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Favorite Ride: The Bridges of Charleston County



Bridge of Charleston County
The wide lanes and stunning views make the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Crossing the Cooper River becomes every rider’s dream.

Charleston, South Carolina, is a true Southern believer. She is 352 years old this year and has a rather tumultuous past. In the early days of the United States, her importance rivaled that of New York and Boston. Transport, as well as rice and cotton production, created extreme wealth. Storms, wars and bondage brought great despair. Like Scarlet O’Hara, Charleston persevered, and today she’s won the “Best City” award for her food, culture and history.

One of the best ways to experience Charleston is to ride a motorbike, flying over her many bridges. Charleston’s bridges link more than land and water. They link past and present, problems and answers, people and places. Today, turning the throttle across Charleston’s bridges offers reflection and hope.

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Bridge of Charleston County

To view the route above on REVER, scan the QR code or click here

Since Charleston is located an hour away from the I-95 supercar, many riders miss her charms. It was a pity, as Charleston hit the red line on the motorcycle’s smiling dial. For Northerners on the Florida track, this is a great stop. I bet you a halibut sandwich it will be a highlight of your itinerary. A variety of accommodations at every price point and world-renowned local cuisine that brings together farm, ocean, South and soul.

This trip can be done any time of year, but beware: Charleston is in the Deep South. Summers can be sweltering and rainstorms can be intense. Wearing mesh clothing, keeping clothes on and avoiding afternoon traffic is recommended during the summer months.

Bridge of Charleston County
The author and his son, Luke, on a hot dog hunt in Mount Pleasant.

From I-95, head southeast on I-26 for an hour. Take the I-526 East ramp to Mount Pleasant. Cruising high above the salt marshes, in the first 15 minutes you’ll cross two main bridges – the Don N. Holt on the Cooper River and the James B. Edwards over the Wando River. You are riding on Poor country, a large coastal area just above sea level. With the tides changing four times a day, much of the marshy terrain spends half of its time underwater.

Take the exit for Hungry Neck Avenue, then turn right onto the Isle of Palms Connector (State Road 517). Cruise through the mouth of the river, flip your visor up and enjoy the salty air and coastal views. At low tide, you’ll see mounds of “rocks” in the marsh, which are in fact wild oysters. Raw, grilled, or in a shot of Bloody Mary, they are delicious.

Bridge of Charleston County
Well-dressed motorcyclists ride down King Street on the Outstanding Gentleman’s Ride.

You will cross two more bridges before reaching the Isle of Palms. When the Connector ends, continue straight to Front Beach. Bicyclists’ laws state that you can’t get too close and don’t get into the ocean, so this is a great place to warm up your shoes and get your toes wet.

Continue southwest on Palm Avenue (Highway 703). Cycle with a breeze along the Intracoastal Waterway until you cross the Breach Inlet on the HL Hunley Bridge, named after the first submarine to sink a ship in battle. In 1864, the hand-turned Hunley sank a Yankee but then disappeared off the coast of Sullivan’s Island with a crew of eight. It was found until 1995. Stop by Thomson Park to enjoy the views and learn more about this historic site.

Bridge of Charleston County
The Ben Sawyer Swing swings to allow tall boats to pass through the Intracoastal Waterway.

From the park, turn left on Midway. You’re now passing through “shabby chic” Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina’s wealthiest zip code, and you’ll see bars and restaurants. All are good, but the crispy/spicy Bangin Shrimp tacos at Mex 1 Coastal Cantina are the one I should try. Salt in the air, the beach on your boots, shrimp cakes in your hands, and your loyal steed under the anzalea tree. Life is good!

Continuing southwest on Middle Street will bring you to Fort Moultrie National Historic Park. This high ground has a long history as a military post, dating back to the Revolutionary War. The self-guided tour and harbor views are fun, inspiring, and a great way to stretch your legs.

Bridge of Charleston County
Colonial homes line the Battery, a breakwater and promenade near downtown Charleston.

Return to where Route 703 turns North and becomes Ben Sawyer Avenue, a causeway that cuts through the marsh. Enjoy the aroma of salt, oysters, and tidal mud. The Ben Sawyer Bridge is a revolving bridge that allows tall boats to pass. First opened to traffic in 1945, it was severely damaged by Hurricane Hugo in 1989. When the archipelago was evacuated, the tender was unlocked. When stormy winds hit the bridge, it turned like it was turning on one side and plunged into the water at the other.

Crossing Ben Sawyer will bring you to Mount Pleasant. Traffic through this lively area increases, with plenty of good restaurants and bars that appeal to the hungry and thirsty. Another bridge on Route 703 spans Shem Creek, with boats, kayaks and bars below packed with people having a good time. Fresh local seafood is sold right on the piers. For a closer look, turn left and visit Shem Creek Park.

Bridge of Charleston County
The party never ends on Shem Creek.

Continuing west on 703rd Street (Coleman Avenue), it merges with US 17th Street before crossing Charleston’s most prominent span, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. across the Cooper River. Riding on Ravenel, you’re at the highest point in the Lowcountry, with awe-inspiring views of Charleston Harbor and the USS Yorktown, a World War II-era aircraft carrier moored near Patriots Point. Yorktown is now part of the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum and military buffs can easily spend an entire day touring the ship, imagining or recalling the challenging days of the Great Generation. our best.

Bridge of Charleston County
The aircraft carrier USS Yorktown and the destroyer USS Laffey are part of the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.

After crossing Ravenel, follow signs for US 17 South to Savannah and take the King Street exit. Turn right onto King Street for an exciting ride, through history, from trendy modern hotels to perfectly preserved colonial homes. This is a great time to reflect on our country’s past, present, and potential.

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Follow King Road until it ends at Oyster Point overlooking the harbour. The view is breathtaking, but Charleston is more than just her petticoat and parasol. She is beautiful and strong, old and new, happy and sad. Like America, she’s not perfect, but she’s genuine and amazing. This trip makes me proud and hopeful about what crosses the next bridge.

Bridge of Charleston County
Bike gathering at Oyster Point overlooking Charleston Harbour.



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