I started by looking at the map and deciding on a destination that might prove interesting. I set my sights on the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy CMLC - Florence Nature Preserve.
I created a route on Ride with GPS. Taking me out via 4th Ave Bike Blvd through Jackson Park into apple country.
Looking on Google Maps I thought there might be bike trails something like Fletcher Community Park but no such luck. Once having arrived at the Park Entrance, it appears the trails are suitable for Hiking Only.
It was still a great trip offering a lot of variety in terrain and scenery beautiful apple orchards and a special destination featuring the fruit of the vine, Burntshirt Vinyards.
Having discovered Burntshirt Vinyards on my way out, I made a point to set this as my respite during the return trip.
The roads were smooth sailing with great scenery and very little traffic, perfect for road biking until the pavement ends (on Grant Mountain Road about 2 miles before exiting onto Gerton Hwy - ALT 74).
Winding through the woods, this was one of the prettiest parts of the trip but probably not as much fun on a road bike.
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| 3426 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC - 28792 - 2879 |
The "Dollar Store" at the intersection of Gilliam Mountain Road and Hwy 64 "Chimney Rock Road" before crossing 64 heading out on St Pauls Road offers a great selection of cold drinks and a welcome respite on the days journey.
As Promised, to myself, I looked forward to returning to Burntshirt Vinyards
2695 Sugarloaf RoadHendersonville, North Carolina 28792
on my way home.
Wine steward and events planner Stephanie provided an artful description of the award winning wines and blends produced by Burntshirt Vineyards.
As I savored my glass of Merlot and leisured in the tranquil environs as beautiful as the valley of Napa and yet as close as our own backyard in Hendersonville, I thought this would make a great destination for the Blue Ridge Bike Club Novice Riders.
Home again safe, sound and dry, the rain gods refrained from storming til much later that night chalking up yet another one of
One Thousand Reasons to Love Hendersonville.
One Thousand Reasons to Love Hendersonville.
