October vacation in NC

[Crankin]

OK, ladies, I need some help in planning a vacation that was supposed to take place in September, in Nova Scotia, but has now been moved south, since we can't go in September. We would like to drive to NC and spend about 8 days, not including the drive time down from MA (which based on our trips to HH and Norfolk, should take about 1.5 days). We are planning on taking our bikes (road and mountain) and combine riding with some sight seeing, historical stuff, nature stuff. So, this would not be a bike "tour," but more a vacation where we ride most of the days, but not all of them. I know Asheville is a prime cycling spot, but other than that, I don't really know where to look. We prefer to stay in B and Bs and would like to combine mountains and ocean, if it is possible.
I know about the Bicycle Inn, but this is not a trip that I want to "train" for. I live in a very hilly area, but they are hills, not mountain passes. We'd also be interested in doing some rail to trail stuff on our mountain bikes. There just isn't anything like that here.
Any ideas?
Robyn

[Blueberry]

Hmmm.....Stop in Damascus, VA on the ride down through the mountains, and ride the VA Creeper. Spend a day or 2 around Boone and Blowing Rock (If you decide to go this way, I can share a couple of flatish routes from a book), drive down to the Bicycle Inn and spend a night - do the flat ride - 40 miles along a river - then spend a night in Asheville. I'd suggest driving from Asheville to Wilmington, and then maybe heading North along the coast. There is good riding to be had down there, but it's rarer than in between thanks to traffic (though Oct is leaf peeper season in the mountains, and the beach may be quieter).

Let me know what you're thinking, and I'll try to make more suggestions. I live smack dab in the middle of the state, so if you pass through here, I'd love to get together for a ride

CA

[Crankin]

Thanks. I will start researching the places you mentioned. I'd like to have this all planned by the beginning of September. Thanks for the hint about the leaf peepers... we have that here, too and it is very annoying. Of course, I live in a town that makes most of its money off of tourists, so I shouldn't say too much.

Robyn

[Gowest]

Hi Robyn,

I am here in Asheville - and would be happy to help with your plans in this area - the Bicycle Inn is great - but I also have some other suggestions. I think Black Mountain is a great town and gives you "commutability" for riding as well as vacation type activities. I think if you can ride hills you should not miss the ride up route 80 from Marion to the Blue Ridge Parkway to Mount Mitchell - route 80 is not to be missed - it is so beautiful, as is the parkway. We also have some rolling terrain here as well as flat - you just need to ask us locals. Also check out the ride library at the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club (here in NC) on their website - maps and tons of info about riding this area.

One other thought is the Cherohala Skyway - there are some beautiful b and b's in the Robbinsville area - you need to book now for that time. I can send you some pictures of the riding in that area - lots of dams and views that are even better than Asheville - but you do have some climbing - but you can decide how much.

I also think Carrie Ann is correct - that you need to hit the mountains and then head to the coast - just realize that it is a long drive from here to the beaches of NC - but it is worth it - especially the outer banks area.

I would also check out tripadvisor.com for recommendations on lodging and meals etc - I have found that site very helpful when planning my vacations.

Debi

[GLC1968]

I also second Boone and Blowing Rock - there are some wonderful B&B's in that area (especially Blowing Rock). Grandfather Mountain is a nice place to visit (on foot...I've never biked it, though people do) in that area. If you are coming south via VA and the Blue Ridge Parkway, a stop off in Floyd, VA (a funky, tiny artist community) and a visit to the Chateau Morrisette is worth the trip.

http://www.thedogs.com/

Also, do NOT be intimidated by the mountains around the Bicycle Inn. There are plenty of rides that anyone who rides in New England would be totally capable of enjoying...not just the river ride that CA mentioned. I grew up in your neck of the woods, so I know that you should NOT sell your climbing abilities short! The 'Frankie and Charlie' ride that I did the day before our Roan adventure was 25 miles of gorgeous scenery and fun rolling hills. It is quite possible to ride around the mountains and get a wonderful feel of the area without actually climbing any passes. Plus, Micheal (the owner) can also direct you to good moutain biking areas as well.

One little word of advice - get B&B reservations NOW. I don't know when you'll be here, but the last two weeks in October are the most popular. Quite a few of the best inns are probably already booked for the prime weekends. Of course, if you'll be here during the week, you should be fine with availablity.

Oh, and if you come through Greensboro - let me know. I'd love to get together and ride!

[Crankin]

Again, thanks, everyone. Our trip will be during the first 2 weeks in October; I know that does include the Columbus Day Weekend, which might make it hard. From what everyone has said, I am thinking it might be best to concentrate on one area, either mountains or Outer Banks. We have always wanted to go to the Outer Banks, but have avoided it in the summer because of hurricanes and heat. Asheville and the other mountain areas do intrigue me, but I think that a lot of that area might be not that different from New England. Not that I don't want to see it, but I also don't want to spend millions of hours driving. I looked up the schedule of a couple of bike tour companies and saw what they did for the Outer Banks, which includes a lot of places you have mentioned and also a couple of the Rails to Trails in Virginia. So, we could do the Virginia thing on the way down or home; we also may be stopping in Va. Beach to visit our son who will be at counter intelligence school there.
I just came back from buying 2 Frommers books on VA. and NC and will be reading today and making some decisions. And no, I don't sell my climbing abilities short, but I am slow and steady on those types of rides. I tend to get very nervous when i am riding in areas where I don't what is coming and I don't really want to deal with that on vacation. Once I've done a big climb, I have a better attitude toward it the next time!

Robyn