Good news! The registration button is now working and active on the website (see the MTMS logo to the right). Your fee will be used to provide rest stops snacks and fluids, support the rest stop volunteers/drivers and pay for their fuel, pay for a few city and county permits, and provide a subsidy for evening social events. And really, where else can you get four days of great riding and great roads for $50? See you there.
Climbing Elk Mountain. The December issue of Bicycling, page 31 profiles the first big climb we will hit on Thursday morning in April: Elk Mountain Scenic Highway. Everything in the article is right and more! (I’ve seen turkeys, but not the bears – ed). Here’s a little more info. There is nothing about the road that resembles a highway. No traffic, especially. This narrow, tree-covered two lane road starts a few miles north of Asheville, and snakes upwards towards the Blue Ridge Parkway. Its starts off shallow, at maybe 4-5% with a long open straightaway that quickly enters the trees, and begins 2-3 miles of switchbacks, offering occasional views of the surrounding mountains and the city itself. At about 4 miles in, the road kicks up to a 10% grade for an extended section, even giving the appearance you have reached the top. But it’s a short downhill through a pretty clearing, then back up again. The last 300 meters or so are again at 10%, finishing at 3,700 feet, before you enjoy a one mile downhill to the Blue Ridge Parkway. All in all, its 5.2 miles at 5.7%, with the hardest climbing towards the top.
Great Eats. The Bicycling article also mentions The Early Girl Café, one of the best restaurants in Asheville – and quite affordable. And it is all that. But the catch is there is often a line to get seated. The menu changes daily, using a lot of local ingredients, but some solid choices that are often on the menu include the vegetarian biscuits/gravy and the sweet potato hash for breakfast. For dinner, consider the mountain trout, meatloaf, or the avocado and sprouts sandwich. Small, but excellent selection of local beers, too. Check out the Refueling link to learn about other great food options.
Major Taylor Mountains Summit - 2017 