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Plan Now to Join the Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee, September 11th-17th

22nd Annual Event to Loop through Beautiful Middle Tennessee

Tennessee State ParksNashville, TN – Bicycle enthusiasts across the state are already gearing up for the annual Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee, which will kick off its 22nd year with a seven-day ride beginning September 11th and will feature a loop through some of Middle Tennessee’s most stunning landscapes.

Originating at Montgomery Bell State Park, this year’s route will feature a combination of rolling hills, valleys and some flat terrain. Cyclists can expect to experience beautiful, rural Tennessee scenery and interesting back roads along the way, including the Natchez Trace Parkway and visits to several Tennessee State Parks such as Dunbar Cave.

“Highlighting the pastures and farmland of Middle Tennessee, this year’s BRAT will not have the long climbs that were more prevalent on last year’s route,” said Ryan Forbess, director of the Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee. “In terms of effort level, the 2011 BRAT will include a balance of some long-distance rides and some shorter distance days – designed to challenge our expert cyclists, while accommodating recreational riders.”

Riders will camp overnight at four Tennessee State Parks along the route, including David Crockett, Henry Horton, Montgomery Bell and Paris Landing. The city of Clarksville will host one overnight stay at Swan Lake Park. As part of this year’s BRAT ride, one layover day is planned on September 14th at Montgomery Bell State Park, giving cyclists an opportunity to do more sightseeing – including nature hikes and canoeing. New this year is a three-day ride option for those who aren’t ready for a weeklong tour or have limited vacation time.

The event will begin with check-in at Montgomery Bell State Park starting at 1:00pm on Saturday, September 10th, followed by a rider’s meeting at 6:30pm. On Sunday, riders will be introduced to the route with a scenic 84-mile ride to David Crockett State Park.

Other details include:

  • Costs for riders range from $355.00 for the full, seven-day ride to $50.00 for a single-day rider. There is a $125.00 non-rider charge for those using alternative transportation. 
  • All costs include accommodations and food, excluding single-day riders. 
  • Each registered participant will receive a commemorative 2011 BRAT T-shirt. 
  • Daily mileage ranges from 84 miles on the first and longest leg of the route to 52 miles on the final day. 

“While the BRAT is not a race, it is a significant ride that requires preparation,” Forbess 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 22nd Annual Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee is sponsored by Tennessee State Parks, Whole Foods, Grand Fondo Cycles, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and Keep Tennessee Beautiful. A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Cumberland Trail Conference and the Tennessee State Park Rangers Association, both non-profit organizations.

“This annual ride is a unique opportunity for cyclists and one of Tennessee State Parks most time-honored events,” added Forbess. “Now is the time to begin planning for the BRAT and we are using new ways to communicate information to riders, engaging participation – making it easier than ever to take part in this great event. Be sure to check out our new Facebook page.”  

For registration information or more details about the Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee, please visit the main webpage at www.tnstateparks.com/BRAT or the Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee on Facebook. Riders with questions are encouraged to contact Ryan Forbess via e-mail at Ryan.Forbess@tn.gov.

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