Ride Summary: Celebrate the Summer Solstice by joining us on our annual Swift Campout ride with our friends over at Low Meadow Farms (formerly Brown Bike Farms). Not sure what to bring bike-camping? Check out this list. Register for the event here: Eventbrite.
There are two route options for this ride. The primary route is for those looking to utilize greenways and the beautiful, low traffic, paved roads of south Knoxville to reach our destination. Get ready to parade down Gay Street and the legendary Gay Street bridge, cruise down Sevier Ave and wave to our friends at Honeybee, Alliance, South Coast, and more. Maybe a good opportunity to grab some last minute beverages for the night ahead. Continue on through peaceful Island Home Neighborhood before popping onto the twisty Will Skelton Greenway. After meandering through there we will head down Island Home Rd and take notorious Burnett Creek rd. This road is a popular gateway for cyclists looking to explore the ever-winding roads of South Knoxville that reach all the way to the Smokies. After a few punchy climbs, some fun descents, passing by an incredibly huge (but cute) dog, we will reach our destination. We may even spot our off road compadres on Transfarm or Far East making their way to the site as well.
The off-road route is for those looking to utilize some of Knoxville’s famous Urban Wilderness trail systems to reach our destination. Get ready to ride the flowy trails of Fort Dickerson, then crawl over and test your sick skillz along the skills park over at baker creek preserve. Or maybe you want to test your mountain goat capabilities heading up Redbud? If not we will meander over and shred the gnar through the roots and rocks of Hastie. Not to worry, there is a brief reprise and you can go back to school (Anderson School) along Lost Chromosome. Didn’t get enough? We venture deeper into the woods into Transfarm, maybe even get to visit the mayor (their hot tub that is)? Alright, alright, I get it. We’ve ridden enough and everyone is tired. Did a lot of exploring and did things we maybe shouldn’t have done with loaded down bikes. After visiting the tub, the wonderful campground that is Low Meadow Farms is just down the road where our more road-oriented (yet, similarly-minded) friends will be hanging out and sharing experiences.
Challenge Level: Serious Amateur (road) or Black Belt (off-road)
Road Distance: 8.4 mi.
Road Elevation: 584 ft.
Off-Road Distance: 14.8 mi.
Off-Road Elevation: 1,448 ft.
Average Pace: 6-8 mph
Link to Road Route: Ride with GPS
Link to Off-Road Route: Ride with GPS
Minimum Bike Requirements: Must be able to carry supplies such as: tent, sleeping bag, food, water. Bike must be in good riding condition. Off-road route requires knobby mountain bike tires (at least 2” or more).
Apparel: Whatever clothing you need to keep you comfortable overnight.
Special notes: Must supply own tent, food, water, etc.