Asheville Riding

[Blueberry]

DH and I are headed for Asheville over Memorial Day weekend for a quick get away...and I'm sure the bikes will jump on the car .

Any ideas about good routes (road)? We're not the best climbers (and I'm in not such great shape after 3 weeks at a desk with not much riding), so flat[er] routes and those with not so steep grades (long is OK) are preferred.

Anything else not to be missed?? Bouncy - suggestions?? I'm so excited!!!!

[bouncybouncy]

Hey c-a

sorry but i am still a follower in this neck of the woods...and i am so busy trying to keep up i can't remember any street names!!!

http://www.blueridgebicycleclub.org/

this site has a link to the left of the page "ride library" that has really good maps of some local routes...i find it easier to put it with a real map to get a better idea! also check out Liberty Bicycles, they are loaded with maps and info!

i am still nursing a bruised hand (the palm, so it is very uncomfortable to ride let alone maintain good control) so i will most likely be on foot still this weekend...
also, it is my first spring here so i am not sure the level of traffic and which roads to avoid...

can't say i was much of a help but i hope you get something off of the blue ridge site!!! hope you have a beautiful time here!!! what else is on your agenda? where are you staying?

[Gowest]

CA

Looks like you are going to have good weather here in Asheville for the weekend.

The blue ridge site has a great ride library as already mentioned. I would stay in the Etowah,Horseshoe,Fletcher and Mills River area if you want to stick to the rolling hills. There are so many great roads to ride on - and some to stay away from for sure. There is a map for bicycle routes put out for Henderson County, and I assume there is also one for Buncombe County - they will identify the high traffic roads - most local bike shops have them on hand.

How far are you looking to ride?

I have another web site to direct you to - but have the info on my home computer and will provide you the link later tonight.

Let me know if you want some restaurant suggestions while here - we have so many good ones to choose from.

Debi

[Blueberry]

Bouncy and Gowest-

Thanks for all of the leads! I do have the Buncombe Councy bicycle map, and have used it in the past with good success.

I'm looking for 20-30 mile rides probably (given my lack of saddle time recently). I'll check out the Blue Ridge site - I think they're the ones who published the book of rides I have, too.

Food suggestions are always welcome! I love Greenline grocery, but we're not staying somewhere with a kitchen this time. I've heard the Flying Frog is good (and my uncle up there confirms it). I've also heard that the veg restaurant downtown is good.

We're staying at the Red Roof Inn - should be an adventure

Carrie Anne

PS - Hope you hand heals soon bouncy!

PPS - Welcome to tbe board Gowest!! Glad to see more NC people recently

[Gowest]

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

[Blueberry]

Gowest-

Wow - small world! I was just up in Bahama last weekend - every weekend I buy goat cheese from the local farmers market, and they had an open house at their goat farm. Adorable baby goats and LOTS of cheese to sample Yum! It's really beautiful up there. Let me know if you're ever back down here for long enough to ride!!

Thanks also for the ride suggestions- it's so neat that they have all of the elevation information. We rode the breakfast ride last year. I'm thinking we'll ride in Asheville one day, and in Henderson County the other.

No shoes - unless, of course, they're danskos - that's what my feet have been demanding I wear of late. I know we'll be visiting Earthguild again, but I'm not sure what else is on the plan.

The Flying frog is on the high side - not sure my family I'm meeting for dinner would go for a veg/whole foods kind of place. We'll have to go there for lunch one day

I have been to Chimney Rock, but it might be time for a re-visit!!

Thanks again!!

Carrie Anne

[Gowest]

Carrie Ann,

Definitely go to Discount Shoes if you love Dansko's - they have the largest selection I have seen - and tons of European shoes that are similarly comfortable. They also have a great kids section and mens section. It is near the Biltmore Square Mall on 191 - very easy to find - self service so you can look at whatever you want. I actually can give you a nice rolling ride of a little over 20 miles up to as many as 40 right from there if you want - it is a loop that takes you out to Mills River on some lovely country roads that are rarely used.

I have no immediate plans to return to Durham any time soon, the heat in the summer was just so brutal - I love the cool air in the mountains.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that Jai is a Thai restaurant - so it appeals to many - not just the whole food crowd. Lunch is excellent there.

I will send you my contact info for future reference.

Debi