If spring weather has got you ready to roll – consider heading to Townsend, Tn., for a weekend of cycling on quiet country roads in the foothills of the Smokies. Dancing Bear Lodge, located “on the peaceful side of the Smokies,” offers a luxurious weekend getaway and guided cycling during their spring Bicycle Bash, April 3-5. The semi-annual event held every spring and fall, caters to cyclists of all skill levels.
“The turnout for our cycling weekends has confirmed that there is a demand for quality cycling events, with great food, great routes and great friends,” says Matt Alexander, managing partner at Dancing Bear Lodge. A longtime cyclist and amateur racer on a master’s team, Alexander organized the first Bike Bash in March 2006 with Tim and Sharon Patterson, directors of the annual Tennessee Tandem Rally in Alcoa. Sharing enthusiasm for the recreational benefits of cycling, Alexander says, “We want to introduce cyclists of all abilities to the extraordinary riding opportunities in this area.”
The Bike Bash begins Friday afternoon with an optional warm-up ride, usually about 30 miles. A reception at 6:00 pm kicks off the weekend with h’ordeuvres in the lounge. Guests may enjoy dinner at the lodge prepared by Chef Jeff Carter, known for his regionally inspired cuisine from local farms and artisanal producers. The welcome party for cyclists and families continues into the evening, with roasting marshmallows and making s’mores around the outdoor fireplace.
Saturday morning begins with aromas of specially blended Vienna coffee permeating the lodge and a hearty continental breakfast of fruit, fresh-baked scones, muffins and egg frittatas. The informal dining room is filled with cyclists in colorful jerseys and shorts, chatting excitedly and peering at route maps to determine their day’s ride. Options range from 20, 30, 50 or 60-mile routes.
Riders leave together from the field at the edge of Dancing Bear’s property and travel along the Little River before splitting off on chosen routes and ending with a loop through Dry Valley in Townsend. Bike Bash participants include recreational riders, avid cyclists, families, groups of friends and singles. Road routes are marked, and there are designated rest stops with snacks. A sag wagon is available from the rest stop for anyone needing it.
An after-ride party awaits with beer, barbeque and bluegrass music on the patio. (Bison burgers, grilled chicken and vegetarian sides are also on the menu.) Trek Bicycle’s demonstration trailers are on hand for trying out the latest road bikes and mountain bikes. The festive afternoon also includes games and light-hearted competition on tricycles and tandem cruisers.
A Sunday morning “recovery” ride is optional. “It’s an informal ride for those who want more,” says Tim Patterson.
The Bike Bash is open to local cyclists as well as lodge guests. Most participants bring their own bikes and helmets, but touring bikes are available for rent and demos are available with advance reservation.
Townsend’s 9-mile paved biking trail runs through Dancing Bear’s 35-acre property and mountain biking is offered on three miles of trails. Amenities for non-riders include fly fishing in the Little River (Orvis-certified guides available), massage therapy and hiking trails.
Bike Bash packages include accommodation in lodge rooms or cabins, breakfasts, t-shirt, Friday reception, Saturday celebration and ride registration. Cabins have hot tubs and wood-burning fireplaces.
Patterson describes Dancing Bear Lodge as the perfect venue for the Bike Bash event. “There is such great variety of cycling terrain nearby with unsurpassable scenery,” he says, “and the food and accommodations are superb.”
Dancing Bear Lodge has a casual ambience but offers rustic elegance and special touches from featherbeds to terry robes, as Alexander is no stranger to hospitality. Previously general manager at nearby Blackberry Farm, Alexander partnered with Blackberry Farm to purchase Dancing Bear (formerly Maple Leaf Lodge) in 2004.
For more information on Dancing Bear Lodge or to register for the Bike Bash, visit http://www.dancingbearlodge.com/cp/Specials--Packages-Dancing-Bear-Bicycle-Bash--.htm or call 865-448-1999.
Cyclists take instruction at start