I'm sorry you had such a lousy riding experience in SC. We live in the upstate of SC and we...ride on the road. SC does have roadies...the Assault on Mt. Mitchell is organized by the Spartanburg Freewheelers in SC, and it is one of the premier cycling events in the US. In fact, I think it's in the top 10.

Hilton Head is its own little place...lots of rules for everything. We take our bikes to other beaches in SC with no problems. Hilton Head is great if you love to golf, eat, shop, or meander along a bike path. In fact they have more bike paths than any other place I've ever been to.

When we go to the beach, we leave our road bikes at home...too much salt and sand to keep all those working parts working happy for my taste. But that's just me. We take our mountain bikes and ride where we please on the road. But I won't take my mountain bike on the beach...too much salt...it will just ruin a bike.

And when we bike, we wear helmets...kids too!

I hope the rest of your stay was pleasant