Overview

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at The Foundry Hotel at 10:00 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 Trek bike. Then you'll head out on today's ride, which follows the French Broad River before crossing into the communities and farmland 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 Rhubarb, a staple of Asheville's renowned culinary scene.

Overview

This morning, enjoy breakfast at the on-site restaurant, The Refinery, before your ride. Today's loop takes us through the rural community of Leicester, located to the northwest of Asheville and home to many scenic farms. Those who wish to add some extra miles and elevation at the end of this ride may tackle a locals' favorite climb up the lower slopes of Town Mountain. Afterwards, grab lunch at a downtown café before regrouping in the early afternoon for a brief shuttle to the nearby Asheville Botanical Garden. Here you’ll enjoy a guided walk with our local naturalist to learn about the native plants, wildlife, and history of the region. Afterwards, you are free to spend the afternoon exploring Asheville’s shops, galleries, breweries, and lively street scene, all within walking distance of the hotel. Dinner is on your own tonight with an array of downtown options just steps away. As with all meals on your own, your guides will equip you with a list of their favorite recommendations.

Overview

Amazing riding awaits today on the quiet backroads of western North Carolina. The hills and hollers of Madison County are a favorite among local cyclists and visiting riders alike, with sections featured in events like the Asheville Gran Fondo. After a 30-minute shuttle to the small community of Mars Hill—home to Mars Hill University—you’ll pedal rolling hills to the base of the Grapevine Road climb. Crest the summit and enjoy a smooth descent along scenic Big Laurel Road, which follows its namesake stream for mile after mile. The Walnut Creek climb brings another challenge before a long descent into Marshall, where you’ll join our friends at On Your Bike for a delicious lunch and espresso. Those craving more miles can ride on through the community of Jupiter and back to Mars Hill for the return shuttle. Tonight, enjoy a short walk to the Blackbird Restaurant for a seasonal menu highlighting harvests from local farmers and fresh catches from the Carolina coast.

Overview

Pack your bags this morning for the trip’s only transfer day. Shuttle 40 minutes from downtown Asheville to start your ride at Lennox Station in Hendersonville, where you can grab a quick espresso or pastry before starting your ride. You'll cover 16 miles before arriving to the small town of Saluda, with its charming Main Street filled with locally-owned shops and eateries. Enjoy a casual lunch before continuing your ride towards Greenville, your home for the remainder of the trip. The afternoon ride features a beautiful descent through the Greenville Watershed along Old US 25, passing the scenic North Saluda Reservoir. Today's route ends just beyond the reservoir, where you can hop in the van, or continue on the Avid route all the way into downtown Greenville. The last 10 miles will be a pleasant spin along the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Check into the luxurious Grand Bohemian Lodge, perched on the falls of the Reedy River, then head out to explore Greenville’s vibrant dining scene just a short walk across the iconic pedestrian-only Liberty Bridge.

Overview

This morning, after enjoying breakfast in the hotel at Between the Trees, overlooking Falls Park on the Reedy, you'll head out to ride the rolling roads of the Upstate. Named for its higher elevation in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Upstate is South Carolina's scenic northwest corner. Begin on the famous Swamp Rabbit Trail, a multi-use rail trail, formerly the Greenville & Northern Railway, that links Greenville to the nearby town of Travelers Rest. From here, choose between the Locust Hill Loop or the Tigerville Loop for more or fewer miles before lunch. You’ll ride past houses and farms with the Blue Ridge Mountains ever-present in the distance. Pause for a fresh, tasty café lunch back in Travelers Rest before cruising (or shuttling) the final 10 miles to the hotel along the Swamp Rabbit. Spend the afternoon exploring the trails of Falls Park, relaxing with a book in the inviting library nook, or indulging in the Poseidon Spa (appointments should be scheduled in advance and are not included in the trip price). Tonight, gather for drinks and dinner at one of our favorite downtown bistros, Soby's, as you toast an unforgettable week in the Carolinas.

Overview

Following another delightful breakfast at the hotel, there's time for one more ride. The Swamp Rabbit Trail again takes you out of town before your route turns east toward Paris Mountain. This popular locals' climb up the shady, tree-lined Altamont Road ascends Paris Mountain, affording views of the surrounding foothills—and it's a perfect ride to finish your week. Back at the hotel, there's time to shower and check-out before boarding the Trek Travel shuttle. It's about an hour's drive to the Asheville Regional Airport and your guides will provide a packed lunch for your travels. Expect to arrive to the airport by 12:30 PM and please do not schedule a flight before 2:30 PM on this day. For those wishing to return to downtown Asheville, your guides can drop you off around 1:00 PM at The Foundry Hotel.