Please find the photos for this entry here: Asheville, North Carolina to Charlottesville, Virginia (Photos/videos should be pretty self explanatory, but just let us know if you have questions!)
Asheville was a much needed R&R for us. We rested our weary legs and minds over what felt like a decadent four day break. We made repairs, hiked some trails, went to see live music, ate food constantly, and kicked back with some local craft beers. A big thanks and shout out to Styles Rider and Devan McVay for being amazing hosts and showing us around Asheville. We all felt refreshed and rejuvenated as we set out onto the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Climbing out of Asheville along the winding mountain road we encountered our first other touring cyclist since we had entered the states. Ed from England was on the tail end of his solo trip around New England and along the East Coast when he caught up to us. Since we were heading in the same direction along the parkway he joined us and we continued into the mountains together. He was a welcome addition and joyful company. With his unquenchable humor and spark for adventure he fit right in and was a welcome addition.
The Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall is one of the more beautiful and iconic roadways on the East Coast if not the entire country. The winding mountain road passes through hand hewn tunnels and over lifted bridges as it connects one breathtaking view to the next. It showcases the majesty of the Southern Appalachians in their tapestry of shifting fall colors overshadowed by the hazy blue horizons that give it its name. This was the our most beautiful section of riding that we would do in the U.S. and also the last time we would be camping.
As the changing of the seasons washed over us we set our tents amid the rhododendrons and watched the swirling leaves blow in the crisp afternoon wind. Every time we stopped at a scenic lookout point, people would ask us about our trip and showed us a continuing flow of encouragement, generosity, and connection. It was yet another affirmation of our mission that people from all walks of life and parts of the country would greet us with such openness and interest. It felt too soon when we dropped down into the lowlands again and turned towards Charlottesville.
Please find the photos for this entry here: Asheville, North Carolina to Charlottesville, Virginia (Photos/videos should be pretty self explanatory, but just let us know if you have questions!)