Riding in Nashville

[Tri Girl]

We'll be passing through Nashville and staying overnight on our way to NC at the end of July. I was wanting to get in a 20 mile ride early in the morning before we hit the road to NC, so I was wondering if there are any trails downtown-ish (or near I-40) that we could ride to get in some mileage on our way through town. I have been to this site: http://www.greenwaysfornashville.org/directions.htm
and although it shows many trails they are only 1-3 miles long. Is there a linking trail system through the city?

I can't seem to find any info on a decent lengthed bike trail system. I'd prefer to stay off the roads (being in an unfamiliar city and all) and would rather not ride in too urban of a setting where we're constantly crossing streets and stopping/starting.

Don't want to drive too far off I-40 and lengthen the trip any more than we have to.

Just wondering if there's a park or a large recreation area we can get in a decent ride before hitting the road.

Thanks for any insight!

[PamNY]

A couple of random ideas based on very incomplete knowledge:

Where will you be staying? Percy Warner Park is worth checking, as is Montgomery Bell State Park. I'm not sure if cycling is allowed on Percy Warner trails.

There are a lot of rural-turning-suburban areas in Wilson County which would not have much traffic. You would need someone local to suggest a route for you and give you an idea of road conditions. I didn't cycle there but I sure wanted to.

Hope you can plan something -- it's a beautiful part of the country.

[Tri Girl]

Thanks Pam!!!!
We don't have an idea of where we'll be staying. If I can find a great place to ride, we'll just find a hotel nearby. We rarely book hotels in advance when on road trips, usually just let it unfold as we go- but Nashville will be about 10 hours from home, so it's a good stopping point for the day.

Will check those out.

If anyone else has any ideas- PLEASE let me know. We'll still need to be Ironman training while on vacay, so we will need to be doing as much working out as we can do.

[jessmarimba]

I think Natchez Trace is supposed to be a scenic ride (haven't done it) - it's a road that's closed to commercial traffic, 45 mph for cars, and common for cyclists.

Also, maybe the Cumberland River Trail? It's rails-to-trails, but I believe it might be partially gravel.

[jessmarimba]

Oh, and I'll second the suggestion of Wilson County. I lived in Gallatin & Lebanon at one point and there are plenty of hotels right off of I-40 but the roads quickly become rural (particularly going south).

[PamNY]

Natchez Trace is wonderful, and if you cycle there I'm officially jealous. Probably a good choice because you can't possibly get lost, too.

[Tri Girl]

The Natchez Trace- OF COURSE!!! It's between Memphis and Nashville, so that would be perfect!
I checked and they have rooms at the lodge and we could head out the front door and get in a good 30 miles before we hit the road.

You two are BRILLIANT!!!! I never would have even thought about that (was thinking the NT stopped in MS for some reason). I've heard wonderful things about the NT and this makes me super excited!

THANK YOU!!!!

[jessmarimba]

Hahaha. Now that I own a bike I'm going to have to go back

[SouthernBelle]

Hi Tri Girl,

De-lurking here to make suggestions. First, I live in Wilson County (next county over, due east on 40) so if you want to come and do a relatively slow ride, let me know.

Second, Nashville has an extensive greenway system. You can get maps here:

http://www.nashville.gov/greenways/

I would suggest, assuming you will be staying in the downtown area, starting at Titans stadium and heading into Shelby Park to the Shelby Bottoms trail. That will take you to the Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge (not the downtown one). Brilliant views from there and if you are lucky, you'll see the Delta Queen. Crossing the bridge will take you into Two Rivers Park. Follow the trail on around, stay on it and you will go to the Stones River Trail. This is a beautiful trail which runs along both the Cumberland and Stones River. Also it is a rather hilly trail. If you stay on this trail to it's terminus, you will come out at Percy Priest Dam. Then it's a turnaround and go back.

It's hotter than the hinges of hell and humid to boot here so carry lots of water. There won't be much opportunity trailside to find more.

I came into town a couple of weekends ago and rode these exact trails, mostly for the shade factor.

Susan

ETA: If you have reservations somewhere, let me know where and I can probably set you up with a ride from that area. But yes you can easily hook up trails to make a ride. The one I set up above is much longer than the 20 you asked for.

[Tri Girl]

Susan- thank you SO MUCH for the tips!!!!! I was thinking the trails probably were linked, but just didn't find much online that was helpful to me (without knowing the area).

I wound up booking a room at the Pin Oak Lodge in the Natchez Trace State Park for the evening. We'll ride the Trace in the morning before we head out and hit the road. ;

We'll probably make Nashville the stop on the way back, too, so I will DEFINITELY keep these trails in mind for our return trip!!!! I LOVE exploring a new town in either my running shoes or on my bike, so this sounds PERFECT for seeing downtown Nashville. THANK YOU for your expertise!!!!

We'll be up and at it early so hopefully we'll miss the worst of the heat. I hope....

[SouthernBelle]

For those particular trails to work for you, you'll want to stay on the easterly side of town or downtown. When you are on your way through, just after you enter Davidson County/Nashville, keep your eyes peeled left and you will spot the dam I referenced.

[Tri Girl]

For those particular trails to work for you, you'll want to stay on the easterly side of town or downtown. When you are on your way through, just after you enter Davidson County/Nashville, keep your eyes peeled left and you will spot the dam I referenced.

Excellent! Thank you!!!!