This one-way ride is fairly flat, except for the last 10 miles from Buchanan up to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Otherwise, the ride is very fast. The ride requires someone else meeting the biker(s) at the Peaks of Otter for a meal and a drive home, or an overnight campout.
Starting Point: The Homeplace Restaurant in Catawba.
Distance: 44.3 miles, one way.
Terrain: Fairly flat with one steep climb.
| Mile | Directions |
|---|---|
| 0.0 | Right out of the restaurant driveway. |
| 0.2 | Left onto SR 779 in Catawba. |
| 2.5 | Go straight, staying on SR 779, when SR 600 goes to left. |
| 7.5 | Right, staying on SR 779, when SR 699 goes to left. |
| 11.3 | Left onto SR 630 going to Fincastle. |
| 14.3 | Cross SR 665 on left and right |
| 17.8 | Right onto US 220 in Fincastle for about a half a mile to gas station /convenience store on left. |
| 18.3 | Turn around and go back to downtown Fincastle. |
| 18.8 | Right onto SR 606. |
| 19.3 | Right, staying on SR 606, when SR 640 goes to the left. |
| 25.8 | Cross under 1-81. |
| 26.3 | Left onto SR 11. |
| 34.3 | Right onto SR 43 in north end of Buchanan. |
| 39.3 | Left onto Blue Ridge Parkway at Bearwallow Gap. |
| 44.3 | Turn into Peaks of Otter Lodge on right. Finish. |
Notes:
Convenience stores with bathrooms are found at beginning of route in Catawba, gas station/convenience store out of Fincastle at mile 18.3, and in north Buchanan on right at mile 34.3.