Saturday's Ride with Virtual Fred

Vital Statistics

Route

BRP 331 [Little Switzerland/Spruce Pine] - BRP 431 [Richland Balsam] and back

Personnel and Rides

Waypoints

Mileage

About 210, after jaunting in Asheville for lunch and gas

Time

The Story

Tom and I had never been on the BRP south of Asheville, so we had decided to head south on the BRP for Saturday, which promised to be a beautiful warm and sunny day. Our goal was the end of the BRP (Milepost 469), or however far we got before we needed to turn around. Before Saturday's breakfast was over, we had gathered 8 more people and 5 more bikes for our trip. In memory of many rides with Fred, we carried Virtual Fred in Tom's tankbag: one more rider for a total of 11. (More information on Fred)

We rolled out around 9:30am, filled up all the bikes in Spruce Pine, then got on the BRP (Milepost 331) and started riding. The sun shone and the air was cool, but not cold. We passed the exit for Mt. Mitchell, which made me think of the chick rides Fred led at Spring Rides past. He was always proud of being proclaimed an honorary chick. I gave Mt. Mitchell a salute as I passed for Fred.

Craggy Gardens

Our first stop was at Craggy Gardens (Milepost 364.6) for a leg stretch. As the BRP had wound its way up and down, we had warmed, then cooled, then warmed again. Craggy Gardens was a chilly spot, and we all wandered into the ranger station to warm ourselves by the wood stove. I had fond memories of that stove from a previous Spring Ride on a cold day when the BRP was socked in with fog and intermittent rain. Someone said the thermometer was reading about 35 degrees, although I didn't think it felt that cold. The thermometer must have been in a windy, shady spot.

Looking out at the valley below, we could see a town nestled in lush greenness. At the overlook, everything was still brown and dormant. A sign in the ranger station said that although the town was only a few miles away as the crow flies, the difference in climate due to altitude was extreme. The overlook had a similar climate to that of 1000 miles north in Canada.

Some pictures were taken, a few souvenirs bought, and some extra clothes put on; then we mounted our bikes and continued our southwestern trek.

Folk Art Center

Our second stop was only 18 miles onward, at the Folk Art Center (Milepost 382) just before Asheville. 18 miles and many degrees warmer. This is always an interesting stop, being something between an area museum and craft store. Quilts, exquisite woodwork, glass, jewelry, paintings, textiles. There's something for everyone, and the exhibits are always changing.

Riding

After perhaps a half hour, it was noon and we decided to get lunch in Asheville instead of Mt. Pisgah. A BBQ restaurant was proposed and approved, and we set out. One exit and a mile or so in, we discovered that the restaurant was closed. A quick consultation resulted in continuing on the road another mile or so to a restaurant that was open. Lunch was good, although a little slow, and it was probably an hour and a half before we managed to get on the road again.

Lunching

Clearly, the end of the BRP was not in the cards for this day. But the highest point on the Parkway was, so that was our next destination.

Mike and Rebecca peeled off from the group after lunch; they wanted to do some exploring in Asheville. So 8 people, Virtual Fred, and 6 bikes continued the trip. 48 miles later (Milepost 431) we reached Richland Balsam, the highest point on the BRP. At an altitude of 6,047, it's only 637 feet lower than the peak of Mt. Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi.

We stopped and took many pictures, especially group pictures, with all the bikes (and most of the riders) posed in front of the sign. Here, it was quite chilly and overcast.

All of us at Richland Balsalm Fred at Richland Balsalm Fred at Richland Balsalm

At 4pm, we departed -- back to the hotel. Winding up and down, through spots warm and cool, past mountain vistas and cliffs. We saw newly green plants, spring flowers, and trees and bushes still in their own winter. Clouds and sun came and went, but we never saw any hint of rain. It was a lovely, typical spring day in the mountains.

Except for a quick stop in Asheville for gas, we rode non-stop back, reaching the Big Lynn Lodge at 6:30pm, where a hot dinner awaited us. The evening was spent sharing our ride stories with others.

I hope Fred enjoyed his ride with us: we certainly enjoyed the ride with him.

For the whole story of the Trail of Gears, see John's account (includes the above trip report).