Exhilarating road biking, exquisite dining, and spectacular mountain scenery await you in the remote northwest corner of North Carolina. You'll bike the famous Blue Ridge Parkway with its majestic views of the surrounding mountains. Also leave the main routes behind as we guide you on little known back roads with picturesque Christmas Tree farms and trickling mountain streams. Along the way, you will step back in time with visits to old-time country stores. Take time off the bike to hike to a gushing mountain waterfall and paddle the leisurely currents of the oldest river in America.
This tour is appropriate for intermediate or advanced bicyclists. We recommend modern road bikes, preferably with triple chainrings or large rear cogs. All biking is on asphalt roads except for a few very short sections of packed gravel. Our routes bypass the most challenging climbs in the area, but there are very few flat sections. Distance options each day range from 30 to 60 miles, with optional side routes available to add on miles. Terrain is a mix of rolling hills and strenuous climbs. Traffic is minimal, thanks to our route and timing selection. Our overall tour route is designed to minimize shuttling-the longest van shuttle is 15 minutes if you bike all of the base miles. The scenery is exceptional, including beautiful dairy farms, Christmas tree farms, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: We meet in the village of Blowing Rock at the historic Maple Lodge Bed and Breakfast in the heart of the village. Arrive early to take full advantage of the many activities available. A welcome kit will be waiting on you at the inn. Included in this kit are maps to area hiking trails as well as an optional bike route for those who arrive early. We gather in the afternoon for a brief bike fitting and meeting on bike safety while we enjoy getting to know each other over hors d’eourves. Afterwards, we will enjoy a fine meal at the highly regarded Crippen's Restaurant, reviews of which you may read here.
Day 2: We start the next morning with one of Maple Lodge's incomparable breakfasts prior to cycling south toward the peaks of Grandfather Mountain. Biking south on a road that follows the old Yonahlossee Trail, we approach and then skirt Grandfather Mountain. After a catered picnic lunch, we hike to a nearby overlook to observe famous Linville Falls. An optional bike route returning to the inn awaits those who wish to climb over the shoulder of Grandfather Mountain. On this route, we climb to approximately 4300 feet elevation and cross the famed Linn Cove Viaduct which offers spectacular vistas. A thrilling descent takes us down to the final climb of the day back to downtown Blowing Rock. (Lookout for Kilwin's Ice Cream shop ahead on the left.) The evening is yours to enjoy exploring the charm of Blowing Rock "on your own", or you may opt to join your guides for a casual dinner.
Day 3: Today, we bike the rural backroads and valley routes following another old an elegant tomato salad at River House stagecoach trail. During the morning, we visit historic Mast General Store and pass through wooded mountain gaps dotted with Christmas tree farms and grazing livestock. By lunch we make our way to historic Todd for a glimpse into another "old time" general store of early 1900's North Carolina. After our picnic lunch, we'll pedal along beside the gentle currents of the New River for one of the few flat parts of the tour. We make our way in the late afternoon to River House nestled in Grassy Creek, NC. Late afternoon is yours to relax on the porch or take a quick swim in the river prior to gathering in the evening. You may opt for a massage from a highly acclaimed local massage therapist. Find yourself a rocking chair on the front porch and enjoy hors d'eourves and cocktails as the fireflies get into action along the riverbank. After a gourmet dinner in the River House dining room, you may want to walk up to the ridge top behind the farm for a view of the night sky, free of light pollution.
Day 4 finds us biking through tiny mountain communities on county back roads before returning briefly to the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. The rolling hills and scenic terrain of this morning's ride are breathtaking. After our lunch on the banks of the New River, we have the option of taking a break from the bike to "Canoe the New" for a leisurely river trip through the New River Valley. We do have bike routes available for those who wish to continue biking in the afternoon. At the end of the day, River House provides yet another spectacular meal as we commemorate our last evening together.
Day 5: After an elegant early breakfast at River House, our final day finds us biking the Blue Ridge Parkway south. This is the most challenging and exhilarating segment yet. Climbs and descents are the order of the day. You will definitely feel a sense of accomplishment after logging these beautiful miles. (Parkway overlooks do give you a good excuse for frequent rest breaks.) We'll take the Parkway all the way to Blowing Rock for a final catered lunch and hot showers at Maple Lodge.
2008 Blue Ridge Tour Dates:
June 22-26
July 6-10
July 13-17
August 24-28
Check our website for date changes and additions
www.carolinatailwinds.com
Testimonials:
"I have been on three tours with a well-known company but this one easily outdid them all! I had a great time, all of the guests were interesting and fun and Greg and Anne are the best!" Tom, Nolensville, TN
Excellent route-finding! You did a great job mapping out great rides! Bruce, Cambridge, MA
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Discounts are available for early and group reservations. Single supplement applies if single room is requested or a roommate not found. Single occupancy room supplement: $300. Bike rental: $100.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
North Carolina
Bicycle Touring
|
| Check out these similar vacation offers: |
|
|
