Route 16 - Charlotte to Wilkesboro - By McSchwegel

As a recent transplant from the flat, straight roads of Southwest Florida, I was looking for a beginner-friendly route to get used to hills and curves. This ride was absolutely perfect. I picked up Highway 16 North from Highway 73 (just north of Charlotte) and took it all the way up to the W. Kerr Scott Dam in Wilkesboro.The total out-and-back trip took about 3.25 hours. An incoming storm cut my time at the reservoir down to just a few minutes, and I had to deal with intermittent rain and drizzle on the return leg. However, by taking it slow, it remained a highly enjoyable learning experience.This was my first true hilly and twisty ride. Once I found my rhythm, I loved every minute of the sweeping turns through the woods, rural farmlands, and mountain-side communities. It is an excellent introductory route for anyone looking to build confidence in changing terrain. I will definitely be back to try some of the alternative routes people have recommended!