METRIC CENTURY (65 mile)
Download metric century course map
25 MILE FUN RIDE
Download 25 mile fun ride course map
On June 5, the fourth edition of the Safe Harbor Cycle Tour will roll out from the Civic Center in Iva, SC. It’s been a great run for the event so far. Crowds have grown each year and, though technically it’s a tour where folks are encouraged to come enjoy a ride through our scenic countryside, we’ve also attracted state and national champion racers, folks who’ve led the pack up Mt. Mitchell and Mt. Washington, folks who’ve proven their metal at Lake Placid and Couer d’ Alene – a wide range of serious cyclists and multi-sport athletes. Why? Because it’s a fun course, it’s a fast course, it’s an interesting course (both from a terrain standpoint and because of what you see along the way), there’s very little traffic and, above all else, it’s a very worthy cause.
The ride benefits Safe Harbor which provides shelter and aid to victims of domestic violence. The many volunteers who make Safe Harbor the worthy organization that it is are also the volunteers who are out on the course operating the SAG vehicles, manning the rest stops and preparing the lunch that awaits at the finish. But before you get to the finish, there’s the course.
It starts in Iva then rolls into northern Abbeville County through hills that form the banks of the Savannah River, Lake Russell and Lake Secession. It’s called Lake Secession because this is where citizens of South Carolina gathered and set the nation on course towards the Civil War. You won’t see much of the lakes on the ride, but you will notice the ups and downs as you cross all the creeks that feed them. Then the course heads back into southern Anderson County for Levelland where, as the name suggests, the terrain levels. This is Mennonite country and the roadsides are dotted with picturesque farms and country homes.
This year there’s a new landmark to tell you that you’ve reached the mid-point of the ride. It’s a giant rooster. As if the legendary Grits & Groceries restaurant needed anything to add to its country charm, a giant rooster statue now welcomes guests out front. Grits & Groceries is one of our rest stops. If you’re riding the course like a race, wave as you ride by. If you’re in less of a hurry, our volunteers will have the usual rest stop staples. If you’re on the all-day plan, stop in for lunch. Grits & Groceries is truly legendary. It’s country cooking with a Cajun flair. These folks figured out a way to improve on bacon! Praline bacon! Whooeee!
Thankfully, after you leave Grits & Groceries the course stays pretty flat for the next ten or so miles. But there’s a little sting in the tail end of the course. The last ten miles start to roll again. There’s even one hill about seven miles from the finish that borders on being a genuine climb.
When you’re done, lunch awaits under the outdoor canopy beside the Civic Center. It’s a great place to recap the day with friends and top off the tank with a burger and a cold drink.
Come see why this ride was rated the best in area. It’s the cause. It’s the course. It’s a great time!
- Bob Chambers
