Had a fine time. Got to Asheville a few days early (West Asheville) and used the bus system to get around and check out stuff. Did a walking tour with a group called Hood Huggers to learn a bit about the history of the black community in Asheville. Very informative. I recommend it to anyone visiting the area.
As for cycling, we got some rain on 4 out of 6 days. Generally not bad, just rained for a bit. Most days :-)
Day one was a nice ride intro to the area of a couple hours. Marshall to Asheville in a meandering fashion on some great roads.
Day two we did the longer route option that featured an add on at the end of a climb up Elk Mtn. Scenic Highway to the BRP and a descent of Town Mountain Road to finish. The climb was awesome. Very cool switchbacks. The descent started out as super fun but then it started to rain hard the second half where it was steep and twisty with increasing traffic towards town so we had to cool it.
Day three was Mount Mitchell day. Started out in the rain with a 4 or 5 mile climb to the BRP, then north with a loooooong piece of climbing (mellow to occasionally moderate grade for about 12 or so miles). Thankfully, the rain had stopped and it was really quite nice, even got some views. But, the last 2 miles of that we were suddenly in pea soup clouds, nasty cold winds, and cold, cold, sideways drizzle/rain. Got to the lunch spot, ate quickly, and decided against trying for the summit of Mount Mitchell (another 12 miles or so, 8-9 on the BRP then about 4 on a road to the summit) given the weather. One person out of the group did it but bailed on the bike and got into the support van just after starting back down. He was freezing and in nasty conditions so opted for warmth and safety. Can't blame him. I was a tad jealous I did not go for it! The fun part (after the fun 12 miles of downhill on the BRP), we again descended Town Hill Road but this time on dry pavement with no rain and little traffic. Dang, that was fun!
Next day, rode to Brevard. Okay, partway. We stopped for lunch at the Sierra Nevada brewery and when we came out, strong winds gusting to maybe 20-25 mph and sideways DOWNPOUR rain. Alright, into the van and to another brewery.
Day five, freaking gorgeous pedal out of Brevard under blue skies and sunshine, comfy temps after a brisk start. Rode through DuPont State Forest then veered off the standard route to the add on option section on a road called East Fork just off the Greenville Highway, and I suddenly realized, hey, I have pedaled here before. It was on a trip several years ago that also used that stretch of road as part of another route. Pretty cool and awesome stretch of pedaling.
Last day, short ride before heading to the airport. Beautiful but very chilly. Numb toes and fingers but well worth it.
I have to give my sweetie and "atta girl" for her tenacity. This is only her fourth season cycling (started at age 57) and she toughed it up all the long climbs, went for the long route options on all but the day three route (Mt. Mitchell day), which I think she would have tried to go for it if the weather was good.
All and all a fine trip if a bit wet and chilly at times. Looking forward to the next one!
As to ski season, we are expecting a nice run of fall weather here in Vermont. Foliage is peaking and skies are clearing right now. Looking at several days of sunny weather in the 60-70 degree range. I smell a lunch time pedal and maybe some end of day golf at the local mountain course!
Hope y'all are well.
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