Having just returned from a trip to Asheville, I can second the referral to Liberty Cycles - those folks are awesome! Picked up a route book (with major input from the very friendly employees), along with a free (and awesome) map of the Asheville area with color coding on the roads for bike friendliness.

There is some beautiful riding up there. Great views - killer descents! If you go, make sure you pack a camera and lots of water/fuel!

The only downside: I've realized just how bad my climbing skills are... And the air quality is poor this time of year - lots of smog makes it difficult to see the mountain tops and difficult to breathe!

I ventured on to the Blue Ridge Parkway at one point and after 5+ miles straight up hill thought I would die... Great workout, though!

Enjoy!

Carrie Anne