2008 (BRAT) Bike Across Tennessee Event Finishes This Weekend

This article is to give all you bicycle-nature lovers ample notification for the 2008 bicycle tour across Tennessee event. As of this writing, The 18th Annual Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee (BRAT) is now in progress. More than 300 riders will be arriving at the fourth leg of their journey this evening finishing out the ride at Long Hunter State Park, Tennessee on Saturday, September 22.

If you're interested in how 300 nature loving non-professional, professional, and semi-professional athletes make their way across the state or are interested in attempting such a feat for yourself, you'll be happy to know there's not much to it these days except showing up with your stuff all ready to ride, and keeping an attitude to complete the course throughout the 7 day, Saturday to Saturday event.

The Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee is sponsored by Tennessee State Parks, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and the Cumberland Trail Conference. This combination of associations provides all the amenities necessary for such a week's outing.

There are chuck wagons serving food, an 18 wheel truck to carry bike and camping, a bunk house bathroom trailer designed much like the MASH unit on the popular tv show of the same name, and other after biking private business pampering amenities hired just for the participants pleasure and enjoyment.

One important fact for newbie riders to be aware of is the event has a lot of rules and regulations they call, "Rider Laws." I think "law" means set in concrete because of safety concerns. It's quite a job to provide such an event and they do it well.

The registration brochure, registration form, Rider's Manuel, route description, cue sheets, and other important facts to have and know can be accessed on the Tennessee State Parks website. Tennessee weather in mid-September can be changeable but usually the mornings are quite cool. The rainfall is seldom a problem. And, the hospitality is warm for tourist trade!

Three meals a day are included with the registration cost. However, there are some wonderful local restaurants along the way to be sure and take advantage of!