Cycling in Pamlico by Sammy Cox

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The author taking a break in Swansboro, NC Cycling in Pamlico
by Sammy Cox

Things just kind of fell into place. A business meeting nearly four hundred miles away from home started the nonsense. A quick look at the family calendar revealed an unusual five-day window of opportunity. I pulled out my cycling maps, browsed over a few routes, and there it was; a mid-winter, port-of-call cycling loop along hidden coastline, barrier islands, and state ferries. Yeah, off the beaten path, without the summer crowds and the perfect opportunity to saddle up, clip in and ride the wind along Pamlico Sound.

Unlike most of the tourists invading the coast, I usually choose an alternative means of conveyance. This trip included cycling, birding and coastal traveling all woven into a free standing, self-sustained eco-tour of the land surrounding Pamlico Sound. I planned to cycle approximately 240 miles in four days. With good weather, this gave me time to enjoy the sites along the way and talk with folks to get a better feel of the region. The land and the people make or break the cycling experience.

The following journal entry was from my notes from the third day of the trip:

I rode the Bayview Ferry into Pamlico County. I've read that Pamlico County has sometimes been referred to as the 'hidden coast.' While riding along the eastern edge of the county, I see endless miles of salt marsh, undeveloped waterfront, and lovely bends along several tidal creeks. Hidden from the rest of North Carolina's more popular, yet more generic coastline, this area feels as though it hasn't changed signifcantly since the arrival of the European colonists in the 18th century.

When I finally arrive in Oriental, I take a break overlooking the mighty Neuse River and admire the vast expanse of water and marshland. Clear blue skies and a slight southwesterly breeze paint a memory that will last longer than any photograph. Today's ride has been so rewarding, I hardly notice my road-weary legs. Reluctantly, I continue south, riding the bike-friendly roads of Pamlico.

Three days into this cycling trip and I'm already planning my next adventure. While taking a break, I look over the maps and realize that this peninsula-shaped county is nearly surrounded by water. Maybe next time I'll glide through open sounds and meandering streams in the cockpit of a sea kayak. By land or by sea, this area is chock full of adventure!

Sammy Cox lives in the mountains of western NC where he spends his time as Director of Swannanoa 4-H Ed. Center & Head Cross-Country Coach at Warren Wilson College.

Mr. Cox noted:
I saw a couple of parks along the way that would make ideal bicycle camping areas. Eco-tourism is a clean, sustainable and rewarding resource for cities, towns and smaller communities. Cycling fits well into the puzzle of commerce, travel and recreation. When a community invests in facilities such as greenways, parks, and paddling trails, they are rewarded ten-fold with return visitors, active recreation alternatives in addition to the 'feel good' attitude about making strides toward a better quality of life.

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