Cycling Events in Tennessee

Searching for bike races near me? Tennessee has solidified its reputation as a premier cycling destination, offering a diverse landscape that provides the perfect backdrop for world-class events throughout the year. From high-stakes challenges for competitive racers to scenic, fully-supported tours ideal for families and beginners, the state’s cycling events calendar caters to every level of expertise. Whether you're conquering rugged mountain climbs, cruising across the flatlands, or enjoying a leisurely ride through historic small towns, Tennessee invites riders of all backgrounds to discover its beauty from the saddle.

Tennessee’s competitive circuit is defined by dramatic topography and professionally managed fondo formats that cater to those who enjoy the thrill of the clock. From multi-stage omniums in the northeast mountains to high-speed valley circuits, these 2026 cycling events offer timed segments, podium prizes, and a true peloton atmosphere for serious athletes.

A high-energy road ride through the Sequatchie Valley that combines serious pave timed segments with a unique celebration of local Southern cuisine. 

• 2026 Date(s): April 25–26, 2026 Location: South Pittsburg, TN
• Course Details: 60 km and 110 km; road terrain with timed segments on the Hog Jowl pave; includes rolling hills and river crossings.
• Audience Suitability: Competitive (timed segments) and high-level recreational.
• Seasonal Highlights: Spring blooms along the Tennessee River.
• Parking: Available at the National Cornbread Festival grounds.
• Accommodations: Lodging in nearby Chattanooga or local campsites.

Widely regarded as one of the best cycling events and the state's premier road racing weekend, this event tests versatility across three distinct stages: a climbing road race up Roan Mountain, a time trial, and a criterium on a course in the heart of downtown Elizabethton.

• 2026 Date(s): August 15–16, 2026 Location: Elizabethton, Northeast TN
• Registration: cartercountyomnium.com
• Course Details: Road; includes the legendary Roan Mountain Hill Climb (3,000+ ft gain), a Time Trial, and a Downtown Criterium.
• Audience Suitability: Elite and competitive club racers.
• Seasonal Highlights: Late-summer mountain vistas.
• Parking: Downtown Elizabethton public lots.

A grueling 24-hour endurance race where individual and team competitors aim to log maximum mileage on a loop through the scenic valley. 

• 2026 Date(s): June 13–14, 2026
• Location: Dunlap, Southeast TN
• Registration: bikereg.com
• Course Details: Road; 24-hour loop, plus 150- and 75-mile timed options.
• Audience Suitability: Ultra-endurance competitive riders.
• Nearby Stays: Tent camping is typically provided at the staging area.

A festive, timed event held in the heart of Knoxville's cycling hub, serving as a homecoming for the East Tennessee road community. 

• 2026 Date(s): June 20, 2026
• Location: Knoxville, East TN
• Registration: strambecco.com
• Course Details: Road; distances up to 100 miles; rolling urban wilderness and rural outskirts.
• Audience Suitability: Competitive and social enthusiasts.
• Seasonal Highlights: Lush early summer greenery.

The Tour de Rocky Top is an annual premier cycling event held in late June in Knoxville offering riders scenic routes through the undulating foothills of Blount and Sevier Counties.

• 2026 Date(s): July 11, 2026
• Location: Townsend, East TN
• Registration: bikesignup.com
• Course Details: Road; 8 route options ranging from 24 to 88 miles; significant climbing through Blount and Sevier Counties.
• Audience Suitability: Competitive road riders.
• Nearby Stays: Dancing Bear Lodge or Townsend campgrounds.

Experience Chattanooga’s "Scenic City" moniker firsthand through this high-energy ride that balances majestic river views with lung-searing climbs. 

• 2026 Date(s): May 9, 2026
• Location: Chattanooga, Southeast TN
• Registration: bikesignup.com
• Course Details: Road; features timed hill segments through the rolling peaks surrounding the city; start/finish at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.
• Audience Suitability: Competitive cyclists looking for a timed challenge.
• Seasonal Highlights: Lush late-spring canopy and moderate temperatures.
• Nearby Stays: Numerous downtown Chattanooga hotels and riverfront campsites.

For those who measure success in miles and elevation gain, Tennessee’s endurance circuit is unmatched. These upcoming cycling events take riders through remote wilderness areas and across iconic landmarks, requiring significant stamina while providing some of the most rewarding views in the Southeast.

Riders can immerse themselves in the breathtaking vistas of Jefferson County's pastoral landscapes during the annual Ride the Plains event, a scenic road cycling tour providing fully supported route options from 13 to 80 miles.

• 2026 Date(s): April 25, 2026
• Location: Strawberry Plains, East TN
• Registration: bikesignup.com
• Course Details: Road; 13 to 80 miles; rolling farmland with manageable but persistent elevation gains.
• Audience Suitability: Endurance riders and distance-focused beginners.
• Seasonal Highlights: Spring wildflowers and early-season farmhouse gardens.

A high-mileage ride supporting LeBonheur Children's Hospital that explores the quiet, historic backroads of West Tennessee.

• 2026 Date(s): June 6, 2026
• Location: Brownsville, West TN
• Registration: bikesignup.com
• Course Details: Road; 25, 40, and 62 mile loops; start/finish at the Brownsville AMP.
• Audience Suitability: Endurance riders and charity supporters.
• Seasonal Highlights: Lush West Tennessee agriculture and summer warmth.
• Parking: Ample parking at 23 S. Lafayette, Brownsville.

The Cherohala Challenge is an annual cycling event held in Tellico Plains that traverse the Cherohala Skyway with thousands of feet of climbing and the infamous 318 curves of the Tail of the Dragon.

• 2026 Date(s): June 6, 2026
• Location: Tellico Plains, East TN
• Registration: bikesignup.org
• Course Details: Road; 35, 62, and 115 miles; the full century features over 10,000 feet of climbing.
• Audience Suitability: Advanced endurance riders.
• Nearby Stays: Cabins and camping in Tellico Plains.

A choose-your-own-adventure style ride where participants can stick to the valley floor or tackle three optional mountain climbs. 

• 2026 Date(s): October 3, 2026
• Location: Dunlap, Southeast TN
• Registration: cyclesequatchie.com
• Course Details: 15 to 102 miles; road and mixed-surface options; maximum 8,000+ ft elevation gain.
• Audience Suitability: Century hunters and climbing specialists.
• Seasonal Highlights: Peak fall foliage and the local Oktoberfest.

A popular charity event that takes riders on a journey through Middle Tennessee’s rolling hills to the historic Jack Daniel’s Distillery. 

• 2026 Date(s): September 12–13, 2026
• Location: Eagleville to Lynchburg, Middle TN
• Registration: events.nationalmssociety.org
• Course Details: Two-day road tour; 75 miles per day; rolling terrain with supported rest stops.
• Audience Suitability: Endurance riders and charity fundraisers.
• Nearby Stays: Organized camping at the distillery.

The Elk River Valley 100 is located midway between Nashville, Huntsville and Chattanooga, Tennessee, the small city of Tullahoma combines breathtaking scenery and challenging terrain to create the perfect spot for an unforgettable cycling adventure.

• 2026 Date(s): August 29, 2026
• Location: Tullahoma, Middle TN
• Registration: bikereg.com
• Course Details: 31, 62, 80, and 100 miles; road; includes King of the Mountain timed climbs.
• Audience Suitability: Intermediate to advanced endurance riders.

The Crazy George Ride to the Sky Challenge showcases the Cumberland Plateau region, offering four routes to choose from (9, 36, 62 and 100 miles). The ride ends with an event featuring music, local craft brewing companies and handcrafted BBQ.

• 2026 Date(s): September 19, 2026
• Location: Cookeville, Middle TN
• Registration: bikereg.com
• Course Details: Road; 36, 62, and 100 miles; features heavy climbing onto the Cumberland Plateau.
• Seasonal Highlights: Crisp early autumn air.

Tennessee’s vast network of forest service roads and urban wilderness trails makes it a mecca for dirt enthusiasts. These events range from grassroots campouts to grueling stage races in the heart of the Cherokee National Forest, prioritizing rugged exploration and off-road technicality.

The Waucheesi gravel event – featuring the Wily 88, the Wondrous 63, and the 45, crafted by Chris Joice – offers long climbs, fast descents, great forest roads, rowdy gravel, and amazing vistas.

• 2026 Date(s): March 29, 2026
• Location: Tellico Plains, East TN
• Registration: bikereg.com
• Course Details: Gravel; 38, 63, and 88 miles; the 88-mile course features 11,500+ feet of climbing.
• Audience Suitability: Advanced gravel and mountain riders.
• Seasonal Highlights: Early spring mountain scenery.

A grassroots festival presented by MOAB Bike Shop that celebrates the gravel community with routes that explore the back of beyond in Hickman County. 

• 2026 Date(s): October 16–18, 2026
• Location: Centerville, Middle TN
• Registration: gravelrevival.com
• Course Details: Gravel; 15 to 100 miles; features river views and rolling ridge lines.
• Audience Suitability: All levels; beginner-friendly options available.
• Parking: On-site camping and event parking.

The biggest mountain bike party in the state, held on the world-class trail system of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. 

• 2026 Date(s): November 6-7, 2026
• Location: Knoxville (Baker Creek Preserve), East TN
• Registration: fallfest.ambcknox.org
• Course Details: MTB; pump tracks, jump lines, and 40+ miles of singletrack.
• Audience Suitability: Families and mountain bikers of all ages.
• Accessibility: Extensive adaptive mountain biking (aMTB) programs.

The Reliance Deep Woods Gravel Grinder offers a two-day stage race plus multiple recreational routes, including a fun Friday shakeout ride, in the Cherokee National Forest east of Chattanooga, TN

• 2026 Date(s): April 24–26, 2026
• Location: Reliance, Southeast TN
• Registration: tennesseegravel.com
• Course Details: Gravel; multi-day options with heavy elevation gain.
• Seasonal Highlights: Rushing Hiwassee River views and spring laurels.

The Gosh Darn Gravel Gathering is a community-centric, multi-day campout and gravel cycling event for seasoned and novice riders in Hickman County, Tennessee.

• 2026 Date(s): April 3–5, 2026
• Location: Nunnelly, Middle TN
• Registration: goshdarn.org
• Course Details: Gravel; multiple distances on remote farm and forest roads.
• Audience Suitability: Social gravel riders and campers.

A mountain gravel challenge that explores the high-altitude border between Tennessee and North Carolina. 

• 2026 Date(s): August 2, 2026
• Location: Hartford, East TN
• Registration: bikereg.com
• Course Details: Gravel; 50 and 75 miles; features climbs through the Pisgah and Cherokee forests.

Set on the rugged Smoky Mountain terrain of WildSide, this high-energy series stop tests technical bike handling and descending speed. 

• 2026 Date(s): May 3, 2026
• Location: Pigeon Forge (WildSide), East TN
• Registration: bikereg.com
• Course Details: MTB Enduro; multiple timed downhill stages with untimed transition climbs; technical, fast-paced mountain terrain.
• Audience Suitability: Experienced Mountain Bikers.
• Seasonal Highlights: Panoramic views of the Smokies in full spring bloom.
• Nearby Stays: Extensive cabin rentals and hotels in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

Focusing on safety, scenery, and support, these events are designed for those who want to enjoy the ride at a relaxed pace. Many take place in State Parks or historic towns, offering short route options and festive atmospheres that welcome riders of all ages and abilities.

The Horton 100 is a two-day supported cycling event held at Henry Horton State Park, offering riders routes through the scenic countryside.

• 2026 Date(s): April 25–26, 2026
• Location: Chapel Hill, Middle TN
• Registration: bikereg.com
• Course Details: Road; 35 and 50 mile loops; mostly flat with full SAG support.
• Audience Suitability: Families and beginners.
• Nearby Stays: Henry Horton State Park Inn and camping.

The premier youth mountain bike series in the state, offering a safe and encouraging race environment for middle and high school students. 

• 2026 Date(s): August 29 – October 25, 2026 (Series)
• Location: Statewide (Columbia, Oakfield, Gallatin, Johnson City, Chattanooga)
• Registration: tennesseemtb.org
• Course Details: MTB; 3-6 mile loops on beginner-friendly but exciting singletrack trails.
• Audience Suitability: Youth (Grades 6-12) and families. 

The Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee (BRAT) is a multi-day bicycle tour through a different part of Tennessee each year. The ride travels the beautiful backroads of Tennessee showcasing small towns, countryside, and other state parks. You don't want to miss this ride!

• 2026 Date(s): September 12–17, 2026
• Location: Montgomery Bell State Park (Start/Finish), Middle TN
• Registration: thebrat.org
• Course Details: Road; 1 to 6 day options; varying mileage with full support.
• Audience Suitability: Touring families and recreational riders.

A relaxed, historic ride through a Victorian-era village and the rolling Cumberland Plateau. 

• 2026 Date(s): September 26, 2026
• Location: Rugby, East TN
• Registration: bikesignup.com
• Course Details: Road; 10, 25, 40, and 70 miles; includes a flat Family Fun route.
• Nearby Stays: Historic Newbury House B&B.

Visit parts of Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois in just 7 days during the Ride the Fault Line bicycle tour adventure along the New Madrid Earthquake fault line. In Tennessee, enjoy staying at Discovery Park of America!

• 2026 Date(s): June 7–13, 2026
• Location: Union City, West TN (Reelfoot Lake)
• Registration: ridethefaultline.com
• Course Details: Road; touring pace with luggage transport and social events.

The Dancing Bear Bicycle Bash is an annual cycling event in Townsend that takes riders through scenic routes in the Great Smoky Mountains with a festive post-ride celebration at the Dancing Bear Lodge.

• 2026 Date(s): September 19, 2026
• Location: Townsend, East TN
• Registration: dancingbearlodge.com
• Course Details: Road; 30 and 60 miles; mostly social pace with a mountain-view festival.

The Tour de Blount is an annual cycling event held in Maryville that offers riders scenic route options through the rural back roads of Blount County. This popular ride attracts cyclists with its ever-changing course showcasing the beauty of the region.

• 2026 Date(s): May 23, 2026
• Location: Maryville, East TN
• Registration: bikesignup.com
• Course Details: Road; 25, 50, and 75 miles; rolling terrain starting at Maryville College.

A heartwarming charity ride that supports the Sumner County Humane Society while exploring the gentle hills of Gallatin. 

• 2026 Date(s): May 2, 2026
• Location: Gallatin, Middle TN
• Registration: bikesignup.com
• Course Details: Road; 14, 30, 45, and 62 mile options; mostly flat to rolling terrain with full SAG support.
• Audience Suitability: Families and Beginner cyclists.
• Seasonal Highlights: Peak spring foliage in the Middle Tennessee suburbs.
• Parking: On-site parking at the event staging area in Gallatin.

A celebratory competitive environment for athletes age 50+, emphasizing fitness, friendship, and fun. 

• 2026 Date(s): September 19, 2026
• Location: Strawberry Plains (near Knoxville), East TN
• Registration: tnseniorolympics.com
• Course Details: Road; includes a 5K Time Trial, 20K Road Race, and 40K Road Race.
• Audience Suitability: Senior athletes and beginners looking for a community-focused race.
• Seasonal Highlights: Early autumn air and clear plateau views.

Discover a compact list with upcoming cycling events in Tennessee below, from mountain bike races to cycling events for beginners.  Find races across the state, from Nashville cycling events to Chattanooga cycling events and cycling events in Knoxville, TN. 

March

3/29: The Waucheesi - Tellico Plains

April

4/3 - 4/5: Gosh Darn Gravel Gathering - Nunnelly

4/24 - 4/26: Reliance Deep Woods Gravel Grinder - Reliance

4/25: Ride the Plains Cycling Tour - Strawberry Plains

4/25 - 4/26: The Horton 100 - Chapel Hill

4/25 - 4/26: Cornbread Fondo - South Pittsburg

May

5/2: Pedal for Paws - Gallatin

5/3: Gravity Carolinas ENDURO RD 5 - WildSide, Pigeon Forge

5/23: Tour de Blount - Maryville

June

6/6: The Cherohala Challenge - Tellico Plains

6/6: Brownsville Classic Loop Ride - Brownsville

6/7 - 6/13: Ride the Fault - Union City

6/13 - 6/14: Sequatchie 24 - Dunlap

6/21: Knoxville Grand Fondo - Knoxville

July

7/11: Tour de Rocky Top - Knoxville

August

8/2: HARDford Gravel Grinder - Hartford

8/15 - 8/16: Carter County Omnium - Elizabethton

8/29: Elk River Valley 100

September

9/12 - 9/13: Bike to Jack and Back - Lynchburg

9/12 - 9/17: Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee (BRAT) - Tennessee State Parks

9/19: Crazy George Ride to the Sky Challenge

9/19: Dancing Bear Bike Bash - Townsend

9/26: Rugby Roundabout - Rugby

October

10/3: Cycle Sequatchie Century & 3 Mountain Challenge - Dunlap

10/16 - 10/18: Gravel Revival - Centerville

November

11/6 - 11/7: AMBC Fall Fest - Knoxville

Looking for a more relaxed cycling tour across Tennessee? Discover 89 curated road and gravel routes that showcase the small towns, natural landscapes and hidden gems that can only be found along Tennessee’s backroads. Learn more at biketn.com.