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Discover the beauty and
history of the Appalachian mountains on this
575 mile bicycle tour along two of the most
scenic and pristine roads in North America.
You will cycle from the Shenandoah National
Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park in North Carolina. Challenge
yourself and test your will as you climb over
50,000 vertical feet along the way.
This tour is a more demanding
version of the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge
Parkway Bicycle Tour. The focus on this tour
will be testing yourself as you cycle an
average of 64 miles a day over some of the
most beautiful but challenging terrain in the
North America. Since we will be spending more
time in the saddle there will be less
extra-curricular activities on this tour than
on the 15 day version but the accommodations
and dining will still be chosen to ensure that
you feel pampered while not cycling. I look forward to sharing this experience with those cyclists who feel the call to truly challenge themselves.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Asheville to Front Royal
We leave Asheville at 10am to shuttle to the town of Front Royal, VA. This lengthy shuttle will give you plenty of time to get to know your fellow participants and guides. After checking into the Hampton Inn we will head into town for a wonderful dinner before settling down for a good nights rest.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 - The Journey Begins!
After breakfast we head to
the entry point of the Skyline Drive where our
575 mile cycling journey begins. This 105 mile
road winds its way through the scenic
Shenandoah National Park. Stone walls and the
tendency of trees to form a canopy over the
road give the Skyline Drive a secluded
feeling. Because the road runs through a
National Park, wildlife sightings are fairly
common. Today's riding ends at the beautiful
Big Meadows Lodge where we will enjoy a
delicious dinner and wonderful long range
views.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Milepost 0.0 to 51 = 51 miles
Day 3 - The Second Half of Skyline Drive
This morning we leave the Big Meadows area to
cycle the second half of the Skyline Drive.
Today's route will take us by several
stunning overlooks before
the final descent to Rockfish Gap, where the
Skyline Drive ends and the Blue Ridge Parkway
begins. Tonight we will stay at the Holiday
Inn in Waynesboro, VA and celebrate our first
milestone, the completion of the Skyline Drive.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Milepost 51 to 105.4 = 54.4 miles
Day 4 - Entering the Blue Ridge Parkway
After breakfast we
shuttle back up the ridge to begin our
journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The next two days are the longest of the tour to accommodate the spacing between available
on the Parkway lodges. Today we will cycle for 86 miles to the Peaks of Otter Lodge, which is one of three lodges
that are located on the Blue Ridge Parkway in
which we will be staying. Today's route is one of the most challenging both for its length and the
infamous Apple Orchard climb. Tonight's lodging with its pristine setting and restaurant overlooking the lake will be just reward for your efforts.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mileage: 0.0 - 86.0 = 86 Miles
Day 5 - Peaks of Otter to
Rocky Knob
Today we will cycle for 88
miles along a stretch of the Parkway that is
full of historic farms, cabins and beautiful
overlooks. We will begin the day by descending
out of the Peaks of Otter into the rolling
terrain of the Roanoke valley before ascending
up to Rocky Knob. Tonight's lodge will be the Woodberry Inn, a beautiful inn set along the banks of a private lake. There are several unique options for dining depending on the season and day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mileage: 86.0 - 174.1 = 88.1 Miles
Day 6 - From Rocky Knob to Doughton Park
This morning we will have the pleasure of a
bountiful breakfast prepared for us by
our gracious host at the Woodberry Inn. After
breakfast we continue the days 67 mile route
which will bring us into North Carolina. The
route ends at Bluffs Lodge, which is located
next to the beautiful 6,000 acre Doughton
Park. After getting cleaned up there are
several optional hiking trails where you can
take in the dramatic sunset.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mileage: 174.1 - 241.1 = 67 Miles
Day 7 - Beautiful Blowing Rock
Today's 51 mile route will
start with a glorious descent past sheer rock
faces and roll along the ridge as you make your way into the beautiful mountain town of Blowing Rock. That evening we will relax at the luxurious Chetola Resort, which is within walking distance to many interesting shops and fine restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mileage: 241.1 - 291.8 = 50.7
Day 8 - A Day of Recovery in Beautiful Blowing Rock
The day is yours today to do whatever you choose. You may choose to stroll through the area's many shops, relax by the hotel pool or join a few of us as we cycle the infamous climbs of the once fabled Tour DuPont. Tonight you can dine privately or of course you are more than welcome to join your guides as we sample some of the local cuisine.
Meals: Breakfast
Mileage: 0
Day 9 - Conquer the famous Mount Mitchell
After breakfast we will set out on
a 69 mile route that finishes with the infamous climb to the top of Mount Mitchell, the tallest mountain east of the
Mississippi. At the top of the mountain you will want to visit the natural history museum to learn about the areas unique environment and also take the short hike to the observation tower where you will enjoy an amazing view of distant mountain ranges. That evening we will eat and sleep at the cozy Little Switzerland Inn.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mileage: 291.8 - 355 .4 (plus 5 miles up to Mount Mitchell) = 69 Miles
Day 10 - Mountain to Mountain
Today we will cycle from Mount Mitchell to Mount Pisgah and the Mount Pisgah Inn, which offers up some incredible views and delicious food. Today's 51 mile route contains a long descent
in to the French Broad River valley and a long climb
up Mt. Pisgah and a whole lot of beautiful
scenery to keep you inspired along the way.
A brief stop at the Folk Art Center will allow
you an opportunity to admire and even purchase
original crafts made by local artisans.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mileage: 355.4 - 406.6 = 51.2 Miles
Day 11 - The Final
Glorious Day Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
This is it, the final day, 62
of the most remote and beautiful miles of the entire tour. After breakfast we will cycle along the Pisgah
Ridge through the Great Balsams to the Smoky Mountains,
along the way we will pass over the highest point on the Parkway.
To celebrate everyone's accomplishment of
finishing this challenging tour we will
shuttle into the city of Asheville where we
will enjoy a gourmet meal and sample the famed
night life of this beautiful city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mileage: 406.6 - 469 = 62.4 Miles
Day 12 - Final Farwell
After a relaxing breakfast in your hotel room you are free to depart at your leisure. The trip home will be a time of reflection on the incredible accomplishment you have achieved and the new friends you have made along the way.
Meals: Breakfast
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