Trek Travel: Asheville, North Carolina - May 2023
I traveled to Asheville, North Carolina for a six-day getaway built around a Trek Travel three-day cycling tour, with extra days added to explore one of the most vibrant mountain towns in the South. I flew in and stayed at The Foundry Hotel, a historic property downtown that combines industrial architecture with warm Southern luxury. It ended up being the perfect home base—quiet, elegant, and just a short walk from Asheville’s breweries, cafés, music venues, and eclectic arts scene.
About Trek Travel
Trek Travel is one of the premier bike-tour companies in the world—known for smooth logistics, thoughtful routes, high-quality accommodations, and incredibly supportive guides. Their trips balance challenge with comfort, and they make it easy to enjoy every mile without worrying about gear, navigation, or hauling luggage. Everything is handled for you so you can just show up and ride. Several in my group had travelled with Trek before this trip, often overseas. This was my first time with Trek.
On this trip, I rode a Trek Verve+ electric bike, which is part of Trek’s hybrid e-bike line. The Verve is upright, powerful enough to flatten the Blue Ridge climbs, and extremely smooth on long days. It made the riding feel joyful instead of intimidating—especially with Asheville’s notorious hills.
Meeting up with our group at the Foundry Bar
Snacks at the Welcome Cocktail Party
The Itinerary
The Trek Travel portion of the trip was three full days of cycling, supported by guides, van shuttles, water stops, snacks, and beautifully curated routes through the mountains.
Day 1 — Warmup Ride through the French Broad River Valley
Our first ride was a gentle introduction to Asheville’s landscape—rolling farmland, shaded river roads, and views of the surrounding Blue Ridge peaks. It was the ideal start to get comfortable with the bike and shake off travel stiffness.
Day 2 — The Blue Ridge Parkway
This was the signature ride of the trip. We climbed steadily up to the Blue Ridge Parkway, where the views stretch across endless layers of mountains. Trek Travel offered both long and short route options, along with the support van if anyone wanted a lift. The Verve+ made the elevation feel manageable, and the sweeping descents were pure bliss. The Tunnels were scary fun, once you get into the dark depths of them all you can see is the light at the end….no sight of the road, the walls or what wildlife may be hiding in the dark shadows. All you can do is pedal like heck.
I saw 2 bears this day. One as we passed a scenic overlook where many campers were parked and picnicking. The second as we were on the long downhill home…it was trash pickup day in the neighborhood and the bears know the schedule. Luckily for me a red sports car was coming up the road as the bear was heading towards me and it got between me and the bear and distracted him. I was able to get downhill and out of his awareness.
Day 3 — Waterfalls, Country Roads, and the Cradle of Forestry
The third day wound through Pisgah National Forest, with stops to see waterfalls, fern-covered woods, and historic sites connected to America’s early conservation movement. This ride was peaceful, forested, and incredibly scenic.
After the Trek Travel tour ended, I stayed on in downtown Asheville for a few extra days to enjoy the food scene, explore the River Arts District, wander through boutiques, and take in the live music that seems to spill out of every corner of the city.
The Foundry Hotel
Serge at the Foundry Patio
My home for the trip was The Foundry Hotel, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection. It’s built inside a restored steel foundry, and the designers kept the original brick, beams, and industrial textures while adding lush, modern interiors. The rooms are spacious and calm, with huge windows and a sophisticated Southern feel. The service is excellent—warm, attentive, and relaxed in that Asheville way.
The Foundry lobby
Being within walking distance of downtown made everything easy, and the Foundry’s courtyard became one of my favorite places to unwind after each day of riding.
Final Thoughts
This Trek Travel trip was the perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and discovery. The riding was challenging but supported, the scenery was gorgeous, and Asheville itself is full of personality—artistic, musical, slightly bohemian, and endlessly welcoming. It was the kind of trip that shifts your mindset and reminds you just how good it feels to move your body, explore new places, and step into a different rhythm of life.
