For all you cycling enthusiasts, Hawk’s View Chalet, a cabin rental offered by Vacation In Asheville Vacation Rentals, offers exceptional biking options on the Blue Ridge Parkway and other backcountry roads of the area.  For the more ambitious cyclist, simply roll right our the front door onto scenic Reems Creek Road and in 1 mile turn onto Ox Creek Road.  A beautiful rural valley road that gently rolls in the first couple of miles and then starts uphill for a very challenging 3 mile climb, ending at the Blue Ridge ParkwayDuring the Tour DuPont (cycling stage race held in the US between 1991 and 1996), the climb up Ox Creek Road often decided the actual winner of the Tour’s queen stage ending in downtown Asheville.

Once at the Blue Ridge Parkway, one can head north for 25 miles and the epic ascent of Mt. Mitchell (highest peak east of the Mississippi), or continue going north towards scenic Little Switzerland and Linville Gorge.  No matter how far one chooses to go, cycling the Blue Ridge Parkway is an absolute treat!

Or turn south on the Parkway at the Ox Creek junction and in a couple of miles take a right onto scenic hwy 694 (Asheville’s Town Mountain Road).  This beautiful road travels along a distinct ridge that ends by descending into downtown Asheville in approximately 6 miles.  Take your bike into the center of Asheville and enjoy an expresso or latte at one of the many coffee houses found around town before you head back – or have your buddies come and pick you up!

Special note of interest, there are several trailheads at the Ox Creek/BRP junction and all along the BRP for those of you wishing to hike – the Ox Creek junction of the BRP “white dot” or “Mountains-to-Sea Trail” has recently been renamed to be the “Obama Trailhead” in honor of the Obama’s as this is where Barack and Michelle Obama hiked on their vacation to Asheville North Carolina one May.  And if motor-touring is more to your taste, Reems Creek Road, Ox Creek Road, Town Mountain Road and the Blue Ridge Parkway are a delight in your car or on your motorcycle as well.