Andean Health's Asheville to Brevard Bike Tour

This morning, enjoy a delicious breakfast of Appalachian-inspired soul food at Benne on the Eagle before heading out on a ride through the community of Leicester, to the northwest of Asheville. This ride offers short climbs through rolling hills and beautiful farmland. Those who want to add another loop at the end of this ride may tackle a local’s favorite climb up Elk Mountain, which finishes with a fun descent down Town Mountain Road into downtown Asheville. 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 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.

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 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, you can enjoy a delicious boxed lunch and take in views of the surrounding peaks. In late May and early June, the Catawba rhododendron that cover this area show off their stunning pink and purple blooms, and in the early fall the foliage begins its colorful display at almost 6,000 feet of elevation. 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 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. Those who return to town 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 the harvests from local farmers and fresh catches from the Carolina coast.

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. Ride a quick, scenic loop through Horse Shoe on your way to Mills River Brewery Company. Here you can enjoy some samples of the numerous beers on tap with a lunch of tasty dishes from Juju's Craft Cookery that are 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, 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.

This morning after 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 where you may witness some fly fishing taking place. Take a break at the end of your ride to enjoy a fresh, tasty lunch and try to spot one of the famous white squirrels that populate the area. There is also the option to skip the ride today and explore western North Carolina in a different way if you would like to hire a local fly fishing, rock climbing, or mountain bike guide (these activities are not included in the price of your trip). Take some time upon your return to Pilot Cove to grab a pint at the Pisgah Hub and Tavern, a bike shop and favorite community gathering place just down the hill from your cabin. Mid-afternoon you will meet your naturalist hiking guide for a walk in the nearby Pisgah National Forest, where you will learn about the local plants and wildlife of this biologically unique area. Tonight you will gather for a final social hour and dinner on the grounds at Pilot Cove. Enjoy live bluegrass music and local BBQ (vegetarian and vegan diets can easily be accommodated) as you gather around the campfire to toast an unforgettable week in these mountains that may have stolen your heart.

Featured meal:

Bluegrass Music and Favorite Traditional Dishes

There's something about the sound of bluegrass music that goes so perfectly with an Appalachian evening, it has to be experienced to be understood. With a cold beverage in hand, the smells of a home-cooked meal in the air and the sounds of the forest all around you, we believe this final night's private dinner hosted by our friends at Pilot Cove will be one the memories you'll keep with you for a long time.

Following breakfast, there's time for one more spin, and this morning's memorable 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' 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 at the airport by 11:30 AM and please do not schedule a flight out before 1:00 PM on this day. For those requiring a return to downtown Asheville, your guides can drop you off around 12:00 PM.