On a Roll
On a Roll : Take a tour through WNC's most bike-friendly city. Here's the scoop on where to go and what to see in Asheville on two wheels
1. Gear Up: For $45, BioWheels will outfit you with a rental commuter bike and helmet. www.biowheels.com
2. The Western Way: Use the bike lanes on Hilliard and Clingman avenues to head to the River Arts District and browse the open studios. Visit Element Clay Studio in the Wedge Building and pick up one of Mike Dale’s linocut mountain bike prints. www.riverartsdistrict.com
3. Lunch Break: Place your order for Bangkok shrimp tacos at White Duck Taco Shop and take a seat outside at one of the picnic tables. www.whiteducktacoshop.com
4. Go Green: Take Lyman Street to Amboy Road and the newly completed French Broad River Greenway. You’ll log less than five miles when you follow the flat, paved path to its confluence with Hominy Creek and back. For your starting point, look for the park on your right when you cross the bridge on Amboy.
5. Brake for Beer: Head back to the RAD for a cold brew and game of corn hole at Wedge brewery. Bike racks cater to the cycling crowd that often congregates here. www.wedgebrewing.com 6. Fast Fix: Hit the new Fix-It bike station in the roundabout, where you’ll find a tire pump and tools for quick repairs. Then head up Haywood Road into West Asheville.
7. Tune In: Stop at Harvest Records and check out the local music selection. You’ll save 10% on your purchase if you’re a member of the Bicycle Benefits program. www.bicyclebenefits.org
8. Catch a Ride: After checking out the West Asheville scene, head back downtown the way you came, or hop on a city bus—all are equipped with bike racks. www.ashevillenc.gov
9. Lock Ports: To explore downtown, park and lock your trusty steed in one of the city parking garages—all of which have racks. Stroll Lexington Avenue and pop into Izzy’s (also a Bicycle Benefits member business) for a pick-me-up. www.izzyscoffeeden.com
10. Cool Off: Bike to Pack Square Park and splash in the fountain. www.packsquarepark.org
11. Gear Down: The challenge of climbing Town Mountain Road rewards with sweeping vistas of Asheville. Follow Town Mountain 1.3 miles to the turnoff for Old Toll Road. From here, you can continue on 1.7 miles to the grand Grove Park Inn, but you’ll want to consult a map first, as there are several turns. Returning the way you came is a downhill thrill.
Full Circle: Return your bike at BioWheels and save 10% on merchandise as a member of Bicycle Benefits. Then head around the corner for the same discount on beer and pizza at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company on Coxe Avenue and call it a day. www.ashevillebrewing.com