Question: Where does the ride start?
Answer:
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
910 Riddick Road
Millington , TN 38053
901-876-5215
800-471-5293
Directions
From Interstate 40, take exit 2-A, turn right, go 6 stop lights to Watkins road (this is Highway 388), turn left and go until the road dead-ends. Turn left, go one mile to a four-way stop, Shelby Forest General Store and turn right, go one mile, turn left into the park.
Question: Will there be rest stops along the route?
Answer: Yes, there will be official rest stops along the route with water, energy drinks, and snacks. There will be at least one porta potty at every rest stop. There will also be small towns along the route each day. Please support the local stores so that they want us back. We cannot give out free snacks near a store that sells them.
Question: What about safety and security? What if I crash?
Answer: There will be Tennessee State Park Rangers along the route each day. All rangers are certified Red Cross first responders and many are EMT certified. Tennessee State Park Rangers are state law enforcement officers and will be present in blue light emergency vehicles. In other words, you get an “armed escort” all week.
Question: Will my Bike be safe if I leave it outside my tent?
Answer: Usually it’s not a concern but bike security is the responsibility of the bike owner. It is your personal responsibility to keep your things secure. We will have Rangers on duty and we all should have a watchful attitude concerning everyone’s stuff. BUT: It’s always advisable to lock your bike.
Question: How will my luggage get from one point to another?
Answer: You will place your tent, duffel bags, and other gear on the luggage truck(s) no later than 8am each morning. Your “stuff” will be waiting when you arrive at the next overnight stop. Remember, no explosives, fuels or lawn chairs allowed on the luggage truck. Please pack light! This is not a fashion show, and you will be lugging this stuff from the truck to your campsite all week!
Question: Where do we camp each night? Is there indoor camping available?
Answer: Some of the overnight stops will have “covered” areas to sleep under, such as recreation halls or picnic shelters. BUT: This is limited and not available at every site. Be prepared to camp outside in case those options fill up.
Question: What if I have to cancel my registration due to unavoidable circumstances? Will I get a refund?
Answer: There will be a $25 dollar handling fee for refunds. This covers the cost of time, printing, postage, etc. Your money will be refunded as quickly as possible; however, this may take more time as the event grows closer. You can expect at least 1 to 2 weeks. No refunds will be given after September 1st!
Question: I am a vegetarian. Will I be able to find adequate food?
Answer: All meals served as part of your registration fee will offer vegetarian options. Hopefully the non-vegetarians won’t eat it before you get to it. However, for those times which dining is “on your own”, it is your responsibility to seek out vegetarian fare. This year’s route will overnight in some very rural areas, and restaurants may be limited.
Question: I am planning to stay in hotels and cabins all week. How will I get to and from my hotel and the ride headquarters each day?
Answer: Riders choosing to stay in hotels need to let the Ride director know each day which hotel they are staying at. We will shuttle you from the hotel to the ride start and when the ride is over shuttle you to your hotel. Be patient with us!
Question: Will there be adequate showers & toilets?
Answer: We are planning for it. A shower trailer worked well last year and we have them reserved again this year. In addition to the shower trailer there will be limited access to park swimming pool bath houses for toilets and showers. We will use a combination of porta-potties, park facilities and other options for your needs. Remember when you get 300 folks eating, sleeping and riding at the same times, other things synchronize, also. There will be lines and possibly ghosts in the machines. Be patient. Use these times to practice advanced milling-around techniques.
Question: What will the weather be like in September?
Answer: Well, first and foremost, hopefully dry! Expect cool nights, slightly chilly mornings and warm to hot by 10am. September is generally a warm, dry month in Tennessee. There could be a very cold night this year so prepare for it. Last year it was perfect (except for that one day where the rain storm should have been named); let’s hope it’s perfect again. The ride director suggests bringing arm warmers and leg warmers so that you can easily layer or un-layer. September is Tennessee’s transition month from summer to fall. So, you know what weather forecasts are worth?
Question: What if I break down along the way, or get too exhausted to continue?
Answer: There will be several support vehicles along the route each day. There will also be a bike mechanic available throughout the week free of charge (tips are greatly appreciated!). Parts are limited so, if you have a special size or high-end spokes, bring some extra. Make sure your bike is tuned up BEFORE you start the BRAT!
Question: What TIME does the ride start each morning?
Answer: No official starting ‘gun’ in the morning. Start when you like BUT: the baggage Truck must be loaded by 8 a.m. so, if you sleep in, you may have to ride with your baggage. Route support starts at 7:30 a.m. Don’t jeopardize your safety by riding in the dark but, if you do ride before 7:30 a.m., you are on a not-yet-supported route. (Sunrise this week will be around 6:30.)
Question: Will you carry my stuff/jacket/souvenirs/bags full of unnecessary plastic objects in the SAG vans?
Answer: Within reason, we will try to help where we can. But don’t abuse. We are not a taxi service or UPS. You may not have access to your items left in a vehicle for a few days. If that vehicle is needed elsewhere on the ride, it will be gone. You’ll get your things sometime. Its up to YOU to find that particular identical white van/truck and get your stuff. You can ask the driver to drop your stuff at ride headquarters whenever he/she gets there.
Question: My neighbors snore so loud my tent shakes, will you talk to them?
Answer: Nope, sorry, it’s a ride law to have a requisite number of loud snorers … try earplugs?
Question: Where do we camp each night?
Answer: All campsites will be well marked by the BRAT markings. Mostly in ball fields, open areas and picnic grounds in the parks. Not usually in the actual park campgrounds.
Question: I don’t feel like riding today, can I ride with the SAG to next camp?
Answer: Probably not, the SAG gets pretty full during the day and has limited room. If you are injured or ill, we will find a way to get you up the route. SAG vans’ primary role is on-route support of riders. If you are on a SAG, you may not get in to camp until LATE that afternoon, the SAG must stay on the route and can’t make special trips. The ride director, vendors, other staff may be the ones to ride with. We’ll work it out.
Question: Will there be Entertainment?
Answer: There will usually be entertainment/programs/music/something to do each night. Quiet hours start at 10pm.
Question: Coffee? I need coffee!!!!!!!!!
Answer: You will be able to get coffee. Hallelujah!!!
Question: I’m flying in where do I need to ship my bike?
Answer:
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
910 Riddick Road
Millington , TN 38053
901-876-5215
800-471-5293
ATTN: BRAT