Written Directions
Start off from MCAS New river near Jacksonville, NC. I actually started the ride at New River Harley Davidson and head south on Hwy 17 (AKA Wilmington Hwy), turn left on 210 S going toward N. Topsail beach. Cross over the beautiful Atlantic Intercoastal waterway over North Topsail bridge. Cruise along Topsail beach down to the Surf City pier and head North on Hwy 50 which begins right at the pier. Head North on Hwy 50 all the way to Chinquapin, NC. There are a couple of turns along the way. You turn left at Haw's Run rd which turns into the 50 N. There are signs that will help you stay on track. Just remember, stay on 50 North til you reach Chinquapin. At Chinquapin, make a Right on to Hwy 41 and make another slight right on Hwy 111 south a few hundred feet after you turn on 41. Keep going all the way till you hit Hwy 24/258(Richlands Highway) and head east on 24 and back to the 17 right in front of MCAS New River. Nice loop about 50-100 miles
Scenery
I started the ride at New River HArley Davidson just south of the Airstation at new river. Not much to see at first but once you turn on Hwy 210 toward Topsail beach, you cross the Topsail bridge and get a breath-taking view of the Atlantic and the Intercoastal waterway. The cruise along topsail Island is gorgeous. The 50 is a 2 lane country road passing through swamps and cotton fields. MOstly country scenery.
Drive Enjoyment
The 17 is pretty much straight. Once you get to topsail island, watch for loose sand and gravel on the road but the road is pretty much straight the whole way. Once you get on Hwy 50, some very nice, sweeping curves. The bridges are a bit bumpy but no potholes that I encountered. Watch out for animals crossing the road and definitely want to slow down on some of the turns if it's wet. Just a few sharp turns but you can definitely sharpen your foot pegs along Hwy 50.
Tourism Opportunities
Topsail Island has everything you need for the first half of this ride. Stop at Buddy's Crab House and Oyster bar near the pier in Surf City. Lots of great East Coast Seafood in Surf City. Really good vibe and you're sure to run into other riders along the way. Put some gas before you leave Surf City. There's a good 20 mile stretch before you get to Haws Run road. Not many places to pull over along the way. They have 2 convenience stores on that corner to get something to snack on and walk around a bit before you get to the curvy portion of the ride. You can fill up in Chinquapin and there are a few eateries there but you wanna save your appetite for Thig's BBQ on Rte 111. A few miles past Ellis airport on your left hand side. Realy good East North Carolina style BBQ joint.
