Here’s the press release from Asheville on Bikes:
Asheville on Bikes in conjunction with Toubab Krewe host Tour de Toubab, a community ride from Asheville to CARNAVALITO in Black Mountain.
Toubab Krewe returns to the mountains of North Carolina for the two day festival, CARNAVALITO on July 13th – 14th hosted at Pisgah Brewing in Black Mountain, NC. National acts, Donna the Buffalo, Dumpstah Funk ,and DJ Equal are included on the bill. Asheville’s bicycle advocacy organization, Asheville on Bikes, partnered with the festival to host a group bicycle ride to the music.
The Tour de Toubab is a supported group ride from Asheville to the festival and back again throughout the weekend. The plan is for participants to gather at Stephens Lee Recreational Center on either Friday or Saturday, load camping gearing into a sag wagon, and ride bicycles out to the festival. Asheville on Bikes will also host return rides as part of the Tour de Toubab.
“There is so much energy in our region concerning expanding our area’s bicycle infrastructure – from the Blue Ridge Bike Plan to Asheville’s recent “Bike Friendly Status” awarded by the American League of Cyclists to Buncombe County’s Connect Buncombe – there is a tremendous support for expanding our options of how we move. Tour de Toubab is an opportunity to highlight the potential of multi-modal transportation options. The ability to ride a bicycle from Asheville to Black Mountain adds value to the experience. It’s time to pronounce this and Asheville on Bikes is thrilled to partner with Toubab Krewe. They rock and we roll; it’s a natural fit,” states, Asheville on Bikes founder, Mike Sule.
“Toubab Krewe has taken me away from Asheville and around the world. Each time I return, the city and area are changing. It’s good to see a group like Asheville on Bikes evolve with the city and impact it. It’s good to return to the mountains of North Carolina, support Asheville on Bikes, and play music. I’m proud of where I’m from and what it’s becoming.” says local rocker, Justin Perkins about the partnership with AoB.
Tour de Toubab is a twenty-five mile ride through mountainous roads. “There are climbs on the route. We don’t have greenway infrastructure, yet. Participants need to be fit for cycling with a well tuned bicycle. Road experience is a requirement for Tour de Toubab,” states Sule.
Details for the Tour de Toubab can be found on Asheville on Bike website and facebook page.
Tour de Toubab – The Details
Tour de Toubab is a community ride to Toubab Kreweʼs CARNAVALITO at Pisgah Brewery in Black Mountain, NC.
The ride will be accompanied with a sag wagon to carry your camping gear to the Asheville East KOA . The campground offers a discount to those participating in CARNAVALITO. Each Tour de Toubab participant must make his/her own reservations at the KOA.
The Tour de Toubab will not return to Asheville following Friday and Saturday night show, however a shuttle bus will be provided by CARNAVALITO.
The Tour de Toubab is a 25 miles one way through WNC mountainous landscape. While the tour moves at a social pace, riding experience and a well tuned bicycle are required.
Please review the schedule for specific details.
Friday, July 13th
AVL to CARNAVALITO
Tour de Toubab meets in Stephens Lee Recreational Center ,located at 30 George Washington Carver Ave, at 2:30pm and departs at 3pm.
There is no overnight parking in the Stephens Lee parking lot.
Participants can anticipate a 2.5hr ride so be sure arrive on time, with gear and plenty of water.
The tour will culminate at KOA campground so that you can set camp before heading to the CARNAVALITO.
Saturday, July 14th
CARNAVALITO to AVL
Tour de Toubab departs KOA campground at 9am with sag wagon and returns to Stephens Lee Recreational Center at 11:30am.
Participants can anticipate a 2.5hr ride. Be sure to have gear packed and ready to load no later then 8:45am.
AVL to CARNAVLITO
Tour de Toubab departs Stephens Lee Recreational Center at 12pm and arrives at Asheville East KOA at 2:30pm. A sag wagon will be provided to carry your camping gear.
Sunday, July 15th
CARNAVALITO to AVL
Tour de Toubab departs KOA campground at 10am with sag wagon and returns to Stephens Lee Recreational Center at 12:30pm.
For additional information contact, Mike Sule @ suleride5@gmail.com
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.