Sorry for butting in, but I am traveling to Asheville in a week for a
meeting. I'd like something close to town, westy-westy friendly and since
it's a 1.6 diesel, I am not looking for any huge hills. Any recommendations
there?

Jim

On Tue, Mar 15, 2011 at 9:12 PM, Chris S <szpejankowski@gmail.com> wrote:

> I travel to Asheville area all the time. I recommend Asheville East KOA
> which puts you in close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway(BRP), which you
> absolutely must drive.  The route up the Parkway from Asheville past Craggy
> Gardens up to top of Mount Mitchell is stunning. If you're in good cycling
> shape you can bike up the BRP from the Folk Art Center to Mt. Mitchell. That
> takes you up from about 2200 feet to 5500 in around 15 miles, if memory
> serves correctly, with the round trip of about 27 miles.   Otherwise the
> Craggy Gardens ride to Mt. Michell will give the best views without killing
> you, much. Heading the opposite way is Mt. Pisgah with Mt. Pisgah
> campground. They recently got HOT showers and camping rates are very
> reasonable. Cycling from there will take you south along less demanding
> inclines, but the views are open for wide vistas.
>
> Otherwise there are many campgrounds in the area just off BRP. North Mills
> River campground is very primitive but offers campsites just off a gravel
> road that climbs all the way up to BRP. Carolina Hemlocks is the east side
> of Mt. Mitchell with showers. Camping in that area us also available off the
> meandering forest roads if you like it quiet and very, very dark at night.
>
> Asheville West KOA is quiet with surprisingly quick access to Asheville,
> but puts you out of quick reach to BRP.
>
> If timing works out I may drive up to Asheville around the same time from
> Atlanta.
>
> Chris.
>
> Wysłane z iPhone'a
>
> Dnia Mar 15, 2011 o godz. 21:25 turbowesty <turbowesty@GMAIL.COM>
> napisał(a):
>
>
>  I am headed down to NC for a week of relaxing and cycling in mid April
>> (starting out from up here in Toronto) and I'm interested  in hearing
>> suggestions for a night or two on the way down plus personal favourites for
>> camping in and around Asheville. And any good tips on bike routes!!!
>>
>> There are 3 objectives to this trip... one is testing out my Vanagon for
>> upcoming long trips (I retire in 8 days), two is relaxing (30 years, I
>> deserve a break), and three is getting in some great bike rides / training
>> rides (still want to stay fit!).
>>
>> So... I'm all ears! Fire away... (pmail if it's NVC).
>>
>> Regards, Peter Kraiker
>> nextchapter.kraikerphoto.com
>> Toronto, ON, Canada
>> '82 L Westfalia 1.9 TD 5 Spd (Babe)
>>
>