The Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North and South Carolina are a cycling paradise, offering some of the best riding in the United States. While many think of Colorado, California, Hawaii, Arizona, and Utah when they think of America's best bike riding, the Blue Ridge Mountains deserve equal billing. With seemingly endless roads, picture-perfect mountaintop views, and long, sustained climbs, this area is a true cycling mecca.
I recently had the opportunity to ride 270 miles through Appalachia as a guest of the Arthritis Foundation's Carolina Hills Classic. The ride was a four-day endeavor that took us through the charming mountain villages of Brevard and Greenville, with two 70-mile loops around Asheville and Greenville, respectively. The route featured two point-to-point days, with the highlight being a 14-mile climb on the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, followed by a 16-mile descent.
The climbs in the Blue Ridge Mountains are long and challenging, with some being steeper than others. Matthew Busche, a two-time National Road Race Champion, described the climbs as 'long, some steeper, some more gradual.' The variety of terrain, quiet roads, and beautiful scenery make this area a cycling haven. The cycling culture is so deep here that, any time you show up to a local race, someone from this area is potentially going to win.
The Carolina Hills Classic was a brutal event, with some days being particularly challenging. The route was eminently achievable for riders of all abilities, but the grinders among us were pushed to their limits. The ride raised nearly a quarter-million dollars for the Arthritis Foundation, but the real impact was the friendships made and the rich and compelling experience of riding in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
In my opinion, the Blue Ridge Mountains are one of America's true hallowed cycling grounds. The climbs, descents, and scenery are comparable to the Alps or the Dolomites. The cycling culture is deep and compelling, and the area deserves equal billing with the likes of Colorado, California, Hawaii, and Utah. If you're looking for a cycling adventure, the Blue Ridge Mountains should be at the top of your list.
