Aiken, SC by Bike: 3 Great Cycling Routes for Your Next Visit

Aiken, South Carolina by Bike: 3 Great Cycling Routes for Your Next Visit

Aiken, South Carolina, is absolutely lovely by bike. One moment you're weaving through the charming city streets, and then BOOM! You're bombing down a backroad descent, barely hanging onto the back of the group ride. There are tons of quiet backroads to explore, most with low traffic and scenic views. The rolling hills in Aiken make for a spicy ride—the kind that’s dropped me a few times in the past (no shame).

These routes are safe enough to enjoy solo, and I ride them a few times a month without any real issues with traffic or unfriendly drivers. If you're planning to experience cycling in Aiken, SC, these are three great places to start.

1) Aiken Bicycle Club: Tuesday Route

https://www.strava.com/routes/3341832709309480878

• Starting Location: Odell Weeks Activity Center — 1700 Whiskey Road, Aiken, SC
  (Back parking lot near the intersection of Two Notch Rd and Pine Log Rd)

• Distance: 30 miles

• Type: Road

• Experience Level: Intermediate to Moderate

• Elevation: 1,421 ft

Highlights:

• Cruise past Aiken’s iconic equestrian communities and farms

• Shaded stretches and scenic rolling hills

• Peaceful roads with a solid chance of seeing a horse. 

Pro Tip: The first store stop is about 20 miles in, at Montmorenci Junction. It’s a small general store right before the train tracks—next to the post office. Stock up if you need a refill.

• Starting Location: Odell Weeks Activity Center — 1700 Whiskey Road, Aiken, SC
  (Back parking lot near the intersection of Two Notch Rd and Pine Log Rd)

• Distance: 67 miles

• Type: Road

• Experience Level: Moderate to Advanced

• Elevation: 3,898 ft

Highlights:

• A peaceful out-and-back to the small town of Johnson, SC

• Minimal traffic in the middle sections of the route

• Tons of rolling hills and open farmland

• Expect to see cows, horses, and wide open skies

Pro Tip: Don’t burn all your matches early—the majority of the climbing happens in the second half. Bring plenty of hydration. First store stop is 30 miles in, at the gas station in Johnson.

3) City Spin
https://www.strava.com/routes/3341843083879145108

• Starting Location: Odell Weeks Activity Center — 1700 Whiskey Road, Aiken, SC
  (Back parking lot near the intersection of Two Notch Rd and Pine Log Rd)

• Distance: 17 miles

• Type: Road

• Experience Level: Intermediate

• Elevation: 623 ft

Highlights:

• Ride beneath the iconic oak canopy of South Boundary Avenue

• Cruise past restaurants, bars, and local shops

• Roll through Dibble Road with views of Hitchcock Woods on the edge of town

Pro Tip: Finish your ride with a cold one at Good Girl Brewing Company. If you're hungry, grab a burger at Electric Eats—you earned it.

Aiken has something for every cyclist—from city spins to big endurance days. Our weekly group rides leave from the Odell Weeks back parking lot on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 PM starting in April. The Saturday endurance rides usually roll out at 9 AM, covering anywhere from 50 to 80 miles.

If you're planning to hop in on a group ride, just reach out and I’ll confirm the route and time. And if you're looking to explore Aiken and want a riding buddy, I’m always down to roll. Just give me a call!

Fritz Richards 
803.998.9782
frichards@sellwithfritz.com