Tennessee Bicycle Tour

Historic Murfreesboro's charming downtown provides a dose of Americana and a hospitable start to our tour. We'll meet midday in time to enjoy a quick spin ride in the beautiful surrounding countryside before dining as a group tonight.

Murfreesboro was also the site of one of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil War. The Battle of Stones River began on the last day of 1862 and neither side was ever credited with an outright victory. However, the Confederate retreat in its wake was a strategic victory for the Union Army as Murfreesboro became a major supply depot for the Union troops and served to split the Confederate Army east to west.

After breakfast, we venture to the lovely countryside of Coffee County. Thirty miles of rolling terrain will take us to our picnic lunch by Big Falls within the grounds of Old Stone Fort State Park. This 3 - 5 foot expansive falls is one of the most photographed sites in Middle Tennessee. Take a few minutes to explore the waterfalls and walk the easy trail of this Archeaological Park thought to be the site of a 2000 year old ceremonial ground for Native Americans. After lunch, continue pedaling to the big climb of the day -- up to the Cumberland Plateau. Once on top, you will find the small town of Monteagle and the Monteagle Inn, our gracious home for two nights.

Today, we will descend off of the Cumberland Plateau and roll over to Lynchburg, TN.  It's famous for one thing: the Jack Daniels Distillery.  Ironically, the highest selling American whiskey in the world is manufactured in a dry county. That doesn't seem to be a problem, as Moore County and its major employer get along just fine. We'll tour the distillery and visitor center before lunch. After a bite in charming Lynchburg, we'll roll back up to Monteagle (climb optional).  We'll savor a hearty dinner together with maybe a sample or two from today's excursion!

Saying a reluctant goodbye to our resort at Monteagle, we'll make our way north toward Smithville. Along the way, we pass by the "Nursery Capital of the World," the small town of McMinnville, TN, home to over 450 plant nurseries. Our destination is Evin's Mill Retreat near the small town of Smithville. The site has seen several mills dating back to 1824. The last one was built in 1937 by State Senator Edgar Evins, whose son Joe L. Evins later became a powerful and long serving U.S. Congressman. The property has evolved after changing hands a few times into a beautiful lodge and conference center. An Evin's Mill gourmet dinner will complete the day.

We will explore features of the Upper Cumberland area today known for its many waterfalls, caverns and Great Falls Dam. Numerous scenic overlooks on today's route provide some of the best views along the Eastern Highland Rim. Stop along the way to see if you can spot some of the world's best freestyle kayakers playing in the rushing whitewater below. We will have a catered lunch today near Great Falls, a cascading 30-foot horseshoe waterfall. We return for another evening in the charming Evins Mill Retreat. We will dine together to recount the day's activities.

Our bike ride returns us to Murfreesboro through hilly valleys full of pastoral scenery on shady, lightly traveled roads. Lunch and showers are available prior to departure.