The group rides listed below take place during the "warmer weather" months.  Typically starting and ending around time change.  To confirm departure times and routes, contact ride leaders or social media sites for updates.  The High Country Cycling Ride Posts Facebook page is a great place to look for more information.  

Local Group Ride Routes:

Monday Night Ride Route 30 miles – 2500ft of elevation

Enjoy beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway views on this classic Viaduct loop! Starting in Blowing Rock, this route can be ridden in either direction, but locals prefer to climb 221 and descend the Parkway back to town. The group ride meets on the top level of the Blowing Rock public parking deck at 5:30 and averages 15-17mph with regroups before descending the Parkway and before rolling back into Blowing Rock towards the end of the ride.  Since this is often a “first group ride” for many riders, we also offer printable pdf directions for those not on Strava yet.

Eastside Tuesday Night Ride (Post-Helene Route)  27 miles – 1800ft of elevation

A slightly rerouted version of the Eastside Tuesday Night Ride route to avoid the Castle Ford Rd bridge closure. This route starts at Food Lion on 421 and descends out to Railroad Grade Road in Todd before climbing back into town. The group ride meets at the Deep Gap Food Lion at 5:30 and averages around 15-17mph. This is the High Country’s most beginner-friendly no-drop group ride with plenty of regroups.  

Wednesday Night Ride Route 25 Miles – 2200ft of elevation

The official Wednesday Night Ride route starts at Basil’s near the Boone Mall and heads out to Blowing Rock via the Blue Ridge Parkway. This route does return to town on HWY 321, which is not recommended for solo riders. The group ride typically meets at 5:30 PM and averages around 18-20mph with competitive segments throughout, but it is a no-drop ride with regroups at key points.

 

Road Routes:

Shulls Mill & Flat Top 25 miles – 2500ft of elevation

A shorter route, but not short on climbs. Climb up Shulls Mill Rd and hit the Parkway for a bit before taking Flat Top Rd back to town. This route takes riders past the top of App Ski Mountain, with some great sights. Use caution while descending Deck Hill road.

 

George Hayes & Flat Top Loop 32 miles – 3100ft of elevation

Pedal out to Blowing Rock from Boone on this road route. Be sure to look left while climbing Wonderland Trail, you don’t want to miss that view! Use caution at the start of the ride on 321, and while descending Deck Hill back into town.

 

Boone Bike Viaduct Loop 49 miles – 4000ft of elevation

A longer Viaduct loop leaving from Boone Bike. Enjoy a chill start on the Boone Greenway before climbing out of town to Blowing Rock and then the Viaduct. This route returns via Flannery Fork Road, which can be either hardpack dirt or chunky gravel depending on the time of year. Riders who wish to avoid this should return via Shulls Mill Road.

 

West Jefferson Coffee Ride 59 miles – 5150ft of elevation

A Sunday favorite for us with a coffee stop halfway through. Hit the Parkway out to Todd and take in the views coming into West Jefferson. We’re big fans of Hatchet Coffee West for a mid-ride break. Save some legs for the climb back into town. This route can be shortened by about 5 miles by leaving Boone via 421 instead of the Parkway, but you’ll miss some good views!

 

Snake Mountain 73 miles – 6200ft of elevation

A big day on the road with one of the area’s hardest climbs. Pedal out to Todd and take in the river views before hitting the legendary Snake Mountain climb. This route takes riders up the easier, more scenic backside of Snake Mountain for a fast descent down the front. Use caution coming down the frontside!

 

Gravel/Mixed Routes:

Old Turnpike & Flannery Loop 26 miles – 2300ft of elevation

Mixed surface route with some fun gravel heading towards Blowing Rock. Add some greenway gravel for more distance, or ride this route in reverse for a fast gravel descent down Old Turnpike Rd.

 

Howard’s Creek Loop 20 miles – 2000ft of elevation

A favorite post-work mixed surface ride for the BB crew.  A greenway start quickly leads to a rowdy gravel descent before climbing to some great open views on the backside of Howard’s Knob. Use caution turning left onto 194 and when descending the paved section of Junaluska Rd.

 

Rich Mountain Loop 35 miles – 4350ft of elevation

An incredible escape from town to ride some hidden gravel roads towards the NC/TN state line. Steep gravel climbs, fast gravel and road descents, big views! This ride is hard! Use caution turning onto 194 from Brookshire Rd & turning back onto Brookshire Rd when returning.

 

Maple Sally Clockwise 36 miles – 3600ft of elevation

A Wilson Creek classic! Great year round, we ride it mostly when it’s too cold here in Boone. Park at Hard & Flossie Clark Park to access this route. Cruise up Brown Mountain Beech Rd alongside Wilson Creek before hitting the endless rollers of 18 Mile Rd. Ride this counter-clockwise if you like a bigger challenge!

Check out other routes here!