I am planning a trip to NC in the first week of April , the plan is to ride 3-5 hrs a day . Any opinions of either town will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance …Danny
How much hillage do you want? I’m not an expert on either area, but I’ve been to both a few times. There’s at least the opportunity to mix in some flatter miles riding between Asheville and Weaverville, with plenty of opportunities for climbing, too, around Asheville. But I’d think if you opt for Boone, you’ll be looking at pretty much all mountain riding. Also, much more to do in and around Asheville when you’re not on the bike.
Again, I’m not local to these areas, so … grain of salt.
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thanks for the response , 350- 450 miles for the week should do . I think we are leaning towards Asheville for some of the reasons you mentioned .
Both of Bob’s points are bang on. I looked at Boone for a tri camp but there are really no flat (or even “flattish”) riding options. Plus Boone does not have the Asheville Brewing company :).
If you are flexible with dates and looking to swim and run as well, I am hosting a bike-focus triathlon camp in Asheville April 19-25. PM me for details if you like.
Mike
I’d do Asheville as well. BR Parkway entrance right there on the western side of town. Nice climbs up to Mt. Mitchell if weather is good - but it could be snowing up there that time of year - the climate up there is more like Canadian than southern US (elev 6600 ft). I’ve been up there in mid-May with snow. You can also do some rides west of Asheville around Black Mountain. Swannanoa Valley is a little flatter. I used to ride out of Black Mountain south on Rt 9 down to Chimney Rock and through to some of the other towns out that way. There are some other side routes out that way too. (Warning - Rt 9 is very narrow and twisty and has heavy trucks on it - but you won’t have all the touristy traffic this time of year). Check out the local bike club website for routes and maps. http://www.blueridgebicycleclub.org/
If you want a real hill-climbing challenge - go to Black Mountain and then north on Rt 9 into Montreat. Go under the stone gateway into Montreat, and get onto Appalachian Trail Road (near the college student center). Follow it all the way to the top. If you can make it to the top on your road/tri bike, you are awesome. There is a section on the road near the top that is something like 40% grade - I’ve never been able to do that on a road bike with std gearing.
As others mentioned, if the weather is really crappy, there are more things to do in Asheville - Biltmore mansion, coffee shops, etc. Black Mtn is also kinda fun to walk around - taken over by hippies in the last few years - so a mix of cheap tourist crap and vegan/organic stuff there. Art shops are nice - some good outdoor suppliers there too.
Definitely Asheville, Just got back from riding around there. Town Mountain Road to the Blue Ridge is a really good ride and so is elk mountain highway. For flatter stuff you can ride north along the french broad river. If you stop by Liberty Bikes they can give you a few good rides as well.
There’s a tasty brew pub in Asheville if that helps with the decision 
http://www.ashevillepizza.com/
Plus if you can take your mtb, hit up Tsali and Pisgah.
Ok from someone who has lived in both places, Asheville is way better. I remember out flat rides in Boone had about 3500-4000 ft of climbing in about 40 miles. Great if you want to get better at climbing but sucks if you plan on spending anytime steering with your elbows.
Asheville is more varied with a pretty much pan-flat 40 mile out and back along the french broad and all the climbing you could want elsewhere. The parkway is good but there are better places to ride. A lot of our rides would end on the parkway and descend into town.
There is a Tuesday night group ride that draws about 60-70 riders that should be starting to fire now that daylight savings time is on. There are several roadie pros that live in town so be aware that the A group is truly an A group. The fastest ride out and back down the river we averaged well over 30mph. It has been a few years for me so my info is a little dated. I would check in at Bio-Wheels downtown for more info. Liberty Bikes is bigger but the guys at Bio are way cooler.
Asheville is very bike friendly and has WAY more to do as well. The downtown is still alive and well and there is plenty to do during the day and night. The restaurants are also top notch.
Can you tell I love living here? I ridden my bike all over the US and Europe and Asheville is by far one of the best places to ride.
One more thing. Asheville is about 2000 ft elevation and Boone is 3333 and up. This time of the year the weather is going to be warmer in Asheville by about 10 degrees. That can make all the difference.
Thanks everyone for the responses , Asheville is the destination !
actually asheville pizza is one of 8 micros and not nearly the best
- The Wedge…on the river
- Jack of The Wood/Dirty Jacks…beer brewed at dirties…atmosphere better at JOTW
- Pisgah Brewing…have to go half way to Black Mtn in Swannanoah…well worth the drive
- French Broad Brewing on Sweeten Creek…aka as exit 25a
- Then asheville pizza…they do have the pizza.