Blue Ridge Parkway Cycling

Blue Ridge Parkway Cycling Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Asheville, NC.  After settling into your room at the beautiful Haywood Park Hotel you can opt for a short stroll around town or simply relax around the adjoining bar. We will gather for an informal meet and greet with your fellow guests and host in the early evening. Tonight we will walk to one of the many gourmet restaurants in the beautiful downtown district of Asheville. Meals provided: Dinner.

• Day 2

  After a bountiful breakfast we will cycle one of the many options available to us. Today is our first day riding the parkway and taking in the smells and sights of Blue Ridge. There will be a range of riding options to accommodate any cyclist’s desires. Additional opportunities include hiking at Chimney Rock Park or a tour of the world-famous Biltmore Estate. Tonight we dine at one of the finest restaurants Asheville has to offer. All Meals provided. Mileage: options ranging from 30 to 60+ miles.  Our guides will assist in the selection of a route that is appropriate for group members’ abilities and desires.

• Day 3

  After breakfast we head out for one of the most beautiful stretches of road along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The cycling will be incredibly rewarding as we ride along the Pisgah and Balsam Ranges considered by many to be the most spectacular section of the Parkway. The views on this stretch of the tour will leave you in awe of this incredible gem of the National Park system. We will again venture into Asheville tonight for another great experience in this fantastic city.  All Meals provided. Mileage: options ranging from 30 to 60+ miles. Our guides will assist in the selection of a route that is appropriate for group members’ abilities and desires.

• Day 4

  After another gourmet breakfast we journey out for a final ride around this beautiful region. After our ride we will shuttle back to our host inn where we will enjoy lunch while we say our goodbyes.  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Mileage: options ranging from 30 to 50+ miles.Our guides will assist in the selection of a route that is appropriate for group members’ abilities and desires

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.  This trip is operated rain or shine.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a very limited number of single rooms available on most departures.

Three nights lodging at Haywood Park Hotel; professional guiding; meals as noted on the daily itinerary; on-trip shuttles from the hotel to and from ride departure locations; sag vehicle support.

Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; park entrance fees where required, insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature. You must bring your own bike or road bike rentals are available for $120. Helmets are not included in the price of bike rentals and are not available for rent. You must provide your own helmet.

This trip is rated Vigorous (4) as we plan to ride between 30 and 60 miles each day, depending on group members’ desires and abilities, on mostly rolling terrain with some sustained climbs.  Vehicle support, however, is provided throughout the tour, and the guides will customize the route to best suit the group.  Because this is a group ride, and REI aims to assure a relatively consistent level of fitness and skill among riders, we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least three months prior to your departure.  Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level.

Average daytime high is 77 degrees F, with evening temperatures dropping to an average low of around 56 degrees F. Realize that these temperature estimations will vary. Late-season trips especially will experience a wider range of temperatures. Thunderstorms are a possibility at any time in the mountains, making adequate raingear a must.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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