Cyclists are invited to sign up for the 27th annual Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee, a weeklong excursion through the beautiful scenery of the Cumberland region on Sept. 11-17. In Southeast Tennessee, this year’s ride will pass through Chattanooga, Harrison, Dayton, Spring Hill and Decatur.
“After each day’s ride, Tennessee State Parks staff will provide interesting and fun programming for participants and their families,” said Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Conservation Brock Hill. “Everything from stargazing at the Pickett-Pogue International Dark Sky site to Rolley Hole marble games at Standing Stone will be available as riders enjoy the best each park has to offer.”
Beginning and ending at Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville, this non-competitive fall bike tour will wind riders through four state parks covering more than 450 miles in seven days. Participants can tailor the trip to their comfort level – riding anywhere from one day to all seven days of the full event. The average distance is 65 miles per day.
“For nearly 30 years, cyclists from across the country have converged in Tennessee to tour our beautiful country roads,” said Race Director Morgan Gilman. “Every year we take riders through a different area, ensuring a unique experience for veteran riders as well as beginners.”
Registration is based on the number of days, beginning at $60 for a single day ride and going up to $400 for the full seven-day ride. The registration fee includes a fully supported route, hot showers, campsites, meals (breakfast and supper), live entertainment and interpretive programming as well as an event t-shirt. Camping is included at four Tennessee State Parks, including Standing Stone State Park, Pickett CCC Memorial State Park, Cumberland Mountain State Park and Harrison Bay State Park as well as Southwest Point Park in Kingston.