Plan Now To Join the Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee, September 14-20
May 1, 2008
19th ANNUAL EVENT TO LOOP THROUGH BEAUTIFUL SMOKY MOUNTAINS
Nashville, Tenn. — The arrival of spring marks a great time to begin planning to participate in the 19th Annual Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee, which will begin its seven-day ride on Sept. 14 and will feature a loop through some of Tennessee’s most beautiful landscapes.Â
Originating this year at Warrior’s Path State Park in Kingsport and continuing on a loop through the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, riders will stay overnight at three Tennessee State Parks.
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“This ride is a major event for State Parks and for cyclists in Tennessee,” said BRAT Director Gary Patterson. “The terrain on this year’s ride will be more mountainous than the previous two BRAT rides, offering participants some incredible views of the Smoky Mountains.”
The event will begin with check-in and a kick-off dinner at Warrior’s Path State Park on Sept. 13. Sunday will introduce riders to the route with a 55-mile ride to Roan Mountain State Park. From there, the group will ride 52 miles to Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park near Greenville. On Tuesday, riders will travel 84 miles to end the day in Gatlinburg, where they will stay for two nights. Thursday’s route is the longest, with a 99-mile ride from Gatlinburg to Jonesborough. Riders will enjoy another two-night stay in Jonesborough, where they may explore a number of optional loop rides on Friday. This spectacular journey will conclude on Saturday, with a short ride back to Warrior’s Path.
“The BRAT is not a race, but it’s a significant ride that requires preparation,” Patterson advised. “Even experienced riders appreciate the support staff we offer along the route that can provide assistance and transportation for those who encounter problems or simply can’t complete that day’s mileage. Our goal is to provide an outstanding experience for participants of all ages.”
The 19th Annual Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee is sponsored by Tennessee State Parks and the Cumberland Trail Conference. Part of the proceeds from this year’s event will go directly to the Cumberland Trail Conference, a non-profit organization dedicated to the creation and preservation of Cumberland Trail State Park.
For registration information or more details about the BRAT, please e-mail Gary Patterson at garyw [dot] patterson [at] state [dot] tn [dot] us
or visit www.tnstateparks.com/BRAT.
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