Dancing Bear Lodge accommodates cyclists with a range of excursions

In the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, cycling and cycling safety have become a focus of one of the region’s inns — Dancing Bear Lodge.

The lodge provides all-inclusive vacations for guests seeking a rustic vacation base camp for their Smoky Mountain experience, but who don’t want to leave finer amenities behind.

Located in Townsend, Tenn., a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dancing Bear Lodge has seen cycling become a tourist draw, serving as a means of transportation and recreation.  

Townsend’s nine-mile bike trail runs through town providing historic markers educating people about the community’s rich heritage. Along with endless rural roads to ride, the cycling opportunities are abundant in the area.  

“Our area is also home to one of the park’s most popular trails, the Cades Cove Loop Road,” said Matt Alexander, an avid cyclist and managing partner of Dancing Bear Lodge. “Cades Cove is the most visited spot in the national park, and those who explore it by bicycle get an experience unlike those who travel the loop by car. It’s an educational and beautiful ride that visitors always enjoy.”  

The 11-mile Loop Road is closed to auto traffic every Saturday and Wednesday from June through August until 10 a.m. to allow cyclists to ride the loop without motorist traffic.   

But to Alexander, attracting cyclists to the area is more than just economic impact. More importantly, Alexander wants to use the natural attraction of cyclists to the area as an opportunity to educate both motorists and bicyclists on cycling safety.  

It all began with the death of local cyclist Jeff Roth who was killed while riding his bicycle on Highway 321 in Maryville in 2006. Roth’s death brought local and state cyclists together, and the Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation (JRCF) was formed to promote safe cycling and motorist education. Additionally, the Jeff Roth and Brian Brown Protection Act was passed, which states that drivers must leave a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle — at least three feet when passing. Failure to do so is a misdemeanor. 

To help promote and support the education, safety, awareness and fun of cycling, the Dancing Bear Bike Bash is held in the spring and fall at the lodge. The event, which began in 2006, has since grown to nearly 130 bike enthusiasts, racers and families, all who are interested in exploring the mountains, improving their skills and having a good time in an incredible setting. The Bike Bash includes a guided 35-mile ride in the Foothills of the Smokies; mountain biking opportunities; 30-, 50- and 60-mile road ride options; bike games and demonstrations and additional riding choices. This year Dancing Bear will again sponsor the Jeff Roth Memorial Criterium Race July 27 in Maryville, Tenn.

“We have a unique opportunity at Dancing Bear Lodge,” said Alexander. “We have an ideal location to bring people together to enjoy the outdoors, but I knew it was also important to use this time to educate both cyclists and motorists about biking safety and to help fund the Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation.”

The next Bicycle Bash will be Sept. 5-7. 

Registration for cyclists not staying at Dancing Bear Lodge is $50 and includes the ride, T-shirt and the post-ride party.  

For additional information about the Dancing Bear Bicycle Bash and Dancing Bear Lodge call 865.448.6000 or visit www.dancingbearlodge.com or www.jeffrothcyclingfoundation.org.