CA,

I see you are in Durham - I used to live in Bahama - in northern Durham County - I miss Sal's Pizza in the worst way!

The other ride library is here: http://www.bikehighway.com/nc_henderson_cty.htm
They are also from the blue ridge bicycle club

Watch out for the ones marked hilly - the Apple Festival Challenge is a bear - climb climb climb and then when you think you are done - climb some more. The rolling rides are more what you are looking for. Although I live in Buncombe county - I prefer to ride in Henderson county - I find less issues with traffic, and more rolling scenery if that is what you are looking for. The one I think you might enjoy the most is the Etowah ride of 31 miles - it is one of my favorites - you need to drive to the start from Asheville - but worth the short ride in the car. Avoid Cane Creek Road on a holiday weekend unless you are riding very early - they are installing natural gas lines and there is construction traffic, and it is generally a busy road.

Food - yes the Flying Frog is good - pricey for dinner - I like to go for lunch and sit outside and enjoy people watching. If you like vegetarian or whole foods - my all time favorite restaurant is Jai - next to Earthfare - the food is very fresh with no preservatives and prepared just how you like it. The owner - Nam is usually there - and she is very sweet. Their hot ginger tea is fantastic.

Other - don't forget to go to Discount Shoes (there is bike shop across the street from there) and Tops if shoes are your thing - not for me - but most ladies who come to town consider these must-go to places.

Lastly - have you been out to Chimney Rock while you have visited Asheville? It is a short beautiful drive out 74A east - off 240 ("beltline" around Asheville) it is extremely beautiful and a fun place to poke around for an afternoon. The drive up and over from Asheville is also scenic - just be glad you are not on your bike as you go - that is part of a ride this summer called the hilly helacious.

Let me know if I can be of more help - I will be around for the holiday weekend - just returned from a trip to Utah - hence my name GoWest.

Debi