Overview

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at The Foundry Hotel at 10:30 AM. After a 30-minute private shuttle, you’ll arrive in the small community of Marshall and will enjoy lunch on the patio of Zadie's Kitchen. Afterward, your guides will lead a short round of introductions and fit you to your bike. Then you'll head out on today's ride, which follows the French Broad River before crossing into the communities west of the river and eventually ending at your downtown Asheville home for the next three nights. Take some time to settle in before gathering for a drink in the Workshop Lounge and getting to know your fellow travelers. You'll hear about all the fun and adventure in store for you in the days ahead from your guides, then you'll walk just a few blocks to Chef John Fleer's restaurant, Rhubarb.

Overview

This morning, enjoy a delicious breakfast of Appalachian-inspired soul food at Benne on Eagle before heading out on a ride through the rural community of Leicester, located to the northwest of Asheville. Those who want to add some additional miles and elevation at the end of this ride may tackle a local’s favorite climb up Elk Mountain. After the morning ride, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you like. Grab lunch at one of the downtown cafes and explore the many unique shops, galleries, and the vibrant street scene that Asheville is known for. You may also want to explore some of the South Slope breweries, located within easy walking distance of the hotel. Whatever your afternoon holds, you are on your own for dinner this evening with the impressive array of downtown options just a short walk away.

Overview

Amazing riding awaits you today on the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. The route begins on the many switchbacks of Town Mountain as you climb out of town and drop onto the Parkway at Craven Gap. From here it's a 13-mile climb on mostly gentle grades, punctuated by panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, as you make your way to the Craggy Gardens area. At the top of this long climb, your guides will provide a delicious roadside lunch and you can take in views of the surrounding peaks as you enjoy. After lunch, you can choose to ride back to town (as you guessed, it's mostly downhill!) or continue to the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River at 6,684 feet. The final four and a half miles to the summit are some of the steepest of the day, but the views from the observation tower at the top are quite a reward! At 71 miles, the avid option today is the most challenging ride of the trip. Of course, your guides will provide options for those who wish to skip some of the climbing today. Those who return to the hotel after lunch can take some time to explore the various sections of Asheville on a historic trolley tour; arrange a visit to the Biltmore Estate; or browse the offerings of the many small vintage shops downtown. This evening the group will convene for a short walk to dinner at The Blackbird Restaurant, which features a seasonal menu that focuses on harvests from local farmers and fresh catches from the Carolina coast.

Overview

You will say farewell to your guides and fellow guests (who are continuing on the 6-Day version of the trip) this morning around 9:00 AM, as they depart for Mills River. Since there is no ride today, you have time to savor the rest of your morning with a stroll around town. Pick up an espresso at one of the many locally-owned coffee shops, shop for a few souvenirs or relax at the hotel. A private shuttle will take you to the Asheville Regional Airport at 11:00 AM. Expect to arrive to the airport by 11:30 AM and please do not schedule a flight before 1:00 PM on this day.