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Trip Itinerary
Let us show you the beauty of North Carolina on a bike tour featuring the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, live bluegrass, and local craft beer.
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Where to Arrive
Airport:
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
Pick-up location:
The Foundry Hotel
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
You will say farewell to your guides at 11:30 AM at the Asheville Regional Airport. If you need transportation back to downtown Asheville your guides can return you to The Foundry Hotel, arriving around 12:00 PM. 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.
Hiking Options
Hike 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
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.
Hiking Options
Hike Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Leicester Loop - Approximately 37 mi | 51 km and 3,460 ft | 1,057 m
Hike 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.
Hiking Options
Hike Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Craggy Pinnacle Return - Approximately 45 mi | 72 km and 4,800 ft | 1,463 m
Hike Option 2
AVID OPTION:
Mount Mitchell Summit Return - Approximately 71 mi | 114 km and 8,100 ft | 2,467 m
Sample the wares at Mills River and Oskar Blues Breweries
Overview
Pack your bags this morning for the only transfer day of the trip. You will shuttle about 30 minutes out of downtown Asheville to begin riding in the community of Mills River. A quick, scenic loop through Horse Shoe brings you to Mills River Brewing Company. Here you can enjoy some samples of the numerous beers on tap along with a lunch of tasty dishes from Juju's Craft Cookery that is sure to hit the spot after your morning on the bike. If you want to end your riding day here and shuttle to more samples at the Oskar Blues Brewery, we won't blame you! However, for those who wish to pedal between the two breweries, this afternoon offers some beautiful cycling as you head towards the small towns of Brevard and Pisgah Forest. Oskar Blues features a simple tasting room and outdoor patio where you can enjoy a pint before shuttling or riding the last few miles to Pilot Cove cabins, your home for the next two nights. Here you can relax on the private deck of your own spacious cabin and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest, as the gorgeous Pilot Cove property shares a border with the 500,000-acre Pisgah National Forest. This evening you are on your own to explore the culinary offerings of downtown Brevard, a short shuttle ride away.
Hotel
Pilot Cove
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch
Highlight of the Day
Brewery visits
Western North Carolina is well-known for craft breweries, and today you'll visit two of them. Both Mills River Brewing Company and Oskar Blues Brewery offer simple, relaxing spaces in which to enjoy their delicious brews.
Hiking Options
Hike Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Mills River to Oskar Blues Brewery - Approximately 52 mi | 84 km and 2,700 ft | 823 m
Hike Option 2
SHORT OPTION:
Mills River Brewing Loop - Approximately 23 mi | 37 km and 1,260 ft | 384 m
Activities
Activity 1
TODAY’S ACTIVITY:
Beer tastings at Mills River and Oskar Blues Breweries
Cycle through DuPont State Forest and enjoy a naturalist-led walk
Overview
This morning, after enjoying breakfast on the deck of your cabin, it's time to decide how you'd like to spend your day. Pedal past houses and farms before riding through lush DuPont State Forest, and, if you're up for more miles, add some beautiful ones along the East Fork of the French Broad River. Take a break at the end of your ride to enjoy a fresh, tasty lunch and hand-dipped ice cream as you try to spot one of the famous white squirrels that populate the area. Mid-afternoon you will meet your naturalist guide for a walk in the nearby Pisgah National Forest, where you will learn about the local plants, wildlife and history of this biologically diverse area. Tonight you will gather for a final social hour and dinner in the Pilot Cove amphitheater. Enjoy live bluegrass music and local BBQ (vegetarian and vegan diets can easily be accommodated) as you toast an unforgettable week in the Southern Appalachian mountains.
Hotel
Pilot Cove
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Bluegrass music and traditional dishes
Enjoy a perfect Appalachian evening with the sounds of bluegrass music, a cold beverage in hand, and the smells of your favorite home-cooked meal in the air. This final night's private dinner hosted by our friends at Pilot Cove makes for a very memorable evening.
Hiking Options
Hike Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
DuPont Loop - Approximately 38 mi | 61 km and 2,200 ft | 671 m
Hike Option 2
AVID OPTION:
DuPont Loop with East Fork Road - Approximately 53 mi | 85 km and 3,360 ft | 1,018 m
Activities
Activity 1
TODAY’S ACTIVITY:
Naturalist-led Walk
Cruise along the Davidson River on scenic Highway 276
Overview
Following breakfast, there's time for one more spin, and this morning's gorgeous ride will take you beneath the enveloping canopy of Pisgah National Forest. Cruise alongside the Davidson River, popular for fly fishing, and check out the cascading waters of 60-foot Looking Glass Falls along the way. This morning's ride is an out-and-back so feel free to choose the best time to turn around before making your way back to Pilot Cove for a shower and check-out. Then you will shuttle to the Asheville airport, about a half-hour away. Expect to arrive to the airport by 11:30 AM and please do not schedule a flight before 1:00 PM on this day. For those needing a return to downtown Asheville, your guides can drop you off around 12:00 PM at The Foundry Hotel.
Meals included
Breakfast
Highlight of the Day
Hiking Options
Hike Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Looking Glass Falls Return - Approximately 12 mi | 19 km and 540 ft | 173 m
Hike Option 2
AVID OPTION:
Pink Beds Trailhead Return - Approximately 24 mi | 37 km and 1,540 ft | 479 m
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