Chattanooga Times Free Press

New database shows the area’s best cycling routes

- BY MARK PACE STAFF WRITER

A new online database highlights tested, safe and scenic cycling routes at a variety of distances in the Sequatchie Valley.

The database, called Bikeways of the Scenic South and available at scenicbike­ways. com, will soon expand to other rural areas in the region.

The site gives a multitude of routes with turn-byturn directions.

The project is a collaborat­ion between area counties, the Southeast Tennessee Tourism Associatio­n, Shannon Burke of Velo View Bike Tours, and Jim Johnson of BikeTours.com.

Part of the routes will be tested at the new Cycle Sequatchie event this fall. Organizers hope participan­ts enjoy the event’s routes and return on their own.

The routes currently include Marion, Sequatchie and Bledsoe counties and will soon expand to Three Rivers Way (Bradley, Polk, McMinn and Monroe counties) and Georgia Highlands (Northwest Georgia).

“While our region has some of the most scenic cycling roads anywhere in the country, finding those low-traffic backroads has not always been easy,” Johnson, an early proponent of the

regional scenic bikeways concept, said via a release. “Bikeways of the Scenic South will help both visitors and residents discover these beautiful backroads. Additional­ly, bicycle tourism is sustainabl­e: It doesn’t cause the damage that many kinds of mass tourism bring.”

The finished Sequatchie Valley maps include 12 routes that roll through farm country, up the Cumberland Plateau, through the valley and along miles of country roads. Distances vary between 4.6 miles and 56 miles with most between 25 and 50 miles.

Each route is downloadab­le and printable and can be uploaded to bike computers with mapping technology. The maps give turn-by-turn directions with a full topographi­cal overview. The site also gives short descriptio­ns of each route.

“The narratives don’t just describe the roads, scenery and landmarks, but also talk about where to stop for a drink and a snack and where to eat after the ride,” Burke said via a release.

The effort was coordinate­d by SETTA, part of the Southeast Tennessee Developmen­t District. The organizati­on sees the project as an economic driver for the rural areas.

“Cycling is big business and has proven to be an economic tool in many communitie­s across the county,” SETTA tourism coordinato­r Jenni Veal said. “It makes sense for our region to invest in cycling infrastruc­ture because it’s very inexpensiv­e to do but has big economic impacts.”

Contact staff writer Mark Pace at mpace@timesfree press.com or 423-757-6659. Follow him on Twitter @themarkpac­e and on Facebook at Chattanoog­aOutdoorsT­FP.

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