Thinking about doing some training with a beautiful setting in the fall and spring. Probably can only devote 4 or 5 days and planning on moving N to S thru N. Carolina. 50 to 70 miles per day, max of 100 when I ride from north of Asheville down to the end of the parkway, too easy or too ambitious? Should I take on Mt. Michell solo? I’m a very patient climber and can hold my own in the Gaps in N. GA. Probably won’t get a KOM jersey, but don’t mind spinning up longer climbs. Not even sure if I want to use my compact. Are there places to stay right off of the Parkway? I know some of you guys have done this, so offer up some tips that will allow me concentrate on riding and enjoying the experience!,
i have ridden on the Virginia section of the parkway, and it was lovely. The motorists were calm and respectful, probably because they were out to look at the scenery too. While I have heard the climbing is tougher in NC, the only part if found challenging was the climb up to the parkway, which was not too tough considering I was doing a fully loaded cross country bike tour. It was steep. Riding on the parkway itself, was somewhat of a breeze. Wish I could speak for specific sections of the parkway in NC, but can’t. There was plenty of lodging available, but some of the rates were steep! You’re going early but there are events and seasons (fall foliage season, $250 a night for a motel room!) so it would be wise to map something out a bit before hand.
best,
michael
I live 20 minutes south of Blowing Rock/ Boone, NC. BR Parkway runs right through it. I ride it bout every weekend. Some of the best fall riding in America. Hey, did you read lance Armstrong"s book? He likes it here. Climbs are tough at times but not “HC”. Lot’s of great bed and breakfasts to choose from. Spectacular scenery. You’ll love it.
Hello, and best wishes on the trip you are planning. I live near the BRP in NC and frequently bike to or near it. In fact rode some of it yesterday. What the others say is true, BUT only some of the time and in some areas.
No question it is beautiful. The problem is that there are a lot of rubber neck drivers watching the views and not you on the bike. I personally believe it is a POOR place to do a lot of riding, in general, unless you are very familiar with thye area, traffic patterns, etc. Some places have very little sight distances, there are no shoulders, etc - NOT the best and safest place to ride.
Further, there are many roads that are close to the BRP w/ little or no traffic that are far better. I paralleled the BLP for most of my ride yesterday (100+ miles), but was only on it for 14 miles. The back roads had NO (seriously) traffic. IMHO, it is a much wiser choice.
Good luck and be safe!
Some years ago I lived a mile from the parkway entrance at the French Broad River, just across the river from Biltmore. I mostly went south on the parkway and mostly after it closed when the first freezing precipitation fell.
I wouldn’t recommend riding the parkway in the fall, at least not during leaf-peeper season. Too many drivers paying too little attention to the business at hand. Other times it’s pretty nice. As another poster noted, you can find much-less traveled roads, but you’d need local knowledge to pick ones with decent width or shoulder. They can be narrow, and local drivers haul a##.
If you’re starting in the Blowing Rock area, you might as well do Mt. Mitchell. It’s on a stub a few miles long right off the parkway. There’s one section that’s very steep, but it doesn’t last long. From there heading south, you may want to have a tailight for the tunnels. I usually put a Minimag Lite in my mouth, too, to illuminate the center stripe for guidance.
There are numerous hotels close to the parkway at Asheville. On the parkway, however, there’s only the Pisgah Inn once you finish the climb to Mt. Pisgah. That’s a very scenic spot, and there’s lots of great hiking from there.
Once you cross 276, it will get considerably quieter, especially past Graveyard Fields.
On the whole, it’s nice riding and good climbing. Just don’t expect to have it to yourself.
Thanks for the advice. Just putting together the logistics right now. I’ll keep y’all updated