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Trip Itinerary
Get ready to elevate your cycling game with challenging climbs, awe-inspiring views, and picturesque country roads.
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Where to Arrive
Airport:
Greenville International Airport (GSP)
Pick-up location:
Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown RiverPlace, Greenville, South Carolina
Pick-up time:
11:00
Where to Depart
Airport:
Greenville International Airport (GSP)
Drop-off location:
Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown RiverPlace, Greenville, South Carolina
Drop-off time:
11:00 AM
Additional Arrival Information
To ensure a smooth start to your trip, we recommend arriving at least one day prior to the scheduled start date. This will allow you to acclimate to the local time zone and reduce the risk of flight-related delays. The recommended airport for arrival is Greenville International Airport (GSP), located 13 miles (20 km) from downtown Greenville and serviced by major airlines. To get to the hotel from GSP, consider using a local taxi or renting a car.
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown RiverPlace at 11:00 AM on the first day of the trip. However, please note that hotel rooms may not be available for check-in until 3:00 PM. After meeting your guides and checking into the hotel, they will help you adjust your bike for the week and provide you with some tips before you set out on a self-guided warm-up ride.
In the case that you will be late or unable to make the meeting time, please notify your guides. If you are unable to reach them, please call the first hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown RiverPlace at 864-263-4800 and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact information.
Additional Departure Information
You will say farewell to your guides at 11:00 AM at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown RiverPlace. Please be sure to book transportation to your departure airport prior to the end of your trip.
The use of your Trek Travel bike ends at 11:00 AM on day of departure, and in some cases, may be needed for another guest arriving that day. Extensions may be available upon request but cannot be guaranteed before your trip begins.
Paris Mountain
Overview
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the hotel at 11:00 AM on the first day of the trip. After a short round of introductions and talks, your guides will jump right into a perfect bike fitting to make sure you are comfortable on your Trek Domane bike. Your guides will go over the daily schedule and discuss route options. Once you are ready to hit the road, you can take a short ride to Paris Mountain - a popular climb within Greenville. You'll access Upstate South Carolina's finest routes each day via a portion of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 28-mile multi-use greenway that winds through Greenville. This trail offers an ideal starting point for exploring the region's top cycling and enjoying a warm-up and cool-down spin along the scenic Reedy River. If you prefer, you can also check into your hotel room and catch up with the group later for dinner to plan for the adventures ahead.
Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown Riverplace
Meals included
Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Swamp Rabbit Trail
The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 28-mile (45 km) multi-use rail trail in Greenville County, largely following the bed of a former railroad named after the indigenous swamp rabbit for its route through the wetlands of the upper Reedy River.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S SELF-GUIDED RIDE:
Paris Mountain - Approximately 20 mi | 32 km and 1,550 ft | 471 m
Campbell Covered Bridge
Overview
Today’s ride takes you deep into the rugged terrain of North and South Carolina, where rolling roads lead to the historic Campbell Covered Bridge in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. The Blue Ridge Escarpment provides striking elevation changes and stunning views, making it a favorite training ground for serious cyclists. As you navigate through the Mountain Bridge Wilderness, a vast expanse of 10,883 acres of forests, waterfalls, and winding climbs, you’ll get a sense of the area's natural beauty and its appeal to pro riders. A highlight of the day is the Campbell Covered Bridge, constructed between 1909 and 1911, the last remaining of the original 20 covered bridges in South Carolina. Its rich history and scenic setting make it a memorable stop along your challenging route.
Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown Riverplace
Meals included
Continental Breakfast | Lunch
Highlight of the Day
Campbell's Covered Bridge
This wooden bridge, located in northeastern Greenville County near the small town of Gowensville and crossing Beaverdam Creek, is the last remaining covered bridge in South Carolina.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Campbell Covered Bridge - Approximately 72 mi | 114 km and 4,400 ft | 1,364 m
Ride Option 2
AVID OPTION:
Campbell Covered Bridge w Dividing Water Loop - Approximately 80 mi | 129 km and 5,273 ft | 1,610 m
Caesar's Head
Overview
Test your endurance today on a route steeped in cycling history. The winding backroads lead to the six-mile (10 km) ascent of Caesar’s Head, a climb that has played a pivotal role in the former Tour DuPont. Known for its sustained gradients and unpredictable pitches, this road has challenged countless professional riders and will push your legs as you ascend over 1,200 feet (365 m) through dense woodlands to the summit of Caesar’s Head State Park. A rewarding vantage point awaits at the top—on clear days, the sweeping views stretch for miles. With a mix of rolling terrain and steep pitches, this ride will leave you with a true appreciation for the demands and beauty of riding in the Carolinas.
Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown Riverplace
Meals included
Continental Breakfast | Lunch
Highlight of the Day
Ceasar's Head Climb
This benchmark climb features over six miles (10 km) of varying grades, rarely exceeding 8%, with steeper sections in the second half. It starts easier and gets tougher near the top, with a short flat section midway.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Caesar's Head - Approximately 56 mi | 90 km and 3,320 ft | 1,012 m
Ride Option 2
AVID OPTION:
Avid Caesar's Head - Approximately 73 mi | 118 km and 5,969 ft | 1,819 m
Hagood Mill
Overview
Today’s ride takes you west of Greenville, where rolling roads and uninterrupted miles provide an ideal base-building effort. The peaceful scenery belies the steady effort required to power through the undulating terrain. Midway, we’ll stop at Hagood Mill, a historic 1826 water-powered gristmill that has long been a hub for the local community. The mill has existed on this site since the 1790s, but the current structure was built by James Hagood in 1845 and remained in the Hagood family, operating until 1966. After a well-earned break, the ride continues through a mix of rural landscapes and quiet roads before returning to Greenville. This evening, take time to explore the city’s thriving food scene, with your guides ready to share recommendations from their favorite local spots.
Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown Riverplace
Meals included
Continental Breakfast | Lunch
Highlight of the Day
History of Hagood Mill
Hagood Mill is an operational water-powered gristmill built in 1845 by James Hagood near Pickens, South Carolina. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Hagood Mill - Approximately 61 mi | 98 km and 4,109 ft | 1,252 m
Ride Option 2
AVID OPTION:
Avid Hagood Mill - Approximately 75 mi | 121 km and 5,182 ft | 1,580 m
Saluda
Overview
We’ve saved one of the most rewarding routes for your final, guided ride in the Carolinas. Today, you’ll head into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains on a demanding route to the historic town of Saluda. The ride follows the Old Highway 25 climb from Tryon, NC, a road well-known among cyclists for its long, steady ascent. You’ll take on two significant climbs before reaching Saluda, where your guides will have lunch and all the support you'll need before the return to Greenville. Towering Appalachian rock walls, thick forests, and the winding Green River accompany your effort, creating a perfect final ride. Tonight, we’ll reflect on the week’s miles, the climbs conquered, and the camaraderie built along the way.
Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown Riverplace
Meals included
Continental Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Saluda Grade
This 3.9 mile (6 km) bike climb sits in the foothills of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. The average gradient is 4.8% and there is a total elevation gain of 986 ft (300 m), finishing at 2,014 ft (613 m).
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Saluda - Approximately 60 mi | 97 km and 3,638 ft | 1,109 m
Ride Option 2
AVID OPTION:
Avid Saluda - Approximately 75 mi | 121 km and 4,735 ft | 1,443 m
Choose from one of our self-guided rides such as Little Texas
Overview
You may say farewell to Greenville, but the memories will last a lifetime! After an action-packed week, you've surely worn out your legs, but if you're still craving more, we've got you covered. Choose from one of our many self-guided ride options and make the most of your last day with us. Our expert team can recommend the perfect final spin for you, whether it's a beautiful loop with rolling terrain or a more challenging route, to give you a grand finale to your unforgettable week with us.
Meals included
Continental Breakfast
Highlight of the Day
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S SELF-GUIDED RIDE:
Final Spin - Approximately 33 mi | 54 km and 1,886 ft | 575 m