Pisgah Bike Packing 2021

2 days. 99 miles. 10,500’ climbing. 8.5 hours. Perfect weather. Backcountry gravel. Primitive campsite. Blue Ridge Parkway.

Josh and I set out on a two day bike packing adventure in the Pisgah National Forest. We left my house and ventured by pavement into the Pisgah National Forest.

Josh leading the way

Josh carried his gear on his back. I had mine strapped to the bike. After 10 miles, we transitioned to a gravel climb.

Typical Pisgah gravel: you, your bike, and Mother Nature

We rode a remote section of paved roads past several Christmas tree farms. It was there that Josh spotted a bear and her two small cubs.

We set up a primitive camp near a stream, cooked dinner and settled in for a good night’s sleep.

Camp
Water source
Josh make fire!
Drying our bike kit for next day’s ride

We woke to colder than expected weather. 52 degrees. I put on every available piece of clothing and made coffee.

After packing up camp, we set off for the rest of the climb to Blue Ridge Parkway.

Warming up on the climb
We go north

We enjoyed a lunch stop at the Pisgah Inn and took time to take in the view.

From there, it was literally all downhill to our last gravel section. After some more climbing, we returned to the pavement and home!

Family and the dogs. Hot shower. A wholesome meal. Olympic trials on TV. Soft comfortable bed. I missed all these things. But it is so refreshing to get out into nature, break up the routine and clear your head for a few days.

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