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.

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

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

What does it mean to build Green?

With all the talk about green building in the news I hear this question frequently. Frankly there is no simple answer when I am asked "what is green building"? To some it means building with all natural materials and others it involves complex systems and using the latest in modern technology. Simply put "Green Building" means something different to people within the same industry.

For some a green home is one that uses primarily recycled or natural materials in the design and building process. There are many types of practices and materials used in this type of green building philosophy and often the methods / materials used are dependant on the region's climate and local resources where the construction is taking place. These homes may be as ecoconscious as an Earthship or Strawbale home or as simple as reusing shipping containers to create efficient living spaces. Natural building has been practiced for generations (think adobe huts) and has been proven by the test of time. While this style may not be for everyone it is undeniable that these structures in many cases will survive well beyond many of our modern structures. As for shipping container homes or upcycling modern materials (tires, glass, etc) I believe we are on the cusp of trend that will gain momentum as we learn to work with less and make use of what we have already created. One man's trash, as they say..

In other circles the Green Building movement refers to incorporating the latest technology available to create a space that can now be powered by the sun, wind or water for all your energy needs. These homes may feature technologies that provide higher indoor air quality, feature building materials that are nontoxic, can withstand many lifetimes of wear and tear and yet are easy to produce and harvest. The most basic principle in this type of construction places great importance on building a tight building envelop to conserve energy and testing the major systems of the home to address energy loss. New certification processes and building practices are being integrated into our traditional construction methods insuring that a consumer is purchasing a home with improved qualities that can be measured. While these new technological systems are designed to reduce both input and output one can not ignore the considerable embodied energy in making the products designed to reduce energy consumption in the long run. Modular homes are growing far more common and acceptable to consumers as the benefits of building in a controlled environment are realized. Construction waste can be minimised and quality standards stay uniform resulting in a much greener dwelling. While technological advancements and new construction methods tends to be the type of green building getting the most headlines it is important to consider yet another side of green building.

What is greener than using what's already been built many ask? You can "green" an existing home and improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality and incorporate many of the same systems available to new construction. There are many green benefits of rehabbing an existing structure. In purchasing an existing property the user is not disturbing a new building site for access and construction and less materials are used in a rehab verses building from ground up greatly reducing the embodied energy required. A green rehab might involve gutting a home to the studs and replacing all the major systems and incorporating new technology in the process. However, for most people this process can be as simple as making the decision to purchase low flow fixtures, LED lighting, Energy Star appliances, etc. when replacing items in your home. Or green your home by winterizing your building envelop with can of spray foam or a local company that specializes in energy conservation.

As you see, the term Green Building means different things to different people. Consumers today are certainly paying more attention to energy conservation to both lesson their impact and reduce their spending. As a Realtor with ten years experience it is clear that people want to purchase homes that suite their lifestyle, offer a feeling of security and comfort but in the end it comes down to affordability and economics. As heartwarming as the environmental benefits of Green Building are it has been documented that the primary motivation for people to purchase a green home is due to the potential economic savings. Buying green saves you green if you will and in most cases people adapt their view of Green Building to what is available to them.

So what does it mean to build green? To me it means raising expectations and making educated decisions throughout the entire process of home construction to create a home that suites your lifestyle and budget while lessening your impact on your health and the world outside of your living space.

Go green, whatever that means to you.

Justin Mitchell

Ecohouse / Dwell Realty