Authored By Staff report
Hundreds of cyclists from nearly 30 different states will converge on the Cumberland Plateau on Sept. 15-20 for Tennessee State Parks’ annual Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee (BRAT). The BRAT is a multi-day bicycle tour through a different part of Tennessee each year. The ride travels from one Tennessee State Park to another through the beautiful back roads of the state. With 2018 bringing the 29th year of this bike tour, thousands of riders who have joined up to ride through small towns, big cities, East Tennessee mountains, and the West Tennessee delta have seen the best of what the Volunteer state has to offer. For the first time ever, the Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee will have two Tennessee State Parks serve as basecamps for this great ride — Fall Creek Falls State Park and Tims Ford State Park. Each day will feature out and back rides returning to the base camp. The 29th annual ride will wind riders through some of Tennessee’s most scenic and charming communities, including Pikeville, Spencer, McMinnville, Winchester and Lynchburg. Riders will pass key attractions along the way including Rock Island State Park, Cumberland Caverns and Jack Daniel’s Distillery. “Every year we introduce riders to different state parks and different communities in Tennessee so they can experience how special these places are,” said Brock Hill, deputy commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. “For nearly thirty years we have hosted cyclists and their families among the beauty of Tennessee State Parks and this year’s ride won’t disappoint.” The ride is noncompetitive and suitable for a range of skill levels. Riders can register for a one, two, three or six-day ride through Sept. 9. Registration begins at $85 for a one-day trip and $510 for the full 380-mile trip. The fee includes a fully supported route, camping at two state park basecamps, hot showers, meals (breakfast and supper), live entertainment and interpretive programming as well as an event T-shirt. Cabin and RV campground lodging is also available for an additional fee. The BRAT is sponsored by Tennessee State Parks and benefits two very important nonprofits: -The Tennessee Park Rangers Association, which provides scholarships and training opportunities for the Park Rangers throughout the state to continue education in order to continue to provide the highest level of protection for Tennessee State Parks. -The development and protection of the Cumberland Trail, a 300-mile-long footpath down the eastern edge of the Cumberlands. Your BRAT ride is a direct contribution to the preservation of the beauty and history of this place. -In addition, the BRAT will benefit Fall Creek Falls and Tims Ford State Parks. 
