For immediate release April 12, 2006

PLAN NOW TO JOIN THE BICYCLE RIDE ACROSS TENNESSEE, SEPT. 16-23
17th Annual Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee (BRAT) to Follow
the Tennessee River’s Hilly Landscapes

Nashville, Tenn. — The arrival of Spring marks a great time to begin planning to participate in the 17 th Annual Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee (BRAT), which will begin its seven-day ride on Sat., Sept. 16, featuring a loop through some of Tennessee’s most beautiful landscapes.

Originating this year at Natchez Trace State Park and following the hilly landscapes of the Tennessee River, the ride will overnight at six Tennessee State Parks.

"The BRAT is a major event for State Parks and for cyclists in Tennessee," said BRAT Director Danny McCullough. "The terrain on this year’s ride will not be as mountainous as the previous two BRAT rides but offers plenty of rolling hills and scenic landscapes on rural routes along and near the Tennessee River.”

The event will begin with check-in and a kick-off dinner at Natchez Trace State Park on Sat., Sept. 16. Sunday will introduce riders to the route with a 50-mile ride to Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park. From there the group will ride 65 miles east of the Tennessee River, ending the day at Montgomery Bell State Park. Tuesday’s route is the longest with an 80-mile ride down the beautiful Natchez Trace Parkway to David Crockett State Park. Riders will leave David Crockett on Wednesday, traveling 75 miles to Pickwick Landing State Park. Spending two nights at Pickwick on the Tennessee River, riders may choose from optional 30, 50 or 100-mile loop rides on Thursday, including a route through Shiloh National Battlefield. Friday will take riders 60 miles to Mousetail Landing State Park on the high bluffs of the Tennessee River. The spectacular journey concludes with a short ride back to Natchez Trace State Park on Sat., Sept. 23.

“The BRAT is not a race, but it’s a significant ride that requires preparation,” advises McCullough. “And even experienced riders appreciate the support staff we provide along the route that can provide assistance and rides for those who encounter problems or simply can’t complete that day’s mileage. Our goal is a to provide an outstanding experience for participants of all ages.”

The 17th Annual Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee is sponsored by Tennessee State Parks, the Tennessee Department of Transportation 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.

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For more information contact:

Dana Coleman
(615) 253-1916 Office