Asheville 3-Day Bike Tour

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 share a list of their favorite recommendations.

Overview

Amazing riding awaits on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Begin with Town Mountain’s switchbacks, climbing to Craven Gap to join the Parkway for a 13-mile, mostly gentle ascent to Craggy Gardens. Enjoy panoramic mountain views as you reach the Graybeard Mountain Overlook for a delicious roadside lunch. After taking in the vistas, ride back to town on a mostly downhill route or tackle the challenging climb to Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi at 6,684 feet. The final four and a half miles to the summit are the steepest of the day, but the observation tower views make it worthwhile. At 71 miles, the avid option is the most challenging of the trip, with your guides providing alternatives to skip some of the climbing. Guests riding back to town after lunch will have some time to explore Asheville by historic trolley, visit the Biltmore Estate, or browse downtown’s vintage shops. Tonight, enjoy a short walk to the Blackbird Restaurant for a seasonal menu highlighting local harvests 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 Hendersonville. 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, browse 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 1:30 PM on this day.

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 share 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 town 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

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 Hendersonville. 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, browse 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 1:30 PM on this day.