Baron von BeeGee
Beer Bully
September 20th was the 2008 Brewgrass Festival (Brewgrass Festival, Asheville, NC) in Asheville, NC, and I head up every year with a few friends to enjoy some mountain air, camping, mountain biking, dining, and, of course, copious quantities of beer.
Friday morning and herded the family into the car and began the 4hr drive to Asheville from the Raleigh area. As most of the crew was arriving ~6 we decided to do some riding/hiking on the Blue Ridge Parkway which is a gorgeous drive through the southern Appalachians. Heading south from Asheville (~2200ft) the Parkway climbs steadily and passes through a number of tunnels (a big hit with Olivia, our 2y.o.) before arriving at Mt. Pisgah (~5300ft). It's always a bit airy at that altitude, and that particular day called for at least a sweater, while it was perfectly pleasant in Asheville. A short hike to the overlook from the Parkway yielded a rare clear view into the valley.
That evening the rest of the crew showed up, we pitched camp at Lake Powhatan/Bent Creek, an Asheville mountain biking mecca. Later we had a forgettable meal at a local restaurant/tavern, the highlight being the tall Highland Gaelic Ale I ordered. We retired to camp to sip on some Highland Kashmir IPA's and rest up for Saturday.
Saturday started off brisk! However, by 9 when we got organized it was tolerable in shorts and a jersey so we were off for a 6-7 mile loop which would get us back in plenty of time for a quick shower before the festival. The wives/children meandered around camp and did a quick hike around Lake Powhatan.
By the time we got everybody corralled and ready to ride it was around noon which was when the festival started, and the queue to get in was enormous! I was getting worked up, but we noticed the line was moving pretty well and it only took 30 minutes to get in. The crowds still weren't bad, as they had been the year before, so we took advantage. This is where the beer comes in...
http://picasaweb.google.com/billygray/Brewgrass2008#5248937212027754882
Friday morning and herded the family into the car and began the 4hr drive to Asheville from the Raleigh area. As most of the crew was arriving ~6 we decided to do some riding/hiking on the Blue Ridge Parkway which is a gorgeous drive through the southern Appalachians. Heading south from Asheville (~2200ft) the Parkway climbs steadily and passes through a number of tunnels (a big hit with Olivia, our 2y.o.) before arriving at Mt. Pisgah (~5300ft). It's always a bit airy at that altitude, and that particular day called for at least a sweater, while it was perfectly pleasant in Asheville. A short hike to the overlook from the Parkway yielded a rare clear view into the valley.
That evening the rest of the crew showed up, we pitched camp at Lake Powhatan/Bent Creek, an Asheville mountain biking mecca. Later we had a forgettable meal at a local restaurant/tavern, the highlight being the tall Highland Gaelic Ale I ordered. We retired to camp to sip on some Highland Kashmir IPA's and rest up for Saturday.
Saturday started off brisk! However, by 9 when we got organized it was tolerable in shorts and a jersey so we were off for a 6-7 mile loop which would get us back in plenty of time for a quick shower before the festival. The wives/children meandered around camp and did a quick hike around Lake Powhatan.
By the time we got everybody corralled and ready to ride it was around noon which was when the festival started, and the queue to get in was enormous! I was getting worked up, but we noticed the line was moving pretty well and it only took 30 minutes to get in. The crowds still weren't bad, as they had been the year before, so we took advantage. This is where the beer comes in...
http://picasaweb.google.com/billygray/Brewgrass2008#5248937212027754882