This ride begins with a scenic roll along the Oaks Trail Greenway and around the Community Garden before leaving town to enter the North Fork Valley. At the head of the valley, the route explores first the Left Fork and then the Right Fork (out-n-back). Both spurs offer stunning views all the way to the Blue Ridge Parkway high above. As the route returns to town, it passes by Lake Tomahawk and then up and through the historic Montreat Arch. With Lake Susan at the center, Montreat is the home to Montreat College and many peaceful retreat homes.
Asheville NC Hickory Nut Gap Farm Road and Gravel Loop
Hickory Nut Gap Farm Road & Gravel Loop bicycle tourism guide Asheville north carolina Distance – 32 miles Elevation Gain – 3,310′ Level – Moderate Start – Hickory Nut Gap Farm 57 Sugar Hollow Road Fairview NC The Hickory Nut Gap Farm Road & Gravel Loop is our favorite mixed terrain ride. While the route is mostly on paved roads, the two […]
Asheville NC Old Fort Loop
Old Fort Loop bicycle guide asheville north carolina Distance – 38 miles Elevation Gain – 3,125′ Level – Moderate Start – Town Square Park 100 E State St, Black Mountain, NC 28711 The Old Fort Loop begins and ends in the Town of Black Mountain which is located 10 miles east of Asheville. This route is a favorite of local cyclists. Riders […]
Asheville NC Elk Mountain Scenic Loop
Elk Mountain Scenic Loop bicycle tourism guide asheville north carolina Distance – 28 miles Elevation Gain – 3,200′ Level – Moderate Start – Folk Art Center Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville. The Elk Mountain Scenic Loop route begins at the Folk Art Center in Asheville NC and begins climbing along the Blue Ridge Parkway immediately. More […]
Cycling in the High Country of North Carolina
Those who have ridden with me since August 3 know that I have been gushing about the Boone Gran Fondo and cycling in the High Country of North Carolina. In the days leading up to the ride, the forecast called for rain and I was concerned about falling and reinjuring my wrist. On Saturday, the […]
Light’m Up – advice about lights for cycling
This is a “guest blog” of a sort, provided by David. Although married to the Velo Girl, he prefers not to be called the Velo Boy (for reasons we’ll relegate to a future discussion) and instead likes the title Safety Director. David has worked in EMS, search and rescue, and the fire service for over […]