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Trip Itinerary
Discover the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and explore vibrant downtown Asheville on an unforgettable 3-day bike tour.
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Where to Arrive
Airport:
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
Pick-up location:
The Foundry Hotel, Asheville, NC
Pick-up time:
10:30 AM
Where to Depart
Airport:
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
Drop-off location:
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
Drop-off time:
11:30 AM
Additional Arrival Information
We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the start of your bike tour, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). Delta, United, American, Allegiant plus several smaller airlines service this airport.
From the airport, you can call or hail a taxi to take you downtown. It is approximately 15 miles from the airport to the meeting day hotel in downtown Asheville and the drive should take between 25-30 minutes. We recommend that you arrange transportation with a car service ahead of time. The cost will be between $65-70 plus driver gratuity and we recommend Diamond Executive Car Transportation (828-281-8139) or Marvels Upscale Transportation (828-280-1698; www.marvelstransofnc.com) for your transportation needs.
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at The Foundry Hotel at 10:30 AM on the first day of the trip. You’ll then shuttle 30 minutes to Marshall, a small town on the banks of the French Broad River. Please have your first day's cycling clothes easily accessible, separate from your luggage, or you may choose to wear your cycling clothes (your luggage will be stored at The Foundry Hotel and delivered to your room later in the day). You'll enjoy a fresh, delicious lunch at Zadie's Kitchen and, after a brief orientation and safety talk, saddle up to begin the day's ride.
If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. If you cannot reach them, please call The Foundry Hotel (828-552-8545) and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details.
Additional Departure Information
On the last day of your trip (which is the fourth day after your trip begins, as you will note in the day-by-day itinerary below), you will say farewell at 9:00 AM to your guides and the other guests who are booked on the 6-Day version of this trip. You are then free to explore downtown Asheville 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.
Welcome to Asheville
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.
Hotel
The Foundry Hotel
Meals included
Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Featured Meal | Dinner at Rhubarb
Chef John Fleer, former Executive Chef at the famous Blackberry Farm, showcases local, seasonal ingredients at his restaurant Rhubarb, in downtown Asheville. This acclaimed restaurant offers a menu deeply connected to local farmers and suppliers, reflecting Fleer's creative culinary style.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Marshall to Asheville - Approximately 30 mi | 48 km and 2,270 ft | 692 m
Explore Leicester and charming downtown Asheville
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.
Hotel
The Foundry Hotel
Meals included
Breakfast
Highlight of the Day
Cycle through Leicester
This morning's ride offers short climbs through scenic farmland with an avid option including the Elk Mountain Scenic Highway climb, which ends with the fun, sweeping descent down Town Mountain Road into downtown Asheville.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Leicester Loop - Approximately 37 mi | 51 km and 3,460 ft | 1,057 m
Ride Option 2
AVID OPTION:
Leicester Loop with Elk Mountain Loop - Approximately 52 mi | 84 km and 5,310 ft | 1,618 m
Activities
Activity 1
TODAY'S ACTIVITY:
Explore Downtown Asheville
Ride the famed Blue Ridge Parkway
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.
Hotel
The Foundry Hotel
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch | Drinks with Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Views from the Blue Ridge Parkway
Today's Blue Ridge Parkway ride offers breathtaking vistas, featuring landmarks like Lane Pinnacle, Craggy Pinnacle, the North Fork Reservoir, and Greybeard Mountain. Witness the seasonal blooms of Catawba rhododendrons in spring and vibrant fall foliage at the higher elevations.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Craggy Pinnacle Return - Approximately 45 mi | 72 km and 4,800 ft | 1,463 m
Ride Option 2
AVID OPTION:
Mount Mitchell Summit Return - Approximately 71 mi | 114 km and 8,100 ft | 2,467 m
Savor one last morning to relax in Asheville
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.
Meals included
Breakfast
Highlight of the Day
If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735
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Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).
Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).
Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).
Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).
Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).
Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).
Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
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Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself