Department of Environment and Conservation

A BICYCLE RIDE ACROSS TENNESSEE

Text and Photos by Karina McDaniel

When Charlie Tate speaks of the Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee, known as the "BRAT," you see a glimmer of pride in his eyes.

He is quick to dismiss it, however, as his brainstorm: "You know, there is nothing new under the sun. We saw other states doing bicycle tours and what caught our eye was just a way for people to get to know our state in a different way. Nearly all the tourist programs we’ve dealt with in the past involved motor travel. What if we could get them out of their cars? To meet the people. To see countryside they would never see by ordinary motor travel."

"We started in 1987. We rode a lot of miles. We put a lot of energy into it. And we made a ton of friends. Sometimes we would wonder if it was worth all the trouble - all that back breaking work and those long, long hours. But in the end there was a feeling of pride. We wanted this ride to be more than just another State Park project, we wanted it to belong to the people of Tennessee where everybody said: ‘The route is coming through here. That’s great. This is our stretch. We’ll show them a good time........"

While Charlie Tate, recreation and interpretive manager for Tennessee State Parks, acknowledges his role in this event, others like Stuart Carroll, Rich Sampson, Sammy Nixon, Mark Greenbaum, Bonnie Davis, Micky Titus and John Ross worked very hard to make BRAT a reality. And there were many more. It was a blending of many ideas and much effort, a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of hard work that gave the BRAT its start.

Never-the-less, it took at least three or four years before the idea of a bicycle ride across Tennessee became a reality. State Parks looked for support from the private sector, however, most approaches were met with a lukewarm response and another dead end until 1985, when the Bicycle Federation of Tennessee elected Sammy Nixon as its new president. With her enthusiasm and support and a lot of hard work, the BRAT got off to an official start.

Two years later, in 1987, Tennessee finally had its first bicycle ride. That year there were 275 cyclists. "Believe it or not, six of us took care of the whole ride and it killed us -- registration, loading and unloading baggage trucks, driving the Service And Gear vans (SAG), marking the routes, and more, much more," says Tate.

"Eventually we had 18 state parks employees from all across the state working. We have rangers, interpretive specialists, secretaries, seasonals..... In short, any parks employee who wants to work hard for a week is welcome. And they love it. They are a great support staff. They get out there and the work is tough. But it is different and that’s why they like it. They get involved and have fun with it. They like meeting everybody. They look forward to it and they come back year after year. We have a good staff."

"The key member of the staff, however, is Jim Hammontree. During our second year Jim became the BRAT coordinator and I attribute BRAT’S success largely to his organization and dedication. Jim is 99% of the BRAT," Tate continues.

Indeed, the BRAT’s staff provides support and protection as well as entertainment to the cyclists. The SAG vans carry First Aid kits, tire pumps, water and snacks - quick power food to keep the cyclist going. If need be, they give occasional transportation for the weary cyclist who can’t make it any further.

The rangers give the event a show of law enforcement with their Blue Light Vehicles. They often work in conjunction with the local law enforcement to protect the cyclists in case of emergencies with the occasional broken bones; or the irate motorist who thinks he owns the road; or help route them through busy rush hour intersections.

Each day, often at night, after all the other work is done, some of the already worn out staff goes out on the road again to mark the next day’s route. Tents and baggage are transported by truck each morning to the next camp and unloaded for the riders’ easy pickup after a long day’s ride.

Short of replacing a bicycle, mechanics are available for most maintenance and repairs needed during the week. Breakfast and supper are served by local vendors or the parks. Restroom facilities and shower trucks are furnished where none are available. A physical therapist is on hand to repair the aching bodies.

And there is entertainment. Every night there is something new: a mountain fiddler or a story teller, a square dance or clogging, or perhaps a lecture and a slide show about Tennessee and its riches. For those who come on this ride to experience the real Tennessee, there is no shortage of cultural events and exchanges.

When touring with the BRAT, the bicyclist is likely to see West Tennessee one year, East Tennessee the next and Middle Tennessee yet another year. The varied terrain from the Mississippi Delta to the Smoky Mountains offers an unlimited change of scenery. The 1991/1992 rides are a prime example. The week began at Reelfoot Lake in the northern part of West Tennessee. Reelfoot Lake, one of Tennessee’s more spectacular treasures, was formed when the Mississippi River flowed backward during an earthquake in 1811.

Today, Reelfoot is best known for the largest Bald Eagle population in Tennessee. By mid week, BRAT found itself in the rolling hills and valleys of middle Tennessee’s farmlands and from there it made its way into the hills of the Eastern Highland Rim where the fall colors are more brilliant than anywhere else in Tennessee. And just as Tennessee’s country sides are varied, so would the rider find its people interesting. There is a always a lot to see and a lot to talk about with the locals.

In 11 years of existence, the BRAT has crisscrossed the state on seven different routes. Each ride is usually repeated a second year. In the summer of 1996, however, State Parks offered an additional ride, the Tennessee Capitals Ride. In keeping with the theme of Tennessee’s 200th birthday, the Bicentennial, this ride offered an historical flavor by following the route of several former capitals and sights such as The Hermitage, Stones River Civil War Battlefield, the Trail of Tears and the home of Tennessee’s first governor, John Sevier.

Since its conception, the BRAT has exceeded all expectations. Registration is limited to 550 and there are many more on the waiting list. Because the BRAT uses Tennessee State Parks for overnight camping, 550 people is the limit the parks can accommodate without being adversely impacted. In comparison to some rides across the country, this one is a smaller ride and that is precisely the root of its success. Because of its small size, the BRAT’s staff is able to give a personal touch to keeping the ride well organized for maximum enjoyment as well as maximum safety. Southern hospitality is self-evident here.

The BRAT’s word of success spread quickly and far. Bicyclists come from all over the United States representing approximately 35 to 40 states. Internationally, they come from Canada, Germany and Australia bringing, of course, their bicycles with them. Most of the riders are men, however, the number of women participants have steadily grown and stand at about 30%. Even children come along with their parents or a grandparent for the adventure of their life. The participants range in age from the 70’s down to the teens and babies.

The BRAT is a ride that offers an opportunity for a great vacation. People come on it to ride for pleasure or to challenge themselves. They come for health benefits or to give a child or grandchild a different, wholesome experience. Many come back year after year to get together again with old friends. If you’re looking for something different to do this year, dust off your bicycle and join the BRAT.

The 1998 ride will take place during the third week of September as in previous years. It will be operated in joint sponsorship by Tennessee State Parks and Friends of Radnor Lake. For information, call Radnor Lake State Natural Area at 615-373-3467.

(Karina McDaniel, an outdoor/nature photographer

and writer, works with "old photographs" as a photographer for the Tennessee State Library and Archives.)

Updated April 29, 1998; Send comments to Department of Environment and Conservation.