Asheville

In my numerous entries I have never once dedicated a whole post to one city, until now. My excuse is that I haven't spent so much time in one place since the trip began. I only planned to stay for two nights, yet because of the limited planning I do it just happened.

I rolled into Asheville tired and frazzled from my rush thru busy traffic and narrow roads. Getting into town was a 20 mile act of desperation that I surely wasn't expecting. But I made it and called my host. By the time he arrived I had settled down and stopped sweatings so a beer at the local brewery was in order. After this initial introduction we road to his house which is at the top of a short, but steep hill. I was out of food so we had more cycling to do to the local grocery store. My legs were tired and my brain was fried. Mike, my host made a wonderful curry rice dish as we traded cycling stories and he gave me the low down on Asheville. Then it was time for bed. What follows is a brief, but hopefully somewhat exciting account of my activities over the next few days in and around Asheville.

The next day I wandered around Asheville on foot. Most people, most recently myself, believe that Asheville is bike friendly, but this is a wrong perception. The city is working on it and there are plenty of bike commuters, but there is much work still to be done, and Asheville on Bikes is leading the charge. I found my way to the Thomas Wolfe memorial and discovered another famous author. Then I wandered around town somewhat aimlessly. Along the way I visited local bookstores, the food co-op, the local library, and the bicycle co-op. Then I headed for the house and Mike and I headed for a friend's house for a splendid dinner. I'm getting spoiled quick! From there we eventually made our way to a bar previewing a movie which documented a local dance competition. In the course of the film dances were concieved, practiced, and performed in only 48 hours! Then it was time for some salsa dancing. Ah, how I miss Mexico. Speaking of which I have stopped mentioning my foray into Mexico because of the recent scare and the now inevitable question "You don't have swine flu do you?".
The next morning I spent hours on the Internet catching up on things I'd been putting off. Then I rode to the local bike shop to get a new chain and cassette. It cost almost a hundred bucks and I hate spending money, yet it's much cheaper to maintain than a car. I also discovered that two of my New Orleans hosts were passing thru and excitedly made tenative plans to get together. I got some groceries and headed back to the house. The frozen pizza wasn't good, but I was starving. I made some chocolate chip cookies from frozen dough; improvizing baking sheets and smoking the place out. Fortunatly the fire department was flushing the fire hydrants 100 yards away so now worries. Around four Mike got back from work and then his friend Matt showed up. We ended up heading out to Hot Springs to clear trees and mark the race course for this weekends ride. Riding my bicycle on some single track was fun. We ate in town and did stuff and then headed back to Asheville.

The next morning I met my New Orleans hosts and it was incredible to see some familiar faces again. I am so excited for their ride across the country. I didn't do much the rest of the day. But the next day I went to the elementary school where Mike teaches 6th grade and told the class about my travels. Then I answered some questions, good ones too, since the class is going on their own end of semester bike tour. I road back to the house in the rain, but enjoyed it with the knowledge that I could throw my clothes in the dryer. Then I walked to Matt's place of work and we headed out to Hot Springs for the French Broad River Festival. We eventually met Dave there and set up the yurt for the mountain bike race put on by Asheville on Bikes. I hung out in the yurt not doing much, except talking to a lot of folks and drinking beer. Stacey had a wonderful Southern accent, hard to find these days. Tracey's husband made the most wonderful chocolate chip cookies. Things were good, people were enjoying themselves, and the bands were pretty good. The music and going ons continued until long after I had gone to bed.

The next day a lot more people signed up for the bicycle race, which took place in the rain. Folks came off the course muddy and wet, but with smiles on their faces. I hung out, wandered around, and then went into Hot Springs. It was good to get away from the noise for a bit and get some solid food to add to the liquid. Met some more folks, listened to some more music, drank some more beer. Later that evening before the award ceremony an awesome Zydeco band really got the crowd pumped and dancing. As darkness fell I wandered around a bit, but mostly hung around the yurt chilling. People are becoming tired and more mellow. More fun and excitment. Eventually went to sleep.

The next day it was raining again. Folks woke up and packed up. Tearing down the yurt was amazingly easy! Took the scenic route back to Asheville. The festival was a blast, but I'm tired and ready for some peace and quiet. Took a nap, found a new book to read, had a good dinner. Worked out the route to the Blue Ridge Parkway and then went to bed. So I've been in and around Asheville for 6 days and now I really need some rest. I'll surely get some climbing and simple food as the journey continues.