Coasting Down Point Lookout

One of the best perks about riding a bike is topping a gigantic hill after strenuously pedaling up it, standing tall for the most momentum, while your thigh muscles burn and scream for you to stop. But then you make it to the peak and see with relief what awaits you….a relaxing, no exertion required, coast down the hill…wind blowing through your sweat-soaked hair, your thighs smiling in thanks, and R. Kelly’s anthem, “I Believe I Can Fly,” playing loudly in your head. Awww….it was all worth it…until you come to the next hill.

But what if, after all your work up the hill, the only thing you had to do was go down. For 3.67 miles. That’s almost four miles of coasting and reliving that childhood feeling of soaring.

Point Lookout Greenway Bike Trail, right outside of Asheville near Old Fort, is just that. The trail is actually old Highway 70 which was the only link from Asheville to the rest of the state until I-40 opened. The highway was eventually closed to vehicles and only used occasionally by cyclists or hikers. Area organizations – McDowell County, the US Forest Service, NCDOT, the Town of Old Fort, and the McDowell Trails Association – partnered to reopen and repair the old road which was cleared and paved to make a smooth surface for cyclists. Now the trail is open year-round with an amazing view at the top and a fun ride to the bottom.

My mother actually found the trail after researching spots for her and my father to ride their recumbent bikes. (I did a blog post a few months ago about their bikes which were purchased with hopes of giving my father, who had a stroke two years ago, a fun way to stay in shape.) Because of the strenuous uphill climb to Point Lookout, my mom and I decided to try it first to see if my Dad could handle it. We talked my oldest into joining us and set out on our little adventure.

We followed the on-line directions and started at the Old Fort picnic grounds inside Mount Pisgah National Forest. From there, it was a short ride to the trailhead. Once we started, so did the gradual climb uphill. I was on my father’s recumbent bike to keep in line with my mom. My son was on his mountain bike. And we quickly realized, this was NOT something my father could handle. At all.

After 30 minutes of trying, my 74-year-old mom realized this was NOT something she could do either. The “gradual climb” for someone who hasn’t regularly ridden a bike in 50 years left her red-faced and exhausted with constant reminders from me that we were nowhere near the hospital if it came to that. But determined to get her somewhat up the trail, I attached her bike to mine with a bungee cord and slowly pulled her. Great for a thigh workout, not so great when we you can barely catch your breath. We abandoned her about a mile in and continued to the top.

The scenery was stunning, almost otherworldly. Vines, flowers, tall trees, small caves…despite the paved road, it felt like we were in a jungle. The trail wound up the mountain with amazing views. Park benches were set up along the way for breaks. I’m not sure if we made it to the actual top of Point Lookout, but it didn’t seem like we could go any higher and we were pooped. Plus, we really, really wanted to start the ride down.

My son said, “See ya at the bottom” and took off flying. I said a quick prayer that he stayed on the road and started my own descent. And… it…was….amazing. The recumbent bike with it side handle bars made it feel like I was maneuvering a competition-style go cart in a race to the bottom. I’m pretty sure I smiled all the way to the end and maybe let out a few “woo-hoos!” It was a quick ride down compared to the ride up but as I coasted into the parking lot still smiling, with a few bugs smashed on my shirt, I knew it was worth it. I’d definitely, definitely do it all again. Minus the bungee cord.

Unloading the bikes

Starting out from Old Fort picnic area, a short ride to the trailhead

My oldest trying out the recumbent bike while my mom takes a break

Me faking a smile and trying to not let on how hard it is PULLING my mom up the hill with a bungee cord attached. Yes, I AM a great daughter. 😉 (And for the record, because my mom just read this, she was pedaling as well and not just sitting on her “tookus.” Her words.)

Abandoning my mom and heading to the top, first view

Fisheye lens view of the road

Finally, near the top!