I make it down to Asheville about 10 - 15 times a year. IMO some of the best road riding in the whole USA is in those parts. The Melodrome is a really cool venue too they just had the NC/SC State Championships last weekend. It's not steep but still it's a fun track. I like Asheville, it's a bit of a hippie town though. Check out Salsa's for some good eats and this little noodle shop right around the corner, and there is a lot of live music/bands playing.