Day 6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway - Little Switzerland to Asheville

I am writing this on Sunday, Sept. 30th, at the Asheville Airport, waiting for our flight home to Sacramento. This post is the best I can do in recollecting our ride on Friday. It's been a hectic couple of days!

Here I am, setting out to ride. Part of our vacation package includes this nifty Black Bear Adventures jersey. I cannot say enough about Paul Wood and his Black Bear Adventures experience. Top notch all the way. Not one thing to possibly complain about and many many unexpected delights throughout our 10 days with Paul and crew.

Jett did not ride on Day 6, nor Day 7. She unfortunately developed a severe case of undercarriage issues. She was in considerable pain and in no way could tolerate a saddle. On Day 6 she rode in the support van with her new BFF, Rod.


Again, one of my favorite sights - seeing my support crew ready and waiting for me!


Our weather started getting a little less beautiful on Day 6. We had been so fortunate, having 5 riding days of blue sunny skies!


I have learned that I have a significant tunnel phobia. Luckily I did not have to ride through any super long, dark tunnels. (Janie did!) On a bike, I felt so vulnerable to cars and road debris (which I never encountered - these roads are the cleanest you could ask for - but since you cannot see in the tunnels, the fear of running into/over something was always there for me). Every time I went through a tunnel, I just tried to get through ASAP. I tilted my sunglasses down to see better, and still kept one eye glued to my rear-view mirror, watching for a speeding car to come up and run me down from behind. Luckily, I never had to share a tunnel with another vehicle. (Janie did!)


Here's a tunnel warning sign. Gave me shivers every time.


Behind me and Jett is Mount Mitchell, the out-and-back option destination on Day 6. It's 5-mile climb. Long, but not bad. I am feeling better and climbing better every day. All quad issues resolved, thank heavens.


Here I am feeling a little feisty and ready to climb!


I found a little caterpillar dude at our rest stop. I gave it to Thurman for a pet.


Here is the whole crew ready to tackle Mount Mitchell. Jett did not ride, and Janie (who was nursing a knee sore from climbing) also did not climb the mountain.


All throughout the climb, you could see Mount Mitchell out there, waiting for you. And also some questionable weather at the top. Mount Mitchell is the highest mountain peak east of the Rockies. Who knew?


Understatement here.


Creeping up on the mountain. We are seeing a little more fall color each day.


Climbing up into a cloud.


And I have reached the top! Happy, clammy, and cold! Mostly happy!


Trevor, Paul, me, and the Thurmanator.



These friendly Harley dudes could not believe we climbed up here on our bicycles. They took our pictures and we did the same. We offered to move my bike out of the way, but they wanted to keep it in the shot.


And Pat came in last. I was finally keeping up with at least on boy a little better!


Back at the base of the mountain (very chilly descent), I hooked up with Janie for the rest of the ride. Here are some nice fall colors.


I tried to get a shot of the fall leaves flying through the air. So pretty. There is Janie up ahead.


I tried some of this wicked stuff on my sore neck/shoulders today. I nearly burned myself to a crisp. I had to have Jett remove as much as possible - it still burned! The burning sensation did keep me distracted on that long climb up the mountain.


We had dinner at an authentic Indian restaurant tonight.


I had a "mild" chicken dish. So spicy!!!

Day 5 Afternoon (Half of a Rest Day)

Because we only rode 45 miles today, the entire afternoon was leisure... Here are the photos from our time in Little Switzerland.



Our beds had these awesome bicycle pillows. Perfect for us.


And a mural in our room.


Here's the lodge area.


More of the common room lodge area.


Thurman's t-shirt says, "Peace, love & livermush." Only in the south.


Walking to lunch.


Not sure what this is, but I liked it.


The Blue Ridge Parkway is heavily populated by Harleys.


Jett and her boyfriend, Rod.


Going to lunch.


A cool little coffee shop, used book store, and antique shop here. What a great club chair to curl up in and read (or nap).


Another view of this cute little town.


Two more hex signs.


This one is in a "bear's claw" design we were told by a local.


She said it referenced being on Bear Wallow Road.


Looking down into a sunken garden.


And another hex! This tiny town is well covered!


View of the Switzerland Inn public area from our room's back door.


There is a nice pool and hot tubs here too.


Jett and Rod goofing off at dinner.


Janie and Jettie...


Tomorrow night we will have a full moon.

Day 5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway - Blowing Rock to Little Switzerland

My best day yet on the BRP. Only 45 miles. Even with a lot of climbing (4500'), this day was almost half the mileage/climb we experienced on Day 1. It was so weird to end the ride before lunch.

My legs are getting better every day. I am still taking it easy, but I did put the "heat" on a couple of times today. We had an amazing descent today. Jettie was super happy during the ride, but is now in considerable pain due to painful undercarriage issues. She's never had these problems before, but now she is worse shape than me.

We are staying in yet another cool little resort in another cool little town. This is the best facation ever... Here are the photos for the day.



Here's Trevor with the "horse brass" piece I found in a Blowing Rock antique shop. It says "Devon" which is where Trevor lives in England.


A beautiful painted lady as we leave Blowing Rock.


A nice little lake on the other side of the Parkway. I should have crossed the road to get a better shot, but must have been tired or on a climb!



Beautiful pavement for miles...


Fall color! We are increasing our elevation now, maybe at 4000' in elevation. They say we are having an early fall showing here on the BRP. Usually it hits the second week of October. Lucky us!


More waterfalls.



Hmmm, not sure who that is. Jett and Janie?


Me and Thurman with the Linn Viaduct ahead of us.


About to enter that viaduct. I was a little afraid! I have a fear of heights...


On the V!


Here's Paul on the V with me.


And happy at our rest stop. Seated are Trevor, Pat, Paul, Jett, Janie, me, and Thurman standing behind us.


Photos do not do these scenes justice.


A very beautiful overlook. It gave me a little vertigo coming down on this.


The view up the steps from the overlook.


Everything here is gorgeous. Railings, steps, walls, everything is natural and beautiful.


The same goes for Paul's amazing legs. Sigh....


Here are Paul's collection of stickers on the van. Fun!








Here's our route sheet for the day. Look at that lovely stepped downhill in the middle. Then the rad downhill 3/4 of the way in. Very fun. Jett clocked her max speed on that downhill well in the mid-40s.


Back at the overlook. This time with the crew. I think that is Thurman and for sure that is Paul.



Trevor, Paul, Thurman, Jett, Janie, Pat, me!



One of my favorite sights on the BRP!


More lovely downhills ahead.


Here's Thurman within 2 miles of the finish.


And Paul.


And Jettie heading in. She was EFI for the day.


Oh and a short, but still scary tunnel. We will have a longer tunnel tomorrow, then some major dark and scary tunnels on the last day. Only 2 more days of cycling!