NORTH CAROLINA

Two days on the road, first in the van travelling to Atlantic Beach - which is actually our final ride destination. We stay at nearby Havelock and though we have been accustomed to train noises we vary that today with jets from the nearby Marines base. Quicker to pass.
The second day after driving into Atlantic Beach and parking the van for the week, meeting up with Nancy, Mary B and Vicki we all board the big bus and settle in for the full day trip to the start point in the mountains,  Banner Elk.

This is a town at the foot of ski resort Sugar Mountain, and is overlooked by the ugliest mountain top building I've seen in years.
Fortunately this is countered by the smaller more attractive buildings in the town itself.
The cyclists' campsite looks like they do wherever they exist. Tents, trucks, support crew and a coffee truck (which sadly is not equipped with an espresso machine). It is, however, much appreciated by the locals.
There is a local band playing and a great air of anticipation.  In addition to byo tents and what is known at home as "sleep easy" tents this ride has a third option - indoor camping. Utilising a local hall cyclists lay out bedding and goods in what looks like a large dormitory. This is probably just what it looked like in South Australia recently as the Bike SA Annual Tour was washed out for a couple of days. We are actually opting out of all those experiences, staying in a hotel each night. Very luxurious for me but I am sure I'll cope somehow.
The ride is the Mountains to Coast ride, an annual ride in Autumn with a new route each year. All I'll say is remember it says Mountains first.