Rideworthy side destinations between NYC and Mt Mitchell

[velofinds]

I had a great trip. Ended up doing the Tyro loop, an out-and-back to the top of Apple Orchard Mountain (not enough time to go all the way to Peaks of Otter, plus I was already waxed having finished the Tyro ride an hour before), then a Mt Mitchell loop the next day (Marion > Mt Mitchell > Little Switzerland > Marion). Lucked out with the weather on both days of riding (all of which was beautiful). Ate locally as much as possible. Had to skip the others this time, but I'll be back. Thanks all for the great suggestions!

[echappist]

Very nice; the I-81 corridor is full of gems along the way

also the Wintergreen climb mentioned above was also part of TdP/TdT. Brutally at times

[drewskey]

RE: Marion > Mt Mitchell > Little Switzerland > Marion

Was the ride 78.00mi and around 8,874'?

That route looks awesome. I'm trying to put together a couple of days around there in Oct.

[velofinds]

Originally Posted by drewskey

RE: Marion > Mt Mitchell > Little Switzerland > Marion

Was the ride 78.00mi and around 8,874'?

That route looks awesome. I'm trying to put together a couple of days around there in Oct.

Close -- 70mi and 8500.

https://www.strava.com/activities/1767725299

[drewskey]

Originally Posted by velofinds

Close -- 70mi and 8500.

https://www.strava.com/activities/1767725299

Many, many thanks! Any route advice (traffic, craptastic section of road, etc)?

[velofinds]

Originally Posted by drewskey

Many, many thanks! Any route advice (traffic, craptastic section of road, etc)?

The only not-great section there is 221, which is a highway. It's not too bad - there's a reasonably wide shoulder, but it does disappear at times. Otherwise, start early and end early as much as you can. There's lots of tourist traffic going up Mt. Mitchell, and motorcycle traffic going up and down 226A (which is something of a motorcycle destination). Again, nothing terrible and I found drivers - both NC and out-of-staters - to mostly be courteous, but you nevertheless want to finish up quickly if possible. Plan for cold and changing weather conditions at the summit. Enjoy it!

[pgrizzwald]

What gearing (chainrings & cassette) did you use for that route?

[velofinds]

Originally Posted by pgrizzwald

What gearing (chainrings & cassette) did you use for that route?

50/34 and 11-32. I could have gotten away with an 11-28 - not many steep pitches on the Mt. Mitchell climb - but was happy to have the 32.

[rnhood]

Well done "Velofinds" (I gave you kudos on the Mitchell and Tyro loop). If you rode to Apple Orchard Mtn after doing the Tyro loop, then you got a pretty strong pair of legs. I wish you had made it to the Peaks because it's really a beautiful place, but there will always be next time. As mentioned, there are numerous good places to ride along the 81 corridor. But I've always liked that Tyro loop, especially in the fall when the apples are being harvested.

Excellent pictures too.

[OtayBW]

Originally Posted by velofinds

50/34 and 11-32. I could have gotten away with an 11-28 - not many steep pitches on the Mt. Mitchell climb - but was happy to have the 32.

Not steep on Rt 80 coming up to the Parkway out of Marion? Several areas up over ~15%, no? My memory must be failing....

[velofinds]

Originally Posted by OtayBW

Not steep on Rt 80 coming up to the Parkway out of Marion? Several areas up over ~15%, no? My memory must be failing....

Sorry, I guess it's all relative There are some nasty, steep pitches over 15% here in the Northeast that keep going; the Mitchell climb will get steep occasionally but then ease up and offer a chance to recover.

Rnhood, thank you! I really enjoyed both rides on day 1.

[booglebug]

Rode the parkway and Mt Mitchell this past weekend, 63 miles with 6800 feet of climbing I was told. Seemed the parkway was relentless, the climb up Mt Mitchell, not that bad.