Tennessee's splendor can be experienced from the seat of a bike

photo This year's route centers around Middle Tennessee. The trip goes north from Crossville toward Allons, then east toward Jamestown and south back toward Crossville. A rest day takes riders on a loop near Pikeville and back to Crossville. After that, the ride goes south near Chattanooga, back up toward Kingston and ends back in Crossville. Overall, the trip hits numerous state parks in the area, including Harrison Bay, Standing Stone, Pickett, and Cumberland Mountain state parks, just to name a few.

It's hard to pick a time to visit Tennessee's state parks system that's more beautiful and scenic than autumn, and there's no better way to appreciate all they have to offer than from the seat of a bike. At least, that's what the creators and organizers for Bike Ride Across Tennessee believe, and we're inclined to agree. Featuring hundreds of miles of gorgeous cycling with plentiful stops and entertainment along the way, any distance-cyclist owes it to themselves to give the BRAT a try.

Some BRAT-y figures

This will be the 27th BRAT. Here’s a breakdown of this year’s ride:Number of riders: 200-300Number of miles: 459.3Number of days: 7Most miles per day: 74Altitude low: 1,727 feet above sea levelAltitude high: 4,867 feet above sea levelWhen they reach Chattanooga: Sept. 15Number of cities along the path: 29

Breaking on BRAT

Participating cyclists will be spending their nights in various state parks and most of their days soaking up the state’s scenery, but there are a multitude of reasons people join the ride, says BRAT Director Morgan Gilman. One of those is the opportunity to stop and see the sights throughout the cities on the ride. Here are a few of the activities they — and you — can do along this year’s largely local route.Scopes Trial MuseumWhat started as a publicity stunt had lasting ramifications for education in the country. Learn about this huge piece of Tennessee and American history by visiting the museum in Dayton, which riders will pass right by on the trip.Stonehaus WineryTennessee may be known for its whiskey, but Crossville’s Stonehaus Winery produces some of the finest homegrown wine in the state. Free tasting available seven days a week.Fort Southwest PointA huge reconstruction project to restore the 240-year-old fort on its original foundation has been ongoing for years. This Revolutionary-era piece of Tennessee history is definitely worth a stop, especially considering the price is free.Chattanooga Brewing CompanyThe final leg of the journey swings by Chattanooga, giving riders an opportunity to stop in and see everything the city has to offer. Gilman says a number of riders often stop for a celebratory drink on the last day of the trip, and what better place than the Chattanooga Brewing Company?

Q&A With David Drye

David Drye has participated in every BRAT since its inception in 1987.GO: What’s it like cycling through Tennessee’s state parks for a week?Drye: Oh, it’s just amazing. Each park has its own flavor, and the ride really captures the diversity of Tennessee. There’s something new every day.GO: After nearly 30 years of the BRAT, does one stick out in your mind?Drye: It’s really hard to pick a favorite. The rides we’ve done in upper East Tennessee stand out a bit because of the mountains … but really, they’ve all been terrific.GO: Would you recommend the BRAT to someone who’s new to distance cycling?Drye: Absolutely. Obviously, you have to train for it first, but you’ve got all summer to do that. We’ve had a man with cerebal palsy complete the trip, as well as folks in their 70s and 80s. If you can manage the ride, the scenery makes it all worth it.

Itinerary

Day 1Start: Cumberland Mountain State ParkCamp: Standing Stone State ParkDay 2Start: Standing Stone State ParkCamp: Pickett CCC Memorial State ParkDay 3Start: Pickett CCC Memorial State ParkCamp: Cumberland Mountain State ParkDay 4Start: Cumberland Mountain State ParkCamp: Cumberland Mountain State ParkDay 5Start: Cumberland Mountain State ParkCamp: Harrison Bay State ParkDay 6Start: Harrison Bay State ParkCamp: Southwest Point ParkDay 7Start: Southwest Point ParkEnd: Cumberland Mountain State Park

More Info

This year’s BRAT is close to home. Sign-ups due by the 4th at thebrat.org

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