**Image to the left taken from ThinkBeaufort.com.
Great motorcycle rides in South Carolina can be found within its two main regions of scenery. The lower part of the state (to the east and southeast of Columbia) is the Lowcountry. This region is mostly flat, with numerous farms, some marsh areas, and areas out to the coast where there are many bay inlets. The Upstate region (west and northwest of Columbia) hosts the Piedmont where thick forest-covered foothills, picturesque rivers, and waterfalls can be found.
Here are some of South Carolina’s most popular motorcycle rides:
South Carolina Highway 28–Tri-State Tour
Starting in Walhalla, SC, this 30 mile run crosses three states (SC, GA, and NC) and ends in picturesque Highlands, NC. This ride has beautiful National Forest scenery- mountains, rivers and waterfalls – and travels through the both Sumter National Forest and Nantahala National Forest. With plenty of tight curves as well as some long sweepers, this ride provides versatile terrain ideal for a fall ride.
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway
Considered one of the best motorcycle roads east of the Mississippi, Route 11 North from Gaffney will take you through breathtaking Cherokee Indian country with spectacular views of mountains, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, forests and wildlife. The road offers plenty of twists and turns, climbs and dives, and are remote enough to make it really enjoyable.
South Carolina Highway 17–The ACE Basin
Highway 17 South between Charleston and Savannah travels through the scenic ACE Basin, where the Ashepoo, Combahee and South Edisto Rivers come together to create one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the east coast of the United States. Beautiful views of marshes and wetlands characterize this 60 mile drive.
We want to know—what’s your favorite ride?
Tis’ the season for some great holiday events and parties in the Lowcountry. We’ve compiled a list of some upcoming biker events in the Charleston area. We hope to see you there!
Friday, November 26: Black Friday Sale at Lowcountry Harley Davidson (starts at 8 a.m.)
Sunday, November 28: Lowcountry ABATE Toy Rally
Sunday, December 5: Bikers Helping Bikers Christmas Party
Saturday, December 11: Charleston Hog Christmas Party
Sunday, December 12: Photos with Santa at Lowcountry Harley Davidson 12 – 4 p.m.
Tuesday, December 14: Photos with Santa at Lowcountry Harley Davidson 12 – 4 p.m.
Email us at blog@uricchiolaw.com if you have an event you’d like us to add!
News stories have been circulating online for the past few days regarding Federal Officials wanting to standardize helmet laws in all states. The National Transportation Safety Board wants to approach all states that lack a mandatory helmet law to enact one for every motorcycle rider and passenger on the road.
South Carolina law SECTION 56-5-3660 states that “Helmets shall be worn by operators and passengers under age twenty-one; helmet design; list of approved helmets.
It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one to operate or ride upon a two-wheeled motorized vehicle unless he wears a protective helmet of a type approved by the Department of Public Safety. Such a helmet must be equipped with either a neck or chin strap and be reflectorized on both sides thereof. The department is hereby authorized to adopt and amend regulations covering the types of helmets and the specifications therefor and to establish and maintain a list of approved helmets which meet the specifications as established hereunder.”
According to an article in the Post & Courier, “The (National Transportation Safety Board) said there were 4,400 motorcycle deaths in the U.S. last year, more than in all aviation, rail, marine and pipeline accidents combined. Head injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes.” (read the full Post & Courier article here).
If the National Transportation Safety Board were to enforce the mandatory helmet law, it would mean that South Carolina helmet law would change to require all motorcyclists and their passengers to wear helmets—no matter their age.
What is your opinion on federal mandated helmet laws?
International super-star designer Alexander McQueen should have done his homework before incorporating the infamous Hells Angels name and “Death Head” logo into his latest fashion line. Just eight days after the Hells Angels filed a lawsuit for violating its trademark, the club has reached a settlement with the fashion house and upscale retailer Saks Fifth Avenue and Zappos.com.
**Image below taken from Stylelist.com
**Image below taken from nydailynews.com.
The defendants have agreed to pull all the merchandise referencing the Hells Angels, including a knuckle-duster ring (retailing for $495) and a “Hells Angels Jacquard Box Dress” (retailing for $1,565). But it doesn’t stop there – the stores will also be required to recall any merchandise that has already been sold and destroy it.
It takes much more than cash to wear that logo!
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On November 11, 1918, fighting in World War I ended when an armistice was established between Germany and allied nations. Since this day signified the end of the war, we now honor our veterans on November 11 every year and praise them for their courage and devotion.
At Uricchio Law Firm, we would like to thank all of our veterans who have fought for this great nation and we honor them for their immense bravery.
Have you picked up your www.lowcountrybikers.com bumper sticker? If not- you’re missing out! Stop by our office or give us a call at 843-795-9300 so we can send one your way.
Whether you ride a motorcycle or not, help us spread the word that all drivers need to keep an eye out for bikers!
Post written by Mandi, Uricchio Law Firm’s legal assistant
Lowcountry riders have the luxury of mild winters, generally free from freezing temperatures and cold weather hazards such as black-ice, but don’t underestimate the powerful effect that the wind can have on your ride.
Windchill can turn an enjoyable motorcycle ride into a highly uncomfortable one.
To protect yourself consider the following tips:
- Add a windshield to your motorcycle for the winter months.
- Wear a motorcycle helmet that provides some face and neck protection.
- Purchase motorcycle gloves with pre-curved fingers, which allow you to comfortably squeeze the throttle.
In the cold months, the best way to keep warm on your motorcycle ride is to be well-insulated. Try dressing in layers. The bottom layer should always be some type of snug fitting thermal or fleece article of clothing. Number of layers and types of fabrics will depend on the person and the outside temperature, but remember the layering should not affect your mobility.
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This is my fourth blog post in a series dedicated to reviewing the South Carolina motorcycle laws pertaining to the rights and duties of bikers.
SECTION 56-5-3660. Helmets shall be worn by operators and passengers under age twenty-one; helmet design; list of approved helmets.
It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one to operate or ride upon a two-wheeled motorized vehicle unless he wears a protective helmet of a type approved by the Department of Public Safety. Such a helmet must be equipped with either a neck or chin strap and be reflectorized on both sides thereof. The department is hereby authorized to adopt and amend regulations covering the types of helmets and the specifications therefor and to establish and maintain a list of approved helmets which meet the specifications as established hereunder.
If you are under 21 and are riding a motorcycle as either an operator or passenger- helmets are required!
SECTION 56-5-3670. Goggles or face shields shall be worn by operators under age twenty-one; list of approved goggles and face shields.
It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one to operate a two-wheeled motorized vehicle unless he wears goggles or a face shield of a type approved by the Department of Public Safety. The department is hereby authorized to adopt and amend regulations covering types of goggles and face shields and the specifications therefor and to establish and maintain a list of approved goggles and face shields which meet the specifications as established hereunder.
**Image below taken from Maximumeyewear.com.
SECTION 56-5-3680. Wind screens.
The provisions of Section 56-5-3670 with respect to goggles and face shields shall not apply to the operator of a two-wheeled motorized vehicle equipped with a wind screen meeting specifications established by the Department of Public Safety. The department is hereby authorized to adopt and amend regulations covering types of wind screens and specifications therefor.
If you are under 21 and operating a motorcycle, you must wear goggles or a face shield unless your bike has a wind screen. However, if you are only a passenger, it appears this law does not apply.
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