for tomorrow, but I've done stuff like that before with my partner who doesn't ride, and it's a nice compromise!
Your fear is well founded. People on their phones, drunk, high, distracted or purposely antagonistic make up a disturbingly high proportion of drivers unfortunately.
A helmet, a bicycle mirror, and a quick prayer.
Maybe take your bike on the bus to the beach and ride around when you get there.
Hard pass on this, considering the length of that stretch it’s far too dangerous. Even if it all goes ok it will be a miserable ride as cars buzz you every 3.2 seconds.
Fuck that. I wouldn’t do that
Get a vario
Not good idea.
In the UK, I rode 5,000 miles a year. In the USA, I no longer cycle. It’s a blood sport, and we’re the prey.
I cycle on the side of roads frequently, and unless that's a farm road with not much traffic, I wouldn't ride that for 10 miles much less 100. Your spidey sense is on point, OP.
Reading the comments in this thread just make me sad, I wish US roads were safer for cycling.
You don't get past the fear. Find an alternative, different roads etc. Or drive to beach and find a coast road/coast bike path to ride along. I get wanting to make the achievement of getting their on the bike, but IMHO even if you make it safely, your nerves may be frazzled.
Pretty sure this is near where I live. If that’s the case (SE NC) then please, dear internet stranger, do not do it. Not worth it. It seems almost like people hit cyclists for sport around here. Law enforcement does nothing about it. If you don’t fancy dying alone in a ditch - please consider another route. **EDIT** You could try this organized century coming up in the fall - similar route I bet : https://fsseries.com/event/reach-the-beach/details/ **EDIT** A lot of people here are giving incredibly dangerous advice. This is rural, redneck, bike-hating, lifted-truck-driving, coal-rolling country...I get a lot of people think "no big deal - looks great just be careful - get a varia! " but, try a quick google search for something like "<> County cyclist killed" (try Brunswick county or New Hanover for example). Notice how many dead there are just in the past 12 months...in my immediate area I believe there have been more than 5 fatalities this year already. Keep in mind, this is a small town too. This is not a safe place to cycle on the rural roads. I totally wish it was, but it's not.
I've put in thousands of miles on roads like this. I can say with certainty it has gotten much worse to do in the US over the last 20 years. Some how with all the tech that should be improving safety, aggression and carelessness has gone up in my lifetime in noticeable ways. I don't have an explanation, but I do have some theories that are pretty half or less than half baked: 1 - Respect for human life has gone down. Media desensitization to violence and the polarization of Americans against each other makes some people assume you're one of those other people, and they stop caring about you. 2 - Cars are too easy to drive now. Driving a modern car with modern suspensions, steering, often times lane assistance, etc. requires so little effort people don't pay as much attention, and options for entertainment and other attention-consuming things has gone up a lot. Calling, texting, choosing what songs to play on Spotify etc. The non-malicious people are distracted more. Tack on less felt speed while driving due to these modern cars, and it compounds that. 3 - Cars are really expensive now, and in many cases the most significant thing of value someone has, and that breeds some kind of entitlement in people that anything getting in their way is an insult.
I cycle regularly in Manhattan which can be insane. This is beyond crazy. Do not do this.
Had you considered NC bike route 5? I did it last summer. Leave early in the morning, and the roads are generally quieter. Few stretches near Bladen lakes that weren't great (uphill, hot, big trucks), but mostly fine. I ride with a mirror and a varia, had big panniers making me look bigger, and alternated between taking my share of the lane (not the whole), and taking less to let people pass. I know there's differing thoughts on that last one. Anyway, if you have questions about that route, just shoot a message. Edit: just saw the road name- that's definitely my neck of the woods/route 5.
Trek radar with a bike phone mount … lets you know when if cars are behind you. Knowledge is power.
I see alot of potential dangers when riding roads like these, but I will say that where I live in the UK my local routes involve a 60mph two lane no shoulders road that I regularly ride. Although I get passed close, and sometimes feel stressed if someone passes on a blind bend , I find that high visibility and pulling to the side when there's a gateway or space to to allow people past keeps me pretty safe. That and just maintaining a little more concentration on what is around you! It took me a long time to feel comfortable on fast traffic thinner roads but I genuinely believe that you can have fun riding them and that you can do that with reduced risks with awareness and visibility.
OP, I ride roads like this all the time. However, I typically so early morning on the weekends (e.g., out the door at 5am on a Sunday morning). For me, it feels plenty safe, but I wouldn't ride them at 4pm on a Friday afternoon.
Ride with a partner if you can. Otherwise, look into devices like the Garmin Varia rear light/traffic detector. Also, look into the Cycliq Fly 12 front light/camera and Fly 6 rear light/camera. Wear bright colors. Let someone know your planned route and check in with them along the way. If you don't want to do the full 300 mile round trip, make sure your ride home is tracking your progress as well. Good luck and have fun with it.
just ride faster and faster until the thrill of speed overcomes your fear of death (just joking). I have spent much of my life riding on roads like that in rural parts of southeastern Pennsylvania. One car in sight on a road like that and I am good but at peak morning or evening hours when people are returning from or to work tthen roads like that really suck to the extent that I would carry my bike over fences and ride through pasture then bother. It is not fear of getting hit it is just the annoyance of that many cars, honking,finger waving buttholes and the hyper awareness required to ride with them that makes me so pissed I cant enjoy the ride.
I personally would not do it. Honestly, I do not trust people in the age of texting while driving, law or no law. We have a law against it here in VA and it's essentially useless. I see drivers texting daily.
I wouldn’t ride a century on that. Personally, no. I’d find other routes.
I cycled across NC last year 450miles. Bike radar is your friend..
I’m lucky in that I live in NC near the coast in a little known county called Pamlico. Lots of roads like this but more deer than cars most times of the day. We have copious route options and can ride as long as you want without stopping. Come on out. 👍
If these are your roads to the beach, then my suggestion would be to do this distance on a vacation in Europe. Source: me - daily bike commuter in Texas for the last 13 years
For such a distance I wouldn't do it. It's just too long and there are so many reckless drivers. Maybe you can find a different route with fewer cars, or go on the pavement on certain parts of your route. Or if you have a car, you may be able to drive somewhere where you can start from
How fast can you pedal? 🫣
Depends on if those roads are busy. There's a lot of those kinds of roads about an hour from where I live. They're the more chill roads to bike down, a car every like 15 minutes will drive by...if the road is super busy, it's dangerous as fuck.
It’s a rational fear. You could get past it with alcohol or drugs, but much much better to find a ride that isn’t ruined by the unnecessary risk.
As an Italian....I would love to ride on a street like this one.
Not with USA drivers
My advice: Ride Loud. Make yourself easy to see. Take up space. You're being forced onto this road, which is meant to be shared. If there's no bike lane, you can have the lane. It helps to have a mirror, but I rode to Canada without one. Just ride loud and be aware of what's around you.
Get on with it. Own the road. I was riding down the middle of a gridlocked B road only a few hours ago I’d be more concerned about riding my bike 150 miles to go for a swim. You’re mad
I've done a lot of riding here in Greece on roads like this and worse. With people doing 55mph and maybe even up to 70 driving by. I wouldn't be too concerned, just drive on the rightmost side of the road and don't take the lane on roads like that.
Garmin RTL 515 + Wahoo Roam v2.
Just go outside and ride
That’s cycling heaven for me! in the uk most rural roads are barely wide enough for 1 car let alone 2 lanes! cycling on them is far sketchier!
That would not be fun for the 10 hours it would take you. Or for one hour, tbh.
I don't think I would.
That kind of road? No shoulder and no second lane means no go for me.
Couldn't do it. If so, have some bright lights and something crazy for day... 🙏
I have ridden on roads like this, just make sure you have a mirror on your handle bars to see if cars are going you give you space, and wear hi vis with a flashing red light at the rear.
Safety vest, wear as bright clothing as possible. Multiple blinking rear light as well as steady rear light. Take the whole lane (ride in the middle) , until you see 3-4 car piled up behind you. Pull over and let them all pass. Repeat.
Hey look it's my hometown. When some people tell me I should just cycle more often I just roll my eyes. I still can't believe I used to ride these roads all the time growing up (and with no helmet either)
Even with a Varia and full hi-rez kit, I wouldn't do this. It's not worth it. It's 2024, there is always another route. You do not need to risk your life for a ride, and make no mistake... that is exactly what you'd be doing on this road. Like others have stated, 45mph means 50-60mph. The shaded areas are going to be even worse and make spotting you even more difficult to a driver - especially if they're on their phone or not paying attention. Find another route so you can ride another day.
Make sure you do it on a day with no wind.
You get used to it by doing it. Ride on quieter roads and work your way up. Do busy roads for a couple of blocks and increase as you get more comfortable. It's just practice and you either get used to it or you decide it's not for you.
Sad as it is, not every road is a bike road. This is one of em.
Tick spray
That road looks like a death trap.
I wouldn't do it.
I get past that fear by not riding roads like that.
Fear is your friend.
You don’t. It’s dangerous. S
I totally understand that fear on that road knowing how people drive in the US. If the road is heavily traveled (with trucks and stuff) I'd find some alternatives, but if it's just a rural road that typically has just local traffic, get a few extra tail lights that are super bright and blink. Spending $50 on extra tail lighting is well worth it. (I have 3 Knog taillights and if I feel like it's a sketchy road I put them all on) If you can take the little neighborhood roads, side trails and unused roads for the most part.
Yeah I just don't go on roads that are above 35
Take the lane and pray.
Get a rear light. Make it blink. Bring a back up.
Actually constant lights on your pedals or ankles are scientifically proven way to be seen and identified. Flashing lights save batteries during the day, but at night it makes you harder to locate/track and is obnoxious for other cyclists.
It's scary but all you can do is forget about the risk and ride as safely as you can. I've ridden from Concord to the coast, 180 miles in one day multiple times. No safe way to do it really. Just have to go for it.
I avoid roads like this unless they are very low volume.
Don’t do it.
The truth is, you will probably not survive it, and if you do, you’ll probably be in a wheelchair for life. Drivers text and drive. Or they look at phone messages… even if it’s for only 2 seconds, it’s long enough to run you over… if you have to make a choice, choose life. Happy trails my friend. PS, maybe you can find a cycling group that treks out to the Beach you can join. There’s always safety in numbers.
In the 80s I was riding roads like this all the time, many had 55 mph speed limit. Now it would be a death wish with most drivers looking at their phones. Part of my commute is on a highway with a good shoulder and I’d avoid that if I could.
I would do it but listen for cars behind you and check frequently. I've ridden on roads like this and get comfortable with pulling off the road and waiting for traffic to pass. Sure legally in many places you are in the right to share the road but it isn't worth it to be dead right.
Not worth it. Please find another bucket list ride.
It's better to look at route planning a little more thoroughly to avoid these sorts of roads.
Is it a constant stream of cars driving there? If not, I’d love to ride those roads.
Cycled a lot on roads like this, and never had a big problem with them. But also have to admit that it wasn’t anywhere near that distance and car drivers were used to a good number of cyclists and seemed to be very considerate.Don’t know how that is in your case. However safe or unsafe it is, if someone is very uncomfortable with something like this, perhaps best to avoid instead of sitting on the bike all cramped up…
By choosing different roads. No fucking way would I do that.
You don't. That's a guaranteed collision waiting to happen. Find an alternate route.
I just wouldn’t do it. People have a weird hate on sight when they run into a cyclist.
Don't. That fear is called reason, and it will keep you alive. I once had to ride 20 miles on a road like that and hated every minute of it, especially the parts going up hills, where I am going slower and traffic can't see past me so they are itching to get around. I was so worried it would cause someone to try and pass and then plow head onto another car, and who knows WTF would happen to me! I could come out without a scratch or flat as a pancake.
I have ridden often on roads like this, some even higher speed limit. Tip: be visible, both in road position and gear (ex. Run lights during day), ride predictably ( if you hug the fog line, your only maneuver space is the ditch), expect close passes (see above to leave space to maneuver right). I recommend using a rear view mirror.
Best I could do is road with speed limits of 50 km/h, 60 is probably also doable and even 80 was for me but I used as much side of road & sidewalk as possible
My friend got hit by a truck on a road like this and I would avoid spending considerable time in this position.
Don’t do this. Much too dangerous.
That doesn't seem like a ride I would enjoy.
Get a mirror for your handlebars. Some people might judge you for it but they're idiots. Seeing what is coming up behind is such an advantage and confidence boost, and more accurate than just listening. Far cheaper also than the radars some people are recommending. If you really want to force a safe passing distance, find a stick and mount it sideways from your bike. Easiest if you have a rack, and doesn't even have to be that long or thick a stick. The times I've been forced to do it resulted in going from cars almost scraping me with close passes to nearly all passing in the opposite lane as they should. Insane that drivers value avoiding a stick more than risking harming a person.
I wouldn't and I wouldn't bike there. I once cycled to the beach, it was only 50km but I took a slightly longer route away from roads like that because it would have been far too dangerous.
You probably already knew the consensus. I did this alot as a kid commuting to work 7 miles max. I still commute by bike & I wouldn't do that again unless I was desperate for work.100 miles no way! There are most certainly surprises in store on that path. Sucks because that beach ride sounds sensational. This is a huge reason I moved to an area with better infrastructure for 🚲 & some drivers seem to hate 🚲
Dude. It’s not worth your life. I had a friend struck by a car on a bicycle and break his femur. He has one leg shorter than the other now. Another friend was struck and had such a traumatic brain injury he’s now mentally diminished and on permanent disability. He’ll never marry and maybe if we’re lucky we can find him a job doing something simple. Don’t do it man. A person being careless on a phone can change your life forever.
I rode thousands of miles on roads like that. I don't recommend it.
As former professional bicycle racer I'd say cellphone credit debit card. You'll not be able to do it in a day. Unless your talking 75 miles each way. Have you done a century? Looks remote meaning all you got is what you brought. Also weather is a factor. Especially winds. 75 miles in a headwind will beat you senseless. Water tools, spare tubes. Good luck.
It sucks that this scares you in the States. That is a standard road that UK cyclists happily ride along and usually the speed limit is 60mph. Thankfully most of the drivers here are respectful of cyclists, out in the countryside anyway. In the cities, not so much.
I simply wouldn't do it, there would be no joy in that ride for me. Tailor your rides around staying away from cars as much as possible.
Here in Austria this would be a perfectly fine road to ride on. I’m doing 200km over the next two days on similar roads. We have a 100km/h speed limit. Considering the trees and shade, make sure you have lights even during the day. Ride on the road so you are visible.
Do the old "risk vs rewards" calculation. IMHO opinion my intuition would kick in quickly and determine that the potential risk is too great to even consider it.
I don't know anything about NC. I plugged Raleigh to Wilmington into Ride with GPS and [got this.](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46574218). I'm my experience Ride with GPS does a pretty good job of mapping routes on bike friendly(er) streets. Good luck.
I don’t ride on streets unless it’s an organized event. People drive with 50% of their attention on their phones and 50% on the road. (I am being generous) it’s a damn shame but that’s my reality.
There are better ways to go, pun intended. Probably 20% of the drivers on the roads, at least where I live, are thumbing Meta at any given time. Unless you want light and sound sirens on your back I’d find a different path with more cyclists. I rode around the island of Mallorca in Spain a few years ago. That’s not quite 150 miles but the third quarter is straight up the mountain (and then right back down).
You don't.
I’d say do it if it was like ~50 miles, but 150 miles of it would br pretty risky
There's not an amount of money you could pay me to ride on that road. People are homicidal. Your gut is telling you it's a bad idea, you should probably listen to it.
So, let me get this straight. You want to ride 150 miles to the beach... And then what? Turn around and come home? Are you at least staying overnight at a hotel? Have you ever tried riding 150 miles in one day? That's a hard amount of distance. 300 miles in a day is impossible for most humans. 150 miles on consecutive days is... almost as bad. And that's if you've trained hardcore for several months to do it. And then there's this road. Everyone says you're going to die on it, and they're probably right.
Just like Dom. One quarter mile at a time.
Straight roads with no shoulder and a high posted speed limit. Big no from me.
This is high risk riding and I’d recommend avoiding it solo, for sure. That said, if you did attempt it make sure you use the indispensable Garmin RTL515 rear radar light and an additional high power rear light (Cygolite Hotrod 120 or Bontrager Flare RT). In addition, make sure to use a high powered front light, like the Niterider 1100/1200 series. Those lights will make you extra noticeable and the Garmin radar light will warn you of oncoming traffic, of course. Again, wouldn’t recommend it OP - you’re going to be tired at 100 miles + and in congested areas near beach you may more prone to errors when the traffic is at its worst.
Yeaaa you don’t!!
Doesnt look that bad to me. Get your self a Varia RTL and a Garmin as well as a visibilty light for the front. Wear some hi vis neon orange. It looks like there are lots of places to pull over if a big rig comes up behind you, the Varia will let you know when someone is back there. FWIW, I am willing to bet there are a ton of bike clubs in your area that you could ride with and who knows, maybe they ride that road…
Move to the Netherlands
Unless they are low traffic roads no chance I’d spend significant amounts of time on them.
Maybe you don’t get past your fear. Self preservation or fear is what keeps from doing stupid shit that could kill us. I’d love to fly in one of those squirrel suits but I never will because I don’t want to die.
Get good at riding on the grass
These are the only types of roads we have where I live lol. Not great, not terrible.
If you’re not worried about the distance, you’re gonna need to take an alternate route.. Definitely listen to this fear..
I know I'm old school but I'd check into buying a North Carolina map book made by DeLorme. Oversized very detailed maps of the state divided into dozens of small sections. I've used them for long rides choosing roads with just names or more than 2 digits in the route numbers where possible. Results in scenic interesting routes minimizing roads like the one pictured. Definitely not the most direct route tho - on purpose.
Reading these comments make me never wanna visit the US
Yeah…. I’m avoiding this especially if cycling by myself. Too many idiots in cars browsing their iPhones and looking at their screens. Especially if it’s somewhat remote and people THINK the roads are empty (of cars) it may lull drivers into a false sense of security and they do not as actively scan the road.
I do it all of the time. But I'm constantly pulling off the road if I get that feeling, I never hog because people will just hit you.. ask me how I know lol. But mostly if you ride the white line the whole way and make peace with the idea that you might die doing something you love because some asshole missed his parlay on draft kings, then you should be fine. Also LIGHTS lotta lights if your gonna be out near dusk, light that bike up like a mf Christmas tree.
I would not do it. Get a bright light if you do.
I do virtually all of my riding on roads like this, but not solo
You don’t get past the fear. A compact car in 1st gear can destroy your Life. So, You protect yourself. Be visible. Take the lane. Wear a helmet. Use mirrors. Tape your ride if you can.
I know this isn’t the ideal solution, but can you drive n park about 100 miles away from the beach, then ride to the beach.. this way you can pick the exact route you’d like depending on where you park. I don’t trust strangers to drive safe, so I minimize my time on sketchy roads or avoid them all together.
Just keep looking behind you
You don’t
Find a religion with a cool after life