Cycling in the Smokies - by Bob Williams-Dillsboro NC
Fall is rolling along and soon winter will be here. This past week there were a couple of wonderful bicycles rides in the North Carolina Smoky Mountains. Out past Bryson City the Nantahala Outdoor Center put on the Nantahala Challenge and in Franklin, I rode in the Tour De Franklin metric century ride developed by Smoky Mountain Bicycles in Franklin.
Road Cycling is ever popular in the Smokies with folks taking on the area's quiet country back roads and the ever popular and challenging Blue Ridge Parkway. One of our new favorite events occurs in September, the Tour De Tuck put on by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. Their web site is http://www.mountainlovers.com/ and follow the links to the Tour De Tuck. Mark your calendars for next year to take on a metric century or full century ride that lives up to its billing “ fierce beauty, fierce ride”.
Road biking becomes a bit of challenge here in the autumn and winter months. Cold weather is a challenge to ride in without being properly equipped. Many folks here, including myself, find mountain biking with its slower speeds is ideal in these months. I frequent Tsali Recreation area in the Nantahala National Forest on Lake Fontana ( this is just outside of Bryson City) and the many challenging trails in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard.
Fall is rolling along and soon winter will be here. This past week there were a couple of wonderful bicycles rides in the North Carolina Smoky Mountains. Out past Bryson City the Nantahala Outdoor Center put on the Nantahala Challenge and in Franklin, I rode in the Tour De Franklin metric century ride developed by Smoky Mountain Bicycles in Franklin.
Road Cycling is ever popular in the Smokies with folks taking on the area's quiet country back roads and the ever popular and challenging Blue Ridge Parkway. One of our new favorite events occurs in September, the Tour De Tuck put on by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. Their web site is http://www.mountainlovers.com/ and follow the links to the Tour De Tuck. Mark your calendars for next year to take on a metric century or full century ride that lives up to its billing “ fierce beauty, fierce ride”.
Road biking becomes a bit of challenge here in the autumn and winter months. Cold weather is a challenge to ride in without being properly equipped. Many folks here, including myself, find mountain biking with its slower speeds is ideal in these months. I frequent Tsali Recreation area in the Nantahala National Forest on Lake Fontana ( this is just outside of Bryson City) and the many challenging trails in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard.
One of the perks of mountain biking in the colder seasons is as the leaves drop the canopy opens up and views can be enjoyed along the way during the ride. So pack up the bikes and head to the hills for rides that are challenging yet filled with beauty. To learn more about group rides and events on the NC side of the Smokies check out these web sites www.motionmakersbikes.com ( Sylva/Bryson City) and www.smokymountainbikes.com (Franklin)
Bob & Tonya Williams
Welcome to Smoky Mountain Time!
Luxury Vacation Homes in the Smoky Mountains
http://www.mountainbearcabins.com
The Dillsboro Chocolate Factory & Espresso
http://www.dillsborochocolate.com
Bob & Tonya Williams
Welcome to Smoky Mountain Time!
Luxury Vacation Homes in the Smoky Mountains
http://www.mountainbearcabins.com
The Dillsboro Chocolate Factory & Espresso
http://www.dillsborochocolate.com
Smoky Mountain Fall color from one of Bob's Mountain Bear Cabins.
Photo by Bob Williams
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