Giving this thread a bump - Hate to see it get lost. Trigger Warning: Long Post.
I've been living and riding in Asheville for 30 some years now, and would be happy to offer some route ideas - but first a caveat. The Asheville metro area has seen phenomenal growth over the past decade (from 282,000 to 371,000 residents). We're also seeing about 11 million annual visitors. The result of the rapid growth transpo infrastructure has been overwhelmed. Paved routes around town and the surrounding county that were old favorites have mostly become Thunderdome rides. -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JKZKjFjHDM --- If you're still reading this - in addition to the decline in road riding pleasantness, the best close to town off pavement riding (Bent Creek) has become a "regional destination". Trailhead parking can be a challenge, especially on weekends. Having said that, BC and the Pisgah National Forest are still great riding. If you want you can climb up to Bent Tree Gap and descend on the BRPW through two tunnels (bring your lights). Ample (& secure) parking is available at the NC Arboretum for $20 per vehicle. I have an annual membership and could transport up to 4 bikes and three passengers. As already mentioned, the new urban greenway in the River Arts District is pleasant, albeit short, with multiple interesting places to stop for food and/or beverage or just to gawk at the graffiti murals.. There are some opportunities to climb up into surrounding neighborhoods on fairly quiet streets. There also happens to be a small RV park (with a tent area) that the western end of the River Greenway. runs right through. I do not recommend planning a gathering for a holiday weekend --- or any time in the month of October. On Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 9:01:54 PM UTC-5 Pam Bikes wrote: > I think we should stick to the Asheville area for the main ride. I know > Wilson Creek is beautiful. I've hiked there. I ride fully loaded and am > not into hiking a bike. Mine is too heavy. I think we should shoot for a > ride in Asheville at the end of June > For those who want to do Wilson Creek would y'all want to a 2 part Riv > event so people could choose one or the other or both? I hope this pans > out. I'd love to see all these bikes. > On Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 7:02:32 PM UTC-5 Gary L wrote: > >> Oh, and one other detail I forgot to mention is that there's a really >> nice campground at Bent Creek - although it fills up pretty quickly in the >> summer. Lots of chain hotels around Bent Creek too. >> >> >> On Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 6:39:47 PM UTC-5 Gary L wrote: >> >>> The Wilson Creek area is beautiful - but is pretty remote and about 1.5 >>> hrs from Asheville. Closer to Asheville there are some great fire roads and >>> mellow singe track at Bent Creek Experimental Forest that is connected to >>> the NC Arboretum. I ride there all the time and it is just about perfect >>> for a riv. It's also only about 15 min from downtown Asheville. There's >>> also a growing urban bike trail that includes roads, bike paths, and >>> breweries lacing through town that is a fun way to get to know the town >>> (and the beer). And, a new bike store named "Gravelo" just opened in town >>> and although they don't sell rivs, they are very familiar with them and >>> always ooh and aah appropriately when me and my other riv pals go in there. >>> They are really a great group! That's my. $.02! >>> >>> On Friday, March 3, 2023 at 1:19:03 PM UTC-5 Michael Iauch wrote: >>> >>>> I'd propose a ride that is a figure 8 loop in the pisgah national >>>> forest wilson creek area. It takes me about 3hours with a lunch stop. Its >>>> a >>>> 70/30 mix of gravel forest road and fire roads to mostly mellow >>>> singletrack. There are some sections folks may prefer to hike a bike, but >>>> those are downhill. I am not much on digital route planning, I ride with >>>> paper maps, so forgive the lengthy text description. You can refer to the >>>> MTB project website - "yancey ridge" >>>> <https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7003935/yancey-ridge> to use their >>>> map of the area as reference for the following description. Start at >>>> Beacon >>>> Heights on the parkway> Carrol Gragg rd>Mountains to Sea trail> Old House >>>> gap> down yancey ridge trail to FS 451>Roseborough rd> FS 192(old house >>>> gap >>>> rd)>edgemont rd> 221> Beacon heights. >>>> >>>> Another possible route would be a loop covering the Maple Sally Rd >>>> <https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/3567751/maple-sally-road-fsr-187> in >>>> Wilson Creek Area - a full loop ride (back on Brown Mountain Beach) takes >>>> me about 4 hours. Theres also an option for a shorter 10 mile loop >>>> <https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/3283763/loose-mountain-loop> along >>>> the route if some folks wanted to opt for that. >>>> >>>> late may? june? >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 2:51:30 PM UTC-5 Jason D wrote: >>>> >>>>> I would be interested in this ride as well. I visit Asheville pretty >>>>> often, but I don't have any insights on the trails/fire roads there. >>>>> Asheville or Boone would be good with me! >>>>> >>>>> On Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 11:41:33 PM UTC-5 Pam Bikes wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Should we shoot for Boone or Asheville? What month? Mileage? >>>>>> >>>>>> On Monday, February 27, 2023 at 1:01:38 PM UTC-5 River Bailey wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Also in Indy and could travel down with Eric for a Riv ride. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> River >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Monday, February 27, 2023 at 12:07:39 PM UTC-5 EGNolan wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I'm throwing my name in the hat to join along. I'm in Indianapolis, >>>>>>>> but my in-laws are in Spruce Pine just off the Parkway and I'm keen to >>>>>>>> ride >>>>>>>> in the area with other Riv-folk. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Best, >>>>>>>> Eric >>>>>>>> On Monday, February 27, 2023 at 9:08:33 AM UTC-5 Dick Pahle wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Be happy to come up to Boone too. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Dick >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Monday, February 27, 2023 at 1:36:56 AM UTC-5 >>>>>>>>> fiddl...@gmail.com wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Just putting my name down in the "happy to travel from Knoxville >>>>>>>>>> for a Riv-ride" column... >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 9:38:04 AM UTC-5 Dick Pahle >>>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> I am out of my league when it comes to orgainizing things >>>>>>>>>>> (anything). Pam in Charlotte (on this list) is much better at it >>>>>>>>>>> than me as >>>>>>>>>>> she does it all the time. Downside is she doesn't know the area all >>>>>>>>>>> that >>>>>>>>>>> well. Could be wrong about that. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Would enjoy a group ride and would be cool to get others from as >>>>>>>>>>> far away as Kentucky and/or Knoxville Tn to join us. If anybody >>>>>>>>>>> wants to >>>>>>>>>>> stay overnight Jann and I have two guest bedrooms and lots of >>>>>>>>>>> floorspace >>>>>>>>>>> for those who may not mind crashing there in a sleeping bag. Neat >>>>>>>>>>> little >>>>>>>>>>> 50's style motel nearby too. Lots of camping options including >>>>>>>>>>> backcountry >>>>>>>>>>> in the Pisgah National Forest. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> 99% of my road riding is slow and solo. Leave from my house for >>>>>>>>>>> various amounts of time and distance, based on how my 73 year old >>>>>>>>>>> body >>>>>>>>>>> feels at the time. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Thinking out loud...........many good local shops in town. They >>>>>>>>>>> could suggest routes. Or we could do a section of the Blue Ridge >>>>>>>>>>> Parkway >>>>>>>>>>> which would mean out and back or arranging for some kind of shuttle >>>>>>>>>>> service. Parkway is beautiful. Lots of 'scenic overlook spots' >>>>>>>>>>> every few >>>>>>>>>>> miles. Hilly in lots of places. As best I can recall the elevation >>>>>>>>>>> along >>>>>>>>>>> the ridge near us is 3 to 5,000 feet. Riding up to the Parkway and >>>>>>>>>>> back >>>>>>>>>>> from Brevard would be about 30 miles, round trip. Or longer if you >>>>>>>>>>> wanted >>>>>>>>>>> to add some parkway miles once we got up there. For me, that would >>>>>>>>>>> be a >>>>>>>>>>> hard ride. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> What's next? Does someone here wanna organize? All done on this >>>>>>>>>>> thread or do we start a new one? >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Spring and fall are georgeous here. Summer too but it can be hot >>>>>>>>>>> and humid. Plus, we are in a temperate rain forest so it rains a >>>>>>>>>>> lot. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Had no idea my post looking for Rivs in the area would generate >>>>>>>>>>> this kinda response. It's great!!! >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Dick >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> On Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 2:24:27 PM UTC-5 >>>>>>>>>>> steve...@gmail.com wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Dick, just saying "thank you" for kicking off this thread. >>>>>>>>>>>> Interesting to see the number of Riv riders in the area. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> If you ever take a notion to organize a Brevard area ride for >>>>>>>>>>>> Riv riders (and Riv curious, like myself) I'd be interested. >>>>>>>>>>>> Between the >>>>>>>>>>>> Brevard paved greenway network, the dirt trail into the National >>>>>>>>>>>> Forest at >>>>>>>>>>>> Pisgah Forest and the breweries/eateries along the greenway - and >>>>>>>>>>>> whatever >>>>>>>>>>>> routes you Brevard locals keep secret - I bet a low key party pace >>>>>>>>>>>> ride >>>>>>>>>>>> could be a fun event. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> On Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 9:31:53 AM UTC-5 Dick Pahle >>>>>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Thanx to all responding to my western NC post. Good to know. >>>>>>>>>>>>> First......to Pam........took your CC class in Clt few years ago. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Still >>>>>>>>>>>>> benefitting from it. Good friend of David S who I think is >>>>>>>>>>>>> member of this >>>>>>>>>>>>> group too. To Michael........will keep eyes open for your father >>>>>>>>>>>>> here in >>>>>>>>>>>>> Brevard. At 73, I'm guessing I'm as old or older than him. :-) To >>>>>>>>>>>>> Steve in >>>>>>>>>>>>> Asheville. I know the areas you mention well. The hills around >>>>>>>>>>>>> here can be >>>>>>>>>>>>> brutal, especially for an old slow guy like me. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> I've ridden from my home in Brevard to the Parkway (Blue Ridge >>>>>>>>>>>>> Parkway) once, up 276 and back down. ~ 40 miles round trip with >>>>>>>>>>>>> tough >>>>>>>>>>>>> elevation gain, especially the last few miles, before heading >>>>>>>>>>>>> back down. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Ever thankful for my super comfortable 61 Homer that Keven helped >>>>>>>>>>>>> me with >>>>>>>>>>>>> back when he was still at Riv. Great guy. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> I get the usual comments about my bike. Nice bike! How old is >>>>>>>>>>>>> it? Among others. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Dick >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> On Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 8:58:27 AM UTC-5 lconley >>>>>>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> I don't live in NC, but my sister lives in Pittsboro, and I >>>>>>>>>>>>>> generally make it up there a couple of times a year. I will be >>>>>>>>>>>>>> there the >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 1st week of July this year at a minimum. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Laing >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> On Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 7:36:20 AM UTC-5 James wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I'm a Riv rider in West Asheville >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> On Monday, February 13, 2023 at 11:03:21 PM UTC-5 lukeheller >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I used to ride a Riv Canti-Rom for a few years when i first >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> started riding brevets in 2012. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> No longer ride a riv but all my bikes are riv inspired. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I've had several custom frames that are spin offs from my >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> canti-rom. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I'm the local organizer for the Asheville Intl Randonneurs >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> and live in Asheville if anyone wants to drink the kool-aid. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> On Monday, February 13, 2023 at 9:33:52 PM UTC-5 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> steve...@gmail.com wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I'm in Asheville. Not currently on a Riv but am giving one >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> some serious thought (which is why I'm on this group). I >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> occasionally ride >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> fire roads in the Pisgah starting from the Hub. Last spring I >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> did a ride >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> from the Arboretum at Bent Creek to the Hub (still sore from >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> that one!). >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Been thinking Oscar Blues or Ecusta Brewing might be fun to >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> start from and >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> end at. I'd enjoy riding with a group of Riv riders - if >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> you'd promise not >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> to be too hard on me if I turn up on a different marque. Full >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> disclosure; I >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> am old and slow. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> On Monday, February 13, 2023 at 8:45:40 PM UTC-5 Pam Bikes >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I'm in Charlotte, NC. We should plan a Riv NC ride >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> sometime. I'm not much for climbing. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> On Monday, February 13, 2023 at 7:20:00 PM UTC-5 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> esoter...@gmail.com wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Dick, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I live in the flatlands of Raleigh, but my wife and I >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> had a chance to go on a terrific gravel ride with Michael >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> on a visit to >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Boone. Michael's a wonderful guy and he knows a bunch of >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> great rides in the >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> area. Y'all have some excellent terrain up there in western >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> NC. If you ever >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> find yourself near Boone, reach out to him. It's always a >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> hoot to connect >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> with someone on the list in person. Cheers, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ~Mark >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Raleigh, NC >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> On Monday, February 13, 2023 at 6:32:23 PM UTC-5 Michael >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Iauch wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I ride an Atlantis in Boone. Went to high school in >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Brevard. My folks still live there. You may see my dad >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> riding an old >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> diamond back with albatross bars I found in a junk pile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> and built up for >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> him. He installed an electric assist on it! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Michael >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Boone, NC >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> On Monday, February 13, 2023 at 1:36:10 PM UTC-5 Artaud >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I ride my Hillborne further East in Greensboro, but >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> after riding back home from Floyd two summers ago, I've >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> been wanting to >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> spend more time riding in the mountains. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Denis, in NC >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Le lundi 13 février 2023 à 12:21:08 UTC-5, Dick Pahle >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> a écrit : >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Checking to see if there are any Riv people, other >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> than me, in the Brevard NC area. I ride a 2015 AHH. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Dick >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/a2776910-fdf5-4943-b15c-3e727e510119n%40googlegroups.com.
