Overview

Your Trek Travel host will meet you at The Foundry Hotel at 11:00 AM. Come dressed to ride as you can leave your bags at the front desk and head out for your first day of cycling. Kick off your self-guided tour cycling out of downtown Asheville making your way through the lush green trees of the Biltmore Forest neighborhood. As you cycle out of downtown your ride follows the Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, looping around the city. Your ride will end with a stunning descent back to downtown Asheville, your home for the next three nights. Take some time to settle in then enjoy dinner at one of the many exciting restaurants within a short walk of your hotel.

Overview

This morning, enjoy a delicious breakfast of Appalachian-inspired soul food at Benne on Eagle before heading out on a ride through the community of Leicester, located to the northwest of Asheville. This ride offers short climbs through rolling hills and beautiful farmland. Those who want to add more to their day can choose the extended loop to tack on more scenic miles and climbing. After the morning ride, grab lunch at one of the downtown cafes then take some time to engage in one of the many off-the-bike experiences available in this engaging town. Visit the Biltmore Estate, take a historic trolley tour, visit the Sauna House or the historic Grove Park Inn, take a whitewater rafting trip or go for a hike (cost and transportation to and from these activities is not included in the price of your trip). Afterward enjoy dinner of your choice at one of the many fantastic recommended eateries.

Overview

Amazing riding awaits you today on the famed 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 either a four or 13-mile climb on mostly gentle grades, punctuated by panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, as you make your way to either the Lane Pinnacle Overlook or the Craggy Gardens area. In late May and early June, the Catawba rhododendron that covers the pinnacles show off their stunning pink and purple blooms. In the early fall, the foliage begins its colorful display at this elevation that sits at about 5,500 feet. After descending back to town (as you guessed, it's mostly downhill!), take some time to explore more of Asheville. You may choose to browse the offerings of the many unique shops, galleries, and the vibrant street scene that Asheville is known for. Or you may opt to experience some of the South Slope breweries located within easy walking distance of the hotel. Whatever your day holds, you are on your own for dinner this evening, with the impressive array of downtown options just a short walk away.

Overview

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, spin out past the historic Grove Park Inn to tackle a local’s favorite climb up Elk Mountain. This five-mile climb, which varies in grade but finishes with a lung-busting pitch that reaches 12%, showcases great views into the Reems Creek and Beaverdam Valleys. Take a moment to check out the view from Buzzard Rock at the top—you earned it! After a few quick final miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway, your ride finishes with a fun descent down Town Mountain Road into downtown Asheville. Alternatively take this morning to sleep in and grab a coffee at one of the many locally owned coffee shops downtown or pick up some last minute gifts before checkout.