Smoky Mountain Wheelmen upcoming events

Gravel Ride, No Cars In Cades Cove (Wednesday, August 12, 2026)

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

No Cars In Cades Cove Gravel Ride.

Two start options, first paved parking lot on left as you enter Townsend for a 9:00 AM rollout or meet at Rich Mountain trailhead (Park pass required) for a 9:40 AM rollout as both groups combine. Gravel road to Cades Cove, several options to ride, most will return back over Rich Mountain gravel road. If accessible, we might explore Parsons Branch area, group will decide route.

Weather forecast temperature is a little less HOT AND HUMID but still bring plenty of hydration. Riding in the woods should be a little cooler on mountain top. A cancelation email will be sent for heavy downpour or storms, possible early morning rain in forecast..

Gravel, hybrid or mountain bike is best choice for this ride.

Ride Leader: Ed Hall

Road Ride Cades Cove No Cars Wednesday (Wednesday, August 12, 2026)

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Join the Smoky Mountain Wheelman Club for a ride to Cades Cove this Wednesday. Wednesdays are no vehicles allowed in the cove so a great opportunity to cruise the cove. This Wednesday we are asking that all members wear their Smoky Mountain Wheelman kits. So breakout your SMW jerseys, bibs or shorts for the ride. Note there will be two starting locations. One will be in Townsend with an earlier rollout time and the other at Coulter Bridge.

EVENT: Road Ride No Cars Cades Cove Wednesday

WHERE: Coulter Bridge 3270-3299 Ellejoy Road, Walland, TN 37804 Rollout time 09:00 or Townsend (First Parking Lot on the left as you enter Townsend) Rollout Time 08:15. This route will take us to Coulter Bridge to meet up with those that want to start there.

WHEN: Wednesday August 5, 2026

ROUTE: This route goes to Cade's Cove, around loop and back for 55 miles but is out and back so lots of options for a shorter ride. For a shorter route you can meet road group anywhere along Townsend greenway parking lot for a 9:45 rollout time. There are no bathroom facilities at Coulter Bridge but we will stop in Townsend for a short break and there are porta potties there.

WEATHER: Temperatures in the mid 70's at the beginning of the ride increasing to the mid 80's by the end. Check SMW calendar for any weather cancelation at 7:00am day of the ride.

Ride Leaders

Rich O'Connor 561-436-8663

Tim Foust 865-898-1225

August SMW Meeting (Monday, August 17, 2026)

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

August Smoky Mountain Wheelmen Meeting

August 17, 2026

5:30 to 7:30 pm

El Sazon

2560 Alcoa Hwy

Alcoa, TN 37701

Please join us for the SMW meeting Monday, August 17 at El Sazon. El Sazon is a Mexican Restaurant located on Alcoa Highway near Tyson McGee airport.

We’ll have a section reserved for this meeting, which will be a social gathering – a chance to catch up with one another and enjoy some good food and beverages.

For members coming from the Knoxville, it can be very difficult to make a left hand turn on Alcoa Highway at rush hour. Some members have found it easier go to the first exit passed the restaurant and then loop around back on northbound on Alcoa Highway to make a right hand turn into the restaurant.

Food and drink are available at members expense.

BRAT (Saturday, September 12, 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

"The Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee (BRAT) is a nonprofit, fully supported six-day cycling tour hosted by Tennessee State Parks. September 12 - 17, 2026, riders will experience scenic backroads and welcoming communities while based at David Crockett State Park and Cedars of Lebanon State Park.

BRAT offers daily route options to fit a variety of goals and experience levels, with approximate distances of 35-mile routes, 50-mile routes, 100-mile routes. You can check out the sample routes here: Ride with GPS | Bike Route Planner and Cycling Navigation App

Rest stops are provided every 15-20 miles, and Tennessee State Park Rangers offer support throughout the week. Evenings at basecamp feature community gatherings, ranger-led programs, yoga, music, and more. BRAT is more than a ride - it's a week-long cycling experience that raises funds to support Tennessee State Parks, the Cumberland Trail, and the Tennessee Park Rangers Association. Learn more or register at 2026 Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee Online Registration"