Proposed Name Change Scheduled for Vote at SMW's July Meeting

A proposal to change the group's name from Smoky Mountain Wheelmen to Smoky Mountain Wheelers was made, and properly seconded, at the May meeting. The final vote is scheduled for the SMW meeting in July. Click here for more, including arguments in favor of the name change, along with a rebuttal.

Mobile Edition of SMW web site

Y-Group Posts • Calorie Calc. • Loose Dogs • Road Maint. • Bike Shop #s

From your mobile phone, log into "smwbike.org/mobile" or click here

Annual dues are $20. Renewals begin each year in March.

View Previous Poll Results

• How techie is the dashboard on your primary bike?
• How many bikes are in your stable?
• How many miles did you ride in 2008?

Calorie Burn Calculator (just for fun)

The Cherohala Challenge - June 20, 2009

The full 115-mile ride is extremely challenging, with a full 9,000 feet of climbing... not for the faint of heart. Other ride options of 62-miles and 50-miles available (the 50-mile ride stays in the valley).

UPDATE: We have EXTENDED THE EARLY REGISTRATION deadline until June 8th, and have extended on-line registration to midnight June 18th

Click here for more information.

Help Stop the Bill to Ban Bicycles on TN Roads...

Click here for the latest information on HB0342 by Rep. Moore & SB0276 by Sen. Haynes, a bill that would prohibit bicycles from certain stretches of River Road in Nashville, setting a very bad precedent that could have statewide implications.

Don't let winter get you down... Keep riding!

Just because it's cold doesn't mean you need to stop riding. Check out Icebike, a great resource for deep winter riding tips. While studded tires are probably overkill for East Tennessee, the clothing guides and other tips may help keep you riding through the winter. You can also check out a great winter cycling and commuting article on Bicyclinglife.com. Happy riding!

SMW member Elle Colquitt and Jon Livengood have published Knoxville-specific cycling book

After a year of bicycle riding (4300 miles), writing, mapping and photographing, Elle and Jon are excited to present a collection of Knoxville's finest back country routes for the cyclist. Bicycle Routes, Knoxville's first bicycle routes book, offers 40 scenic routes riding along less-traveled backroads through 9 surrounding counties. Each route is fully mapped showing stores and restrooms along the way, along with a route profile, the elevation gain, and description. Many of the routes feature a Point of Interest section for the routed area. Over 200 color photographs showcase the scenic landscape, views from the road, wildflowers and unusual spottings which are categorized under the On The Lookout section. Visit their website, www.MiniAdventureSeries.com, for slideshows from the routes and purchasing details.

Jeff Roth Foundation

The Jeff Roth Foundation promotes, through advocacy and education, cycling as a safe and healthy form of transportation, and to provide financial assistance to families that have been touched by cycling tragedies.

Along with other projects, the Foundation currently working on a specialty license plate campaign to further this goal. Click here for more.

Handy Info from KnoxTrans:

Knoxville-Knox County Bike Map is available at your local bike shop and online at www.knoxtrans.org/plans/bikeprog/resource.htm

Many motorists and bicyclists are unsure about the rules are regarding bicycling on roadways. This handbook was developed to help everyone understand what the law says, and how motorists and bicyclists can safely share the road.
www.knoxtrans.org/plans/bikeprog/resource.htm#handbook

Contact: Kelley Segars, AICP
Senior Transportation Planner
Knoxville Regional TPO

Phone Contacts for On-the-Road Assistance.