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

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.

The Sun will come out tomorrow..

As I sit at my desk watching snow accumulate on the trees I am once again amazed by the winter weather we have been experiencing this year. It seems as though the world at large is experiencing a volatile climate referring to both weather and the economy. As unpredictable as both the weather and our economy seems these days, I feel as though there is only one thing we can be sure of, the sun will come out tomorrow.

In Asheville we are nationally known for many things, outdoor recreation, beer, music and the arts. After researching local alternative energy businesses I have come to find that for a city of 80,000+ we have large number of companies that realize the suns potential. The solar business is one thing that makes a lot of sense to me. The sun is most renewable resource we have and according to many theories it is only gaining strength. Solar power is only one part of the green housing movement however,I believe that solar energy will be a major player in future generations way of life. That being said there are many companies here in Asheville doing their part to encourage a movement away from nonrenewable energy sources to solar and other renewable energy.

Vanir Energy of Fletcher is making a bold move by launching the worlds largest solar heating and cooling project. The technology they use and systems they represent are amazing and I would expect to see more of this technology used in high density residential and commercial construction in the years ahead.

FLS Energy /First Light Solar of Asheville is making headlines everywhere you turn in Asheville. They recently made news with the largest solar array in the region going online, their direct connection to local neighborhoods and to ongoing community support. FLS Energy is proving that business can thrive by doing the right thing.

Sundance Power Systems has been providing solar options for 14 years in the Asheville area. The company has installed over a thousand systems in the area and offers a multitude of services for residential, commercial and municipal applications. They also work with Micro Hydro and Wind Power systems and over the years they have grown to be one of the largest renewable energy firms in the Southeast.

Solar Plus Green is the main supplier of Evacuated Tube Solar Collector to the Western North Carolina area. While this system comes at a slightly higher cost the system does seem to have certain advantages over flat plate collectors.

There are a number of smaller companies that work mainly with installation and maintenance such as Thermacraft, Sun Stuff Energy, Si Envirotec, and Solar Dynamics. So as you can see much like our extensive options we have trails, bike shops, and local beer Asheville also provides it's residence with a multitude of alternative energy options as well.

When you consider the unique financing options for a solar system offered by many of the companies listed above and the 65% tax credit (30% national, 35% state) a solar system can add value to your property, reduce your monthly expenses and your carbon footprint very easily if you are building a new home or considering upgrading your current home.

Yes, even with the cold days we have been experiencing in Asheville the sun shines down and give us it's energy to heat our water and create power. Now if it can just warm up so I can start working on my tan.

Justin Mitchell

Ecohouse / Dwell Realty
828.713.9400

Fall In (love with) Asheville

Fall has always been one of my favorite times of the year. Living in Asheville during the fall provides so many experiences that are unique to this town. Here are a few highlights.


Mountain Bike Stage Racing came to the Asheville area in 2009. The Pisgah Mountain Bike Stage Race took place on October 15th-18th. The race was a success and even though we experienced an early season snow storm that eliminated some of my favorite trails from the race I think the racers were still felt they got their money's worth after three days of long climbs and technical descents.


Endurance running is something that I am always impressed by. One race that puts runners to the test and occurs every year in Asheville is the Shut In Ridge Trail Race. This year it took place despite a rock slide closing several miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Runners from all over the country came to compete in a brutal 30 race on single track that features views and more views and requires runners to endure over 3,000 ft of elevation gain over 30 miles of rocks and roots.


The Western North Carolina Fall Green Home Tour took place on October 10th. The Western NC Green Building Council hosted the event and there were a number of amazing homes on the tour. I was host at an amazing Green Home in West Asheville and meet over forty people taking part in the tour. If you want to know more about the green homes in Asheville just give me a call. One great thing about living in Asheville is the overall emphasis on green living. Considering the low population numbers of Asheville and being located in the South we see a very high percentage of available green homes. Builders and designers have relocated to our area bring their green building experience with them. The WNCGBC has created an affordable certification process, Healthy Built Homes, opening doors to builders wanting a green certification but not being able to afford the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification process.


Speaking of new green homes, I must say I feel in love with this home the first time I toured it. It has location, style and a great private backyard in the heart of the city. It's located at 121 Courtland Ave in the Montford neighborhood which is just a few blocks from all my favorite restaurants, stores, and venues downtown.




I am hosting an Open House at this home on Sunday 11/22/09 from 2-4. Stop by and see a beautiful Modern home and enjoy some great wine or an organic beer from Pisgah Brewing Company.



Justin Mitchell

Ecohouse / DWELL Realty
Justin@JustInAsheville.com
828-713-9400

Asheville. A different kind of Community.

Consider this blog an evolving website for information centered on living green in a town that I know and love. This town offers many different things to many different types of people and I believe that it can be what ever it wants to be. Towns such as Asheville are in many ways are what we make of them and what we focus on.

I tend to see the positive aspects that encourage a richer and more connected sense of community in this town. I see it as a personal goal to encourage a community rather it be geographical, extracurricular, business or natural. Community is very important in a town the size of Asheville. It is possible to achieve and see results for even small actions however, it is also large enough to lose connections that once were due to an influx of citizens from across the nation and an ever changing environment around us. Whether or not you agree with the changes that have occurred or the influx of new Ashevillians one thing is certain.

That we must seek to deal with the change in a way that both protects the natural community and encourages smart growth patterns.

I have ideas and I do things differently than a lot of people. Considering the status quo, I believe different is something that is not only good but something we should all consider in our everyday decisions.

I look forward to sharing aspects of life that are unique to my business and my way of life in hopes that I can leave a place a little better than I found it and encourage other people to do the same.

Thanks for listening.

Justin Mitchell

Dwell / Ecohouse Realty
828.713.9400