Asheville-Gatlinburg-Knoxville riding partner?

[TBLS]

Hi - in Gatlinburg with cross bike. Been here before and willing to travel to find a riding partner Monday -Tuesday-Wednesday this week (first week of April).

If I drive to Asheville any tips on riding Mt Mitchell - where to launch, Better options?

Thx.

[OtayBW]

A nice ride is an out-and-back to Mt. Mitchell starting at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Go E through Asheville on I-40 and get off at the Parkway exit, then head N for ~2 miles and park at the Center. Head N on the Parkway and ride 31 mi up to the Mt. Mitchell lot. This includes a ~20 mi, ~4-7% grade up to Craggey Gardens, and then of course, a screaming ~20 mi downhill coming back. Have fun!
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27138628