Living the North Asheville Bikestyle

Fall has hit the mountains of WNC! It's my favorite time of the year to ride, so I thought it would be fitting to post an article I wrote for Asheville Velo City. It is the second column of a series that I write for Velo City, Living the Asheville Bikestyle. The column focuses on the different neighborhoods of Asheville and what each offer to the bicycle scene in Asheville. Enjoy. 

The urban neighborhoods of North Asheville offer a number of benefits to a cyclist. N. Asheville is made up of a patchwork of small subdivisions and offers a wide range of businesses and services within walking and biking distance. When I am working with home buyers new to Asheville who would like to commute or live car free, this factor often makes it a first choice. Quick trips via two wheels to grocery stores, restaurants and entertainment options are generally a ten minute pedal or less. With the close proximity to downtown and the lack of any major climbs, you can pedal into downtown and lock your bike faster that you can drive into town and find a parking spot in many cases. For your cycling specific needs, the north side has three bike shops to meet the needs of any cyclist. Whether you are looking for a posh 10k road bike or a downhill bike made to handle 10ft drops, Chainheart Cycling Studio, Youngblood Bikes and Ski Country Sports can make your dream bike come true or just keep your bike running smooth. 

As a commuter on the north side you learn a few things quickly. Rule number one, avoid Merrimon Ave. Several wide streets run parallel to Merrimon that allow for an enjoyable ride into downtown. If you want to avoid rubbing elbows with cars as much as possible, the Glen’s Creek Greenway and Reed Creek Greenway create a safe and enjoyable access to downtown for residents of Norwood Park, Grove Park and other areas to the North.

For road cycling enthusiast the main question is to climb or not to climb. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a just a short but steep climb away. On a sunny afternoon weaving up the scenic roads of Sunset and Old Toll you are likely to encounter more bikes and walkers than cars on your way to Town Mountain Road. Once you are on the parkway it is up to your legs, lungs and desire how far you choose to go and the ride from town to Mt. Mitchell is a rite of passage of sorts for those who own a road bike. For those days you don’t feel like climbing mountains, River Road offers a gently rolling ride alongside the French Broad. You can relax and enjoy beautiful ride along the river then refuel for the return trip with a cup of java at Zuma in Marshall or turn your ride into an amazing loop through beautiful country back roads.

For those that prefer to hit the trails, the north side offers no direct access to Pisgah but it does offers a number of options within a short drive. For a quick after work ride, Bent Creek offers something for everyone and from most locations on the north side it’s a quick a 15-20 minute drive to the trailhead. If you are looking for a more secluded experience, the North Mills area of Pisgah and Kitsuma / Heartbreak Ridge in Black Mountain offer views and trails that will challenge any rider. If you seek the real back country, Coleman Boundary is sure to push the limits of your handling skills and your equipment.

There is no question that life on the North side is good for the Asheville cyclist, but the conveniences do come at a price. Expect to spend more for housing than you would for home with similar features in other areas surrounding Asheville. If living close to downtown is your desire, you can find a small 2 bed / 2 bath for 170k (mls #527450) or a comfortable 3 bed / 2 bath for 230K (mls #534687)  and ride to the majority of services you need in a few minutes. If luxurious urban living is what you are looking for, 700k gets you a 4 bed / 3.5 bath dream home with a greenway a few feet away and an extra lot for a pumptrack in Montford (mls #530185). As we say in the Real Estate business, “location, location, location.” This is especially true if your desire is to make most trips to the daily services you need on a bike. It is also worth considering the economic benefits of riding a bike versus driving. While you might pay a little more for rent or a mortgage, the reduction in your spending on gas and maintenance on a vehicle does add up, as do the quality of life and health benefits. Just some thoughts to consider when living the Asheville Bikestyle.

Feel free to send me any questions about biking or Real Estate in Asheville. And provide me comments about your experience, secret routes, or updates on cycling related happenings in your area and I will add them to the column.

Justin Mitchell - Realtor / Rider

Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty

Justin@JustInAsheville.com

828-713-9400

Living and loving the Asheville Bikestyle.

For the past few months, I have been a regular contributor to Asheville Velocity Magazine. As a cyclist, sociology major and Realtor I enjoy reflecting on the bicycle scene in Asheville, the different areas / neighborhoods in our city and what each contribute to the cycling community. Below is the first of a six column series, make sure to stop by a local shop and pick up a hard copy of our local cycling magazine. The online version of each issue can be found here. Enjoy.

Living the Asheville Bikestyle

Spend a few minutes on a Sunday morning at a busy intersection downtown and you will see a collection of bicycles as diverse as the people and neighborhoods that make up our city. Mountain bikes on roof racks heading to the trails, still covered in dirt from the last epic adventure. Road bikes resembling works of art moving gracefully towards higher elevation. BMX bikes strapped to the back of the family SUV heading north. And of course, a vast collection of cruisers, vintage ten speeds and bikes with kids in tow heading to their next destination. Where are all these bikes going and what is the common thread that connects them all. I like to think of it as the Asheville Bikestyle.  

So what is the Asheville Bikestyle? In part, it’s the hundreds of miles of challenging single track in the mountains that surround us and the lung busting climbs to the highest peak on the East Coast. It’s the seemingly endless gravel roads, cyclocross under the lights and fix gear racing at the Mellowdrome. There’s the fun factor of alleycat races and scavenger hunts, nuns on tall bikes or a rolling costume party with 300 people taking over the streets. But most of the time it is as simple as Sunday ride to meet up with friends. We are very lucky to have a cycling scene as rich and diverse as the flora and fauna that exist in the mountains surrounding Asheville.

Over the past few years I have watched the number of business that cater to cyclist and level of cycling infrastructure grow considerably. And for good reason, we have some of the country's most scenic roadways and trails to challenge every level of rider. But the Parkway and trails are only a catalyst of the Asheville Bikestyle. Our flourishing bike scene is driven by an astonishing group of business owners, manufactures, event promoters, advocacy groups, world class athletes and YOU!

While the surrounding trails and Blue Ridge Parkway have experienced little change since my move to the mountains several years ago, the city of Asheville has come a long way! Asheville is now a League of American Cyclist Bronze Level Bike City in thanks to the bicycle infrastructure improvements made in the past few years. With the City of Asheville’s adoption of a Comprehensive Bike Plan, and groups such as Asheville on Bikes, Connect Buncombe, Trips for Kids, Healthy Buncombe and the hiring of a full time bike / pedestrian planner we are transforming our city into a bicycle paradise for all cyclist.

With an abundance of Ashevillians on bikes and a city that has attracted national recognition for our trails and roadways we have witnessed the growth of a cycling economy in Asheville. The area is now home to over fifteen bike shops and there is rarely a bike part, style or brand of bicycle that is difficult to find. When parts do break Asheville has you covered. Numerous world class bike mechanics call Asheville home and a there is a thriving business that solely services mountain bike suspension forks and shocks sent in from all over the country. Asheville is also home to several manufactures whose coveted components grace bicycles all over the world. The knowledge and ideas of local cyclist / engineers are transformed into high performance components that are then tested by the very riders who play a direct role in their creation. In addition to the brick and mortar companies there are now several guiding, coaching and support services in Asheville that cater directly to cyclist. These individuals will enhance your experience in the woods, train you to ride faster in your next competitive event or bring your body back to a state of harmony after a long weekend in the mountains. We are also fortunate to have numerous event promoters that encourage us to push our limits, social organizations that remind us the biking is fun and advocacy groups that keep trails open and our greenways expanding. These fine people ensure there is a world class race, a trail work day or a party on two wheels almost every weekend of the year.

So as you see, Asheville has a lot going on for a town of 85,000 people. As someone who has been passionate about riding bikes for most of my life, the robust cycling scene is a major reason I chose to live in Asheville. And in my career as a Realtor, I am asked weekly about the different areas of our city. To answer these questions, I share my knowledge of price ranges, school districts, and proximity to this or that. These are all important factors in determining your ideal location of course! However, I feel that it is just as important to find a home that suits not only your needs but your lifestyle as well. And in the next few issues of Asheville VELOCITY I will focus on the different areas of Asheville and highlight what each has to offer a cyclist so you can find a place that suits your bikestyle. It is my hope this column will serve to enhance YOUR experience in Asheville. With the depth of our scene there is a lot to know and new experiences to be had. And by checking out this column you might just learn a better route, ride a new trail, or visit a new cycling related business.  And if you’re new to the area or been here since birth you may find a new group to get involved and learn a few things about the cost of living and the Real Estate market in these different areas. So stay tuned and in next months issue I will discuss the North Asheville area from the perspective of a cyclist and Realtor living the Asheville Bikestyle.

Feel free to send me any questions about biking or Real Estate in Asheville. And provide me comments about your experience, secret routes, or updates on cycling related happenings in your area and I will add them to the column.

Justin Mitchell

Mosaic Realty

Justin@JustInAsheville.com

4th Annual Green Home Bike Tour - May 18th, 2013

The bike tour has been canceled due to the rain and possibility of thunderstorms.We will reschedule for another date.

Tour De Green

On Saturday May 18th, take a bicycle tour of Asheville neighborhoods and visit 5 properties that feature green building and enegy conservation construction methods. Cutting edge properties built by JAG Construction, Koerber Construction and Surefoot Builders will be featured along with the Gain and Clingman Loft Developments.

The tour will also provide information on energy efficiency upgrades and methods that can be applied to existing homes. Green Building professionals will be available at select properties to answer questions and an experienced cyclist will be your guide and provide information on current and developing infrastructure improvements taking place in core areas of the city.

The tour will originate at Beer City Bicycles, conveniently located in the heart of Downtown at 144 Biltmore Ave. A moderate fitness level is suggested and helmets are required.

Meet at Beer City Bicycles at noon and the ride will begin at 12:15. Parking is available to the right of the building.

The tour is free and food and refreshments will be provided at the end of the tour. To register for the event, contact Justin Mitchell with the number of participants in your party at justin@justinasheville.com or 828.713.9400.

Tour De Green is proud to be a part of Strive Not To Drive week taking place in Asheville May 12th-18th. To learn more about the events or to take the pledge visit the Strive Not to Drive website. www.strivenottodrive.org or check them out on Facebook .

Sponsored by Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty, Pisgah Brewing Company and Doc Cheys

Adventures in Real Estate / Adventure Properties

The Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville offer adventure seekers an opportunity to take their passions to a level not found in many places in the Southeast. In addition to outdoor adventure, Asheville also provides urban adventures to keep you busy on a rainy day or once the sun sets. So it is no wonder that many people such as myself choose to call Asheville home if they are seeking both outdoor recreation and a thriving arts and music scene.

As a Realtor and someone who enjoys all the qualities I mentioned above I pay close attention to neighborhoods and homes that offer easy access to the outdoor experience that draw many of us to the area. While these areas I will highlight offer direct access to the areas that many seek I will say based on experience that access to a good trail, road ride or boating adventure is never that far away. However for those adventure seeker who prefer to either keep the car parked all weekend or not own a car there are several neighborhoods that you might want to explore.

Bent Creek - Want mountain trails in your backyard? If you are into hiking, trail running or Mountain Biking no neighborhood offers the convenience to both the best of Asheville's nightlife and trial system. Located eight miles from downtown the Bent Creek Neighborhood offers numerous recreational opportunities as well as neighborhood trails that link to the Bent Creek Experimental Forest Trails. Once you hit the Bent Creek Trails your adventure is only limited by your legs and lungs as you can easily access the Pisgah National Forest Trails with a climb up and over Bent Creek Gap. For Road Biking Enthusiast the Blue Ridge Parkway is so close that you will not even have your heart rate up before you begin the climb up to Mount Pisgah or Mount Mitchell. Home prices are very reasonable in this popular area, a cute three bedroom two bath brick ranch will run 160k-220k.



West Asheville - Want to leave the car parked all weekend? Greenways, walkable neighborhoods and parks galore. Whether you're into track racing, mountain biking, running, river adventures, disc golf or taking Fido to the dog park West Asheville has you covered. If you are feeling mellow just hop on the greenway and enjoy a relaxing walk or ride to your favorite restaurant, pub or art studio or better yet find something that floats and take the river to the River Arts District or The Bywater for a cookout and pint. For those craving a trail, a quick ride to Richmond Hill Park offers several miles of tight twisty single track and a disc golf course. West Asheville provides plenty of activities to keep you busy all weekend without ever picking up the car keys. West Asheville offers a diverse supply of Real Estate. From cutting edge new green homes to charming 20's bungalows West Asheville has it covered. You can find a cute cottage for 125k or spend 300k+ on your dream green home or remolded charmer walking distance to everything. 

North Asheville - Want to ride trails to the coffee shop? The North side of Asheville is not without it's opportunity for outdoor adventure either. A short yet expanding section of Greenway exist on Reed Creek and the UNCA campus offers several miles of walking and biking trails that will make you forget that you are only one mile from all that downtown has to offer. Easy access to River Road is great for road cyclist looking for an enjoyable ride to Marshal or a fast paced competitive time trial. The Northside of Merrimon Ave also offers beautiful roads like sunset where you are likely to encounter more walkers, runners, and cyclist (and sometimes bears) than cars. For those who craving an adrenaline rush, Food Lion Skatepark is located in the Montford neighborhood and offers 17,000 sq ft of concrete adventure. Home prices in this area are higher with homes starting in the 200k range but expect to pay 300k+ for a 3/2 in the hotspots.

East Asheville and Montreat -Looking for Wild and wonderful East Asheville. East Asheville and Montreat also offer wilderness trails great for hiking and biking as well. Shope Creek in East Asheville near Riceville Road now offers a parking area and there are number of short trails. A mix of old hunting trails can take you to some amazing remote areas of Pisgah. The Montreat neighborhood, college and conference center offers over 30 miles of trails for hiking, trail running and biking and during parts of the season you can access the infamous Heartbreak Ridge Trail for one of the best mountain bike descents in the area. Home prices and options vary greatly in this area. Expect to pay 125K for a humble mountain abode to 500k and higher for homes in the hills with a view and quick access to the Montreat Trail system.

This is just the beginning of the neighborhoods and areas that offer a weekend of adventure without getting in your car. If you would like any additional information on these neighborhoods or homes available in these areas don't hesitate to call opr email me.

Tour De Green

Along with the spring flowers there are a number of green homes coming out of the ground in Asheville. Take a bike ride with us and learn more about green building and green enhancements you can make to your current home. The tour will feature 6 - 7 properties that offer a variety of energy conservation techniques and green building principles. The tour will also provide information on energy efficiency upgrades and methods that can be applied to existing homes. Green Building professionals will be available at select properties to answer questions and an experienced cyclist will be your guide and provide information on current and developing infrastructure improvements taking place in core areas of the city.

The tour is free and food and refreshments will be provided at the end by Doc Cheys and Pisgah Brewing. You can register for the tour here.

The tour will originate at Mosaic Realty, conveniently located in the heart of West Asheville on Haywood Rd, and will visit properties primarily in West Asheville area. The ride will be approximately 5 miles total distance. A moderate fitness level is suggested and helmets are required.

Meet at Mosaic Realty 797 Haywood Rd (located under Hop and Vines) at noon. The ride will begin at 12:15. Additional parking is available behind the building.

Feel free to contact me with any questions. Hope to see you on the tour.

Justin Mitchell

Justin@JustInAsheville.com
828.713.9400

Looking for adventure?

If you are looking for a challenge, a local ride, or just a good time on two wheels Asheville does not disappoint. Local organizers, race promoters, and cycling focused nonprofits provide numerous opportunities to get involved. I recently put together an Asheville Area Cycling Event Calendar and list of groups that can help take your cycling experience to new heights and meet some great people.

4/14 Assault on the Carolinas            www.assaultonthecarolinas.com                 Road
4/28 Burnsville Metric                       www.burnsvillemetric.com                         Road
5/5 PMBAR                                       www.PisgahProductions.com                      Mtn
5/12 Wheel Ride for Food                 www.mowabc.org/events                            Road
5/19 Pisgah 111K                              www.PisgahProductions.com                      Mtn
5/21 Assault on Mt. Mitchell             www.freewheelers.info                               Road
5/21-25 Strive Not To Drive Week    http://strivenottodrive.com/                        Fun/Eco
5/25-26 Mountain Sports Festival      www.mountainsportsfestival.com              Multi
5/26 French Broad Challenge             www.gloryhoundevents.com                     Tri
6/2 Tour De Green                             www.mymosaicrealty.com                         Social/Eco
6/3 Fletcher Flyer                               www.BlueRidgeBicycleClub.org               Road
6/9 Summer Cycle                              www.AshevilleOnBikes.com                     Fun/Social
6/9 Enka Triathlon at Biltmore           www.setupevents.com                               Tri
6/23 Short Track MTB Race               http://ashevillecyclocross.com/wp/           Mtn/Cross
7/14 Hotdogget                                    www.hotdoggett.mhc.edu/                        Road
7/21 Jerdon Mtn Challenge                 www.blueridgeadventures.net                   Mtn
7/22 ORAMM                                      www.BlueRidgeAdventures.net               Mtn
8/18 Blue Ridge Breakaway                www.blueridgebreakaway.com                Road
9/8   Asheville Cyclocross Race #1     http://ashevillecyclocross.com/wp/          Cross
9/17-22 Pisgah Stage Race                  www.BlueRidgeAdventures.net               Mtn
10/7    Pisgah Brewing Cyclocross      http://ashevillecyclocross.com/wp/          Cross
10/20  Carrier Park Night Cyclocross  http://ashevillecyclocross.com/wp/          Cross
10/20-21 Double Dare                           www.PisgahProductions.com                 Mtn
11/11 Swank 65                                     www.BlueRidgeAdventures.net             Mtn
11/17-18 Paris Mt. DH and Enduro       www.ParisMountainDownhill.com        Mtn

On Going races, social rides and other resources.

Asheville on Bikes                  www.ashevilleonbikes.com
Pisgah Area SORBA              www.pisgahareasorba.org
Asheville Womens Cycing     www.ashevillewomenscycling.com
Blue Ridge Bicycle Club        www.blueridgebicycleclub.org
Asheville Cyclocross              www.ashevillecyclocross.com
Ring of Fire Track Series       www.veloportsracing.com
Weaverville BMX                   www.weavervillebmx.org
USA Cycling                           www.usacycling.org

Justin Mitchell, Broker
Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty
797 Haywood Rd. Suite 2, Asheville NC 28806

Mobile: 828.713.9400

http://www.mymosaicrealty.com/

A few new videos of Mountain Biking in Asheville

The cycling opportunities in the Asheville area are one of many reasons I relocated to Asheville in 2008.

I recently purchased a Gopro camera and have been documenting some rides in the area. Now get out there and ride, hike, climb, boat or just take a picnic out and enjoy the amazing area we live in.

Justin

Bicycles, Green Homes and a perfect spring day in Asheville!

I grew up with a love of bicycles. Now at 36 years of age I understand that they are an inseparable part of my life and lifestyle. When I was young it was more about the thrill of exploration and catching air on my backyard bmx track. While those two aspects are still a part of my love for bicycles my understanding of the power and possibility of the bicycle evolved while living without a car in my college days.


During my first years of college I relied on my bike to take me everywhere I needed to go while studying environmental science. Several of my classes closely examined the true cost to a society built around a dependence on the automobile and it was during this time that I strived to one day make a difference in some way. After graduation I learned that Real Estate is not the best career choice for someone who would prefer to be on two wheels however over the past 8 years of my 11 year real estate career I have begun to understand the effect my knowledge of and passion can have.

Mahatma Gandhi eloquently said "Be the change you want to see in the world." This quote has always been a favorite of mine and one that I have tried to live by. Considering that our buildings and transportation consume the major percentage of our energy usage it only made sense to organize the 2nd Annual Green Building Bike Tour. It is with this perspective and my life experience that I am fortunate to apply my passion to my career choice and attempt to make a difference even if it is only a small one. And by organizing events such as the bike tour that I am able to meet so many great people who share my vision for what is possible.

I want to thank everyone who took part in the Strive Not to Drive Campaign last week in Asheville and certainly thank all those who participated in the Green Home Bike Tour. We can make a difference and I am very pleased to announce the bike tour alone raised $300 dollars for Asheville’s primary advocacy group for multimodal transportation, Asheville on Bikes. I also want to thank, Mosaic Realty and Mike Figura for all he has done to improve and address green building options for Ashevillians, Biowheels for their commitment to green building and alternative transportation, Green Builders Anthony Brenner with Push Design and JAG Construction owner Jody Guokas who not only built homes featured on the tour but participated in the entire bike ride as well.

It is with the help of these individuals, business owners, participants and organizers of Strive Not to Drive week and bike tour that change happens. Enjoy some photos of this year’s tour and thanks again to everyone who was involved! Justin

Healthy Built Homes and Healthy Transportation

James and Amanda Boren provided cyclist a great start to the tour at our first stop on Waynesville Road.

47 Waynesville Road makes a very small footprint on the Asheville area.

Bikes in yard. What a wonderful site.

Going green doesn't require a new home. Mike Figura covering an energy audit of an older home.

Push Designs latest project in West Asheville. First home built in Asheville using no toxic materials.

Push Design founder Anthony Brenner in front of the hemp wall and discussing the green aspects of the home.

Getting ready to roll.

Green Homes in Davenport Park in West Asheville.

JAG Construction owner and tour participant Jody Goukas talking about Davenport Park's Green features.

Participants gathering at the Gaia Development.

Mosaic Realty owner and Gaia founder Mike Figura talking about the conservation efforts implemented into the Gaia Development.

Community Garden in the works at Gaia.

Community garden and common area at the Hudson Street Cottages in West Asheville.

I look forward to the next Green Home Bike Tour and hope to meet more wonderful people who share my vision.

All the best,

Justin 

2011 Green Home Bike Tour! Bicycles and Building Science.

We're going for another ride... Last year's Green Home Bike Tour was a great event and from the smiles on people faces in the photos from last year I am looking forward to another tour in 2011. If you didn't make it to last years event, here is the info.

Take a bike ride through Asheville’s core neighborhoods and learn more about green building at the second annual Green Home Bike Tour on May 21st. The tour will include a variety of green properties and provide participants information on bicycle routes and alternative transportation options in Asheville.

Mike Figura and I will lead a tour of 6-7 properties ranging from a commercial green rehab to the first home built in Asheville from all nontoxic materials. Green building professionals will be available at select properties to answer questions and provide information about green features and construction methods.

The tour will originate at Biowheels Bike Shop and visit properties in the Downtown and West Asheville areas. The ride will be approximately ten miles in total distance and due to the hilly nature of the Asheville landscape a moderate fitness level is suggested and helmets are required.

Start: Biowheels: 81 Coxe Ave. Presentation at 12:00. Ride begins at 12:30
Finish: Biowheels: 81 Coxe Ave. Post ride will begin at 5:00

A suggested donation of $5 - $10 will go to benefit Asheville on Bikes a local nonprofit organization focused on improving Asheville’s cycling and pedestrian infrastructure.

A post ride reception at Biowheels will offer refreshments from local craft breweries and food from Doc Cheys.

For general information or to register for the tour Please email me at JustInAsheville@gmail.com with the number of people in your party or you can sign up at Biowheels at 81 Coxe Ave. I may also be reached at (828)713-9400.

The event is sponsored by Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty, Biowheels and Pisgah Brewing Company.

Here are few of the properties that will be featured on the tour.

The Kestrel - This home has caught many people's attention and I am excited to show participants the interior of this unique property. Located at 47 Waynesville Road near the River Arts District this home features a small footprint and offers 973 sq ft of green built living area over three floors.


Hudson Street Cottages - A courtyard community in West Asheville featuring community gardens, solar, and many more green features. Developer Mike Figura will be on hand to answer questions regarding this exciting concept community.

Rich Street Hemp House - Though this home has yet to be built Push Design will be on hand at a home recently completed to discuss the features of this home. The demonstration will take place at Asheville's first home built from all nontoxic materials on Pruitt Street in West Asheville.

Davenport Park in West Asheville by JAG Builders. Great microcommunity walking / biking distance from all that West Asheville has to offer and located adjacent to a community park. Green Built with solar and top notch construction.

Clingman Lofts - Participants will tour a one bedroom and two bedroom unit. These properties are Healthy Built Certified and come with attractive financing options via Mountain Housing Opportunities. Great location for the price.


Since buying a new green property is only one way of living in a green home, I am excited to announce that the tour will provide a demonstration showcasing a homeowners options to improve an existing property. Choosing to live in a home that has already exist is very green option when you factor the embodied energy it takes to build a new structure. Participants will tour an older home in need of improvements and professionals will be on hand to show what methods and materials can be used to improve energy efficiency and create a healthier indoor living environment.

Hope to see you on this year's tour!

Justin

A few new moves in 2011

I am excited to announce that I am now working with Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty. I had the pleasure in meeting Mike Figura almost a year ago while working on the Green Home Bike Tour that I planned and hosted. Mike brings a wealth of experience and a moral compass that is as fine as any Realtor that I ever had the pleasure in working with.

It was with great pleasure that I began working with his company, Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty about two months ago. Since that time I have seen my business pick up and I have had the pleasure in working with a number of the finest builders, both Green and Traditional, that Asheville has to offer.

In my pursuit to be a positive force in the movement to encourage more environmentally friendly lifestyles I recently worked directly with a company that I feel has a clear idea of the direction that Green Building will ultimate take and is pushing the envelope in a number of ways. Push Design has created a building system that offers both benefits to the natural and human environment. Push Design is located here in Asheville and was created by Anthony Brenner.

The company received national attention when the first Push House was placed in the spotlight by a wonderful piece on CNN but still maintains a humbleness and direct connection to their goals and clients. I feel honored to be able to say that I have watched this company grow and very honored to represent the first listed Hemp House in the country.

In other news there will be another Green Home Bike Tour this year that will take place on May 21st. It will be sponsored by Mosaic Realty, Biowheels and Pisgah Brewing Company and there will several wonderful homes on tour and a number of professionals in the Green Building Industry on hand to answer questions and wonderful food and beverages for the participants after the event.

Stay tuned. The blog will once again be providing information on events and news the happens Just In Asheville and I can say that 2011 is going to be a great year!

Thanks for reading.

Justin Mitchell

Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty

828.713.9400

Bicycles and Building Science

Thanks to Western North Carolina Green Building Council for putting together four wonderful days of events. The Many Shades of Green Extravaganza was a great success. Each night there was something to learn and great people to meet. I enjoyed taking part in all the events but it was the bike tour that I was most excited about.

Asheville has a very high number of cyclist and I knew a few of them would be interested in green properties as well. It was a perfect spring day and the bike tour attracted a great mix of green minded people who could not have picked a better day to ride a bicycle. Everyone had a good time and got some exercise while learning something new. It was great meeting new people and inspiring several people to dust of thier bike and start riding again. Just knowing that Asheville has a few new cyclist that will now think twice about driving across town knowing they can bike there instead made the experience worth it.

Thanks to all the riders who participated in the first green home bike tour, I hope you enjoyed the experience as much as I did. Special thanks to the builders and owners who opened their homes and businesses and provided us with a wealth of information. Big thanks to Robbie McLucas , Biowheels and Pisgah Brewing for the wonderful support, after party, food and refreshments.

Hope to see you all this Fall at the next tour.

Justin Mitchell
Keller Williams Realty
828.713.9400

Getting ready to ride at Biowheels.

Souvenirs from ReCycled Concepts.

Grant Gosch with First Light Solar discussing Biowheel's Solar hot water system.

Bill McCurdy of Sun Construction talks about the green features of 411 West Haywood Rd.

A great sight at a green home.

Brain Knight with Springtime Homes talks about his latest green home on Crestmont.

A green fleet of over twenty riders.

Community garden space in a courtyard development in West Asheville.

What a gorgeous spring day.

Taking a look at what will be earthen wall coverings at the Nauhaus.

The "Hemp House" as it is known by most will be a recording setting property in terms energy efficiency.

The smiles say it all. Great ride, amazing properties, and fun people.