Tennessee

[9422e]

I am thinking of going from northern NJ to Tennessee with a friend by bike.We are looking for suggestions for a route, not just highways.We would also like some suggestions on some sights to see.

[Jamie Z]

Do you know where in TN? It's kind of a big state.

Jamie

[Howard.epps]

Originally Posted by Jamie Z

Do you know where in TN? It's kind of a big state.

Jamie

I kinda doubt this was the answer he was looking for, smart a--

[notarat]

Originally Posted by Howard.epps

I kinda doubt this was the answer he was looking for, smart a--

And neither was this, dumb ass.

[notarat]

Originally Posted by 9422e

I am thinking of going from northern NJ to Tennessee with a friend by bike.We are looking for suggestions for a route, not just highways.We would also like some suggestions on some sights to see.

Jamie's got a valid point.

Your route may be drastically different, depending on your destination in Tennessee.

If you're going to end your trip in the eastern half, you must ride Deal's Gap.

The TAT Starts in Knoxville, TN if you're interested in more than slab.

If your destination is in the western half of the state, The Natches Trace Parkway starts in Nashville and ends up in MS.

These are just some of the more common riding areas. If you hit the regional forum I'm sure you'll encounter forum members who have even more helpful suggestions on some local gems.

[Jamie Z]

Originally Posted by Howard.epps

I kinda doubt this was the answer he was looking for, smart a--

Wow, where did that come from?

Tennessee is 500 miles wide. I live in the very southwest corner of the state. I'd be happy to offer some route suggestions if he was coming this way, but I thought I'd ask if he knew his destination, first.

Where do you get smart ass in my message? I suggest you stop looking for demons everywhere.

Jamie

[Boondox]

Originally Posted by Howard.epps

I kinda doubt this was the answer he was looking for, smart a--

Tennessee stretches out a bit east to west, with very different riding experiences along the way. Far from being a smart ass, he was just trying to get a bit more info to better tailor his response. If the OP is headed to Knoxville he might use the BRP as a base route. If Nashville or Memphis, a totally different suggestion would be called for.

A poorly worded question is difficult to answer. Have another beer and let's see what the OP has planned before we start hurling insults, 'kay?

[Boondox]

Originally Posted by Jamie Z

Wow, where did that come from?

It's okay, Jaime. He's from Florida. Lack of curvy roads does strange things to a man.

[TrashCan]

Originally Posted by Howard.epps

I kinda doubt this was the answer he was looking for, smart a--

Oh Great one, where would you think the OP wants to go???

[75bronco]

i live in the eastern part of the state. If interested in gravel roads and coal mining stuff send a pm.

[9422e]

No need to get crazy guys. We are going to the southwest corner of Tenn.Brighton to be exact, about 40 minutes from Memphis.

[notarat]

Originally Posted by 9422e

No need to get crazy guys. We are going to the southwest corner of Tenn.Brighton to be exact, about 40 minutes from Memphis.

That's about 10 min from Millington (at most) and about 15 miles from where Jamie hangs out. Send Jamie a PM and I'm sure he'll be able to fill you in on all the nice spots. I'm still new enough to the Memphis scene that I don't know many places yet. (though I will say that the Meeman Shelby State Park run out to the Mississippi gets fun when you encounter the 1 lane road in the park)

Maybe you can bring Howard with you and we'll all have a beer and a laugh.

[kitesurfer]

Originally Posted by Howard.epps

I kinda doubt this was the answer he was looking for, smart a--

actually, having lived in Millington and dropped down many a whitewater falls in the
Tenn mountains, i was just wondering where in Tenn too. I don't consider jammie's answer to be smart azz at all. But your post was most useful!

[Jamie Z]

Originally Posted by notarat

Send Jamie a PM and I'm sure he'll be able to fill you in on all the nice spots. I'm still new enough to the Memphis scene that I don't know many places yet. (though I will say that the Meeman Shelby State Park run out to the Mississippi gets fun when you encounter the 1 lane road in the park)

I think he was looking for the best way to get to Memphis...

There are a lot of great roads in East Tennessee. Unfortunately, I rarely get that way, so I can't offer much advice that way.

Once you're west of Nashville, the state is pretty flat. One place I'd recommend is the Jack Daniels distillery in Lynchburg. It's a free tour, and very fun. From there, 64 into Memphis isn't the best route, but you're not going to find much better.

As an alternate, you can ride 64 to the Natchez Trace, then ride the Trace south (Be sure to stop at Colbert's Ferry at the Tennessee River to get a view of the bridge) to Cherokee and follow 72 into Memphis or go a bit farther to Tupelo and ride 78 up to Memphis. If you're in Tupelo, you can see Elvis' birthplace.

78 is limited-access divided highway (though for much of the way you can ride Old 78 if you like). 72 is two-lane. Neither road is especially scenic.

Like Notarat said, if you're spending some time in this area, there are a few (very few) places with cool roads.

Jamie

[9422e]

Thanks I will put those places in my gps.What about the part between NJ and Tenn? Any suggestions?