Author Topic: Weekend Ride to the Carolina Coast (Read 10118 times)

R Doug · « **on:** March 13, 2014, 04:57:36 PM »

Work and life has been hectic since Thanksgiving. I decided I needed to unplug from a lot of things and hit the road. I woke up this morning to a weather map with a lot of cold temperatures. Going north or west to the mountains wasn't an option. But, it was a bit warmer to the south and southeast.

I decided to head to the coast. It's been a while since I've seen the Atlantic Ocean. I'm not sure what it is, but there's something relaxing to the sound of waves beating against the shore.

My plan was to meander towards the coast through relaxing roads nestled between Carolina pines and find an ocean front room in a quiet location. My first thought was the Outer Banks. But, the weather wasn't going to be very good there today or tomorrow. My next thought was find a beach which I've not been to before. There are several small non commercialized places on the Carolina coast but the problem with being non commercial is the lack of bars, resturants, etc… within walking distance.

I decided to point the bike towards North Myrtle Beach and find a place on the NC / SC boarder. On the way there, I made a stop at a place my parents used to take me as a kid on our way to the beach during family vacations. South of the Boarder in Hamer, SC off I 95.

Oh yes, my amigo Pedro was still there after all these years!

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Several hours later, I found the Atlantic ocean. This is the first time I have ridden a motorcycle to the coast.

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I grabbed a hotel (and what a room for the price! ), unloaded the bike, and went exploring around the area. Unfortunately, I unloaded the camera at the hotel and didn't have it. I ran around the area to see what was near me. Golf courses were in abundance, that's for sure. It's no wonder why they call this area the golf capital of the US. I also found some local restaurants, a place to get some groceries (since I'm going to stay for a few days), and the all important ABC store.

I'm stocked up and ready for the next few days.

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I don't plan on riding much tomorrow. I plan to chill out by the beach (or on my balcony) and read.

Now for the room, great deals can be found in the offseason here. I got the following room for $105 per night!

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I'll post up more as my short impromptu journey continues in a few days.

R Doug · « **Reply #1 on:** March 13, 2014, 05:11:56 PM »

The evening is starting out splendidly.

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Ben P · « **Reply #2 on:** March 13, 2014, 05:20:48 PM »

Wish I could join you Doug. Be sure to visit Rossi's!

R Doug · « **Reply #3 on:** March 13, 2014, 05:25:41 PM »

Quote from: Ben P on March 13, 2014, 05:20:48 PM

Wish I could join you Doug. Be sure to visit Rossi's!

Thanks BP. There's a great greasy spoon breakfast joint across the street and seafood place called, "Flounders Fish House," a few blocks away. I stopped by and picked up a menu. I believe I'll eat at "Flounders" tomorrow night.

I wish you could have got you on bike and come with me. Hell, I'd even share my new bottle of Four Roses with you.

Ben P · « **Reply #4 on:** March 13, 2014, 05:30:20 PM »

You won't be disappointed....http://www.rossismyrtlebeach.com/

kneescrubber · « **Reply #5 on:** March 13, 2014, 05:45:43 PM »

Quote from: R Doug on March 13, 2014, 04:57:36 PM

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It's good to see you stocked up on the 4 essentials; snacks, fruit, alcohol & alcohol.

Enjoy!

Cookie · « **Reply #6 on:** March 13, 2014, 06:49:32 PM »

Looks like Pedro caught a new coat of paint.

Scratch · « **Reply #7 on:** March 13, 2014, 07:22:05 PM »

Haven't been to SOTB since I was a kid. I'm jealous - enjoy your ride.

R Doug · « **Reply #8 on:** March 13, 2014, 07:56:27 PM »

Born in NE Ohio to a factory worker, my family camped a lot. Early on, they fell in love with camping on the ocean near Myrtle Beach. So, we stopped a lot at this roadside attraction (South of the Boarder) when passing through. Many times, they would set up camp overnight at the SOTB Campground.

Good memories.

Now, for tomorrow, should I rent the 911 Carrerra S or the Audi S8? (the 458 Italia is a little rich for me)

https://www.prestigeluxuryrentals.com/en-US/car-rentals/Exotic-car-rentals-Myrtle-Beach

coho · « **Reply #9 on:** March 13, 2014, 08:47:27 PM »

Quote from: R Doug on March 13, 2014, 07:56:27 PM

Now, for tomorrow, should I rent the 911 Carrerra S or the Audi S8? (the 458 Italia is a little rich for me)

https://www.prestigeluxuryrentals.com/en-US/car-rentals/Exotic-car-rentals-Myrtle-Beach

You could fit way more hookers in the S8.

mr.awesome · « **Reply #10 on:** March 13, 2014, 08:50:32 PM »

Quote from: R Doug on March 13, 2014, 07:56:27 PM

Now, for tomorrow, should I rent the 911 Carrerra S or the Audi S8? (the 458 Italia is a little rich for me)

https://www.prestigeluxuryrentals.com/en-US/car-rentals/Exotic-car-rentals-Myrtle-Beach

If I were spending your money, it would be either the convertible DB9 or the McLaren MP4 spider.

Enjoy your ride Doug!

Stripes · « **Reply #11 on:** March 13, 2014, 08:53:04 PM »

Terrific!

Skee · « **Reply #12 on:** March 13, 2014, 10:28:23 PM »

I'm glad to see you are enjoying yourself and the relatively warm weather.

I can almost see grass grass in my front yard again. 'Course, it's 11 PM and the blinds are drawn.

mxvet57 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 14, 2014, 01:26:00 AM »

Quote from: Skee on March 13, 2014, 10:28:23 PM

I can almost see grass grass in my front yard again.

Did you move to Colorado?

mastros2 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 14, 2014, 02:52:08 AM »

My vote is for the Porsche.

R Doug · « **Reply #15 on:** March 14, 2014, 04:53:07 AM »

Great replies to my question.

The R8, DB9, and Porsche are reasonable in price. The McLaren, Ferrari, and Lambos are ridiculous in price. To put it in perspective, I can rent the one of the first three cars listed for 1/2 a day for the same price I could get one of the later mentioned cars for 2 hours. If money were no object, it would be the 428 Italia.

st2sam · « **Reply #16 on:** March 14, 2014, 06:21:19 AM »

Quote from: mastros2 on March 14, 2014, 02:52:08 AM

My vote is for the Porsche.

Thanks for sharing your mini-vaycay. Hope the weather holds good...

rgbeard · « **Reply #17 on:** March 14, 2014, 09:29:17 AM »

Quote from: R Doug on March 13, 2014, 04:57:36 PM

Several hours later, I found the Atlantic ocean. This is the first time I have ridden a motorcycle to the coast.

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R Doug · « **Reply #18 on:** March 14, 2014, 09:42:35 AM »

Quote from: rgbeard on March 14, 2014, 09:29:17 AM

Quote from: R Doug on March 13, 2014, 04:57:36 PM

Several hours later, I found the Atlantic ocean. This is the first time I have ridden a motorcycle to the coast.

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I've found the mountains a more enjoyable place to ride. Riding along the eastern coastal regions is boring (IMO). Now, if I lived on the west coast, I'd ride there all the time!

R Doug · « **Reply #19 on:** March 14, 2014, 09:44:59 AM »

Quote from: st2sam on March 14, 2014, 06:21:19 AM

Quote from: mastros2 on March 14, 2014, 02:52:08 AM
My vote is for the Porsche.

Thanks for sharing your mini-vaycay. Hope the weather holds good...

Well darn, the car rental place does not have a location here. They do serve this area, but for three day or more rentals only. What they do is ship the car to your hotel.

Oh well, I was looking forward to renting the DB9 for a few hours.

Black Hills · « **Reply #20 on:** March 14, 2014, 09:53:18 AM »

Quote from: R Doug on March 14, 2014, 09:42:35 AM

I've found the mountains a more enjoyable place to ride. Riding along the eastern coastal regions is boring (IMO). Now, if I lived on the west coast, I'd rider there all the time!

I've ridden to both coasts and you are correct, west is better

R Doug · « **Reply #21 on:** March 14, 2014, 04:26:28 PM »

I woke up early this morning and took a walk on the beach to catch the sunrise. It was a balmy 28 degrees. Brrrr…

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Here's the hotel at sunrise.

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I managed to get out on the bike today and headed north to Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and the town of Southport. I didn't feel much like taking images today. Suffice it to say the beaches I visited were very residential with little to no commercial properties (including restaurants, bars, etc…). I can appreciate wanting to get away from it all, but a little local commercialism would be nice.

Most of the places I visited today were golf cart friendly. There were plenty of them out and about. I saw them on the roads, at grocery stores, banks, etc… Here's one that caught my eye.

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I was able to sneak in a picture of the bike near the Atlantic.

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And managed to pull off a selfie.

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mr.awesome · « **Reply #22 on:** March 14, 2014, 11:06:26 PM »

Quote from: R Doug on March 14, 2014, 04:26:28 PM

Most of the places I visited today were golf cart friendly. There were plenty of them out and about. I saw them on the roads, at grocery stores, banks, etc… Here's one that caught my eye.

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Nice pics Doug! Love the sun rise pic. Is that what you are going to trade the beemer in on.

mxvet57 · « **Reply #23 on:** March 15, 2014, 09:42:33 AM »

Quote from: mr.awesome on March 14, 2014, 11:06:26 PM

Quote from: R Doug on March 14, 2014, 04:26:28 PM

Most of the places I visited today were golf cart friendly. There were plenty of them out and about. I saw them on the roads, at grocery stores, banks, etc… Here's one that caught my eye.

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Nice pics Doug! Love the sun rise pic. Is that what you are going to trade the beemer in on.

How loud are the pipes.

sleazy rider · « **Reply #24 on:** March 15, 2014, 10:33:35 AM »

Can't be a HD Cart. No chrome. Or fringe.

R Doug · « **Reply #25 on:** March 15, 2014, 02:00:07 PM »

Here are few more shots from yesterday.

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Stripes · « **Reply #26 on:** March 15, 2014, 02:03:58 PM »

Awesome! I'm jealous! Ride safe!

R Doug · « **Reply #27 on:** March 15, 2014, 02:12:18 PM »

I woke to the sound of the waves (because my balcony door was open) at 4:30 this morning. Truth be told, I really had to pee. So, I was up and adam! The sound of the water outside must have that effect on me.

Knowing I wouldn't be able to get back to sleep, I started packing the bike and took a shower. As I was packing the bike, I saw lights on in this little restaurant just down the street.

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Pay dirt! The pancakes here were second to none I've ever had. Seriously.

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I took a shot of the front of the hotel on my walk back. This place was a bargain for $105 per night.

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One last look at the sunrise from my 7th floor balcony before I hit the road for my short 300 mile ride home.

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I really wanted to stop and take some additional images on my way back today. I thought it would be neat to see the change in my surroundings from the Inter-coastal Waterway, to the swamps near the coast, the cotton and tobacco farms, and finally the Carolina Pines. But, between passing cars and not finding a good place to pull over when my eye caught something worth taking a picture of, I kept pressing on. I should have mounted my GoPro to the front of the bike and set it to take an image every 30 or 60 seconds like I did on my Go West trip.

Oh well, another time perhaps?

I did manage to capture one shot of a typical NC pine lined road.

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I am home safe and sound. That was a very relaxing couple a days. Perhaps the next coastal run will be on the Ural?

Thanks for following along.

Stripes · « **Reply #28 on:** March 15, 2014, 02:14:48 PM »

Thanks for sharing!

Max Wedge · « **Reply #29 on:** March 15, 2014, 02:35:36 PM »

Loved it! Thanks for sharing that with us.

Skee · « **Reply #30 on:** March 15, 2014, 04:07:47 PM »

Quote from: Max Wedge on March 15, 2014, 02:35:36 PM

Loved it! Thanks for sharing that with us.

THEN CAME BRONSON

Doug - you are the man - reminds me of

THEN CAME BRONSON

OK, so you are on the wrong coast but you got it all right!

Acadian Rider · « **Reply #31 on:** March 15, 2014, 04:12:08 PM »

I'm jealous of anybody that can go for any ride on March 13. Still at least 1 1/2 months for me.

Stripes · « **Reply #32 on:** March 15, 2014, 05:37:57 PM »

According to The Weather Channel, it looks like you made it home just before the rain!

kneescrubber · « **Reply #33 on:** March 16, 2014, 08:08:44 AM »

Quote from: R Doug on March 15, 2014, 02:12:18 PM

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I am home safe and sound. That was a very relaxing couple a days. Perhaps the next coastal run will be on the Ural?

Thanks for following along.

Looks a whole lot like East Texas. Thanks for sharing Doug. I enjoyed it.

viffergyrl · « **Reply #34 on:** March 16, 2014, 11:25:52 AM »

Yes I think a trip with the Ural and Sheri would be in order.

Nice little getaway - enjoyed this as well.

Virginian · « **Reply #35 on:** April 22, 2014, 06:36:41 PM »

I enjoyed the ride report. Thanks for taking us along.

Eric

sammyseaman · « **Reply #36 on:** May 17, 2014, 08:21:55 AM »

Quote from: R Doug on March 13, 2014, 04:57:36 PM

I'm stocked up and ready for the next few days.

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Finally able to read your report (pics are blocked at work

) Thanks for sharing, Doug.
Also, Four Roses Small Batch is heaven