Written by: Emily Huffstetler
With winding mountain roads and incredible scenery, it’s no surprise that the Peaceful Side of the Smokies is such a popular biking destination. Make your way down for the second-annual Smoky Mountain Bike Week, set for Sept. 28 to Oct. 5, to experience some of the world’s best riding, check out the latest gear and kick back at a variety of free concerts.
Guided Rides
Ride the infamous Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, Foothills Parkway and more in good company. Staging takes places at 8:30 a.m. in the back lot of Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson (Smoky Mtn H-D). The mandatory ride meeting follows at 9 a.m., and roll out is at 9:15 a.m. Each guided ride includes a lunch stop.
- Saturday, Sept. 28
- Riding Time: 4 hours
- Distance: 115 miles
- Lunch Stop: Peaceful Side Social
- Monday, Sept. 30
- Riding Time: 4 hours
- Distance: 136 miles
- Lunch Stop: Deal’s Gap
- Tuesday, Oct. 1
- Riding Time: 5 hours
- Distance: 185 miles
- Lunch Stop: El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant
- Wednesday, Oct. 2
- Riding Time: 4 hours
- Distance: 65 miles
- Lunch Stop: Iron Forge Grill
- Thursday, Oct. 3
- Riding Time: 4 hours,15 min,
- Distance: 154 miles
- Lunch Stop: Carver’s Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant
- Friday, Oct. 4
- Riding Time: 4 hours, 15 min
- Distance: 161 miles
- Lunch Stop: Deal’s Gap Motorcycle Resort
- Saturday, Oct. 5
- Riding Time: 4 hours 35 min, 223 miles
- Lunch Stop: Tellicafe
If you prefer to go on your own adventure, check out the Smoky Mountain Bike Week Ride Planner. Choose from an array of attractions and sights.
Shows at The Shed
The Shed Smokehouse and Juke Joint at Smoky Mtn H-D will be hosting concerts throughout the week. Gates open at 6 p.m.; music starts at 7:30 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m. Many of the concerts are free to attend.
- Big Gun AC/DC Tribute – Sept. 28
- FREE: Kid Kentucky – Sept. 30
- FREE: Rebel Railroad – Oct. 2
- FREE: Rob Leines – Oct. 3
- FREE: The Gents & Liars – Oct. 4
- Jackyl – Oct. 5
Vendor Village
The Vendor Village will be open daily at Smoky Mtn H-D (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Foothills Mall (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Check out the latest upgrades, bike accessories and gear.
Vendors at Smoky Mtn H-D: Slyfox, RWD Suspension, Saddlemen, Tab, LA Choppers, Legend Suspension, Drag Specialties, Optic Armour, Rumbling Pride, Fairing Exchange, Monster Brite, Sinister Sound, Badass Cigars, Heavy Metal Jewelry, Breezy Ryder, Hard Street, Just a Little Bling, Patch Sewing by Susan, X-Treme Paint, Rockford Fosgate, SP Connect, Label Industries, Garza, Hard Street, V-Twin Visionary, Junction 35 and Custom Dynamics
Breakfast and coffee will also be available to purchase from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Vendors at Foothills Mall: Mustang Seats, Ciro, J & P Cycles, Black Label Performance, TN Leather, X-Treme Bikes, Oil City Customs, Rollin Throttle and KST Kustoms
Several local businesses are also participating in Smoky Mountain Bike Week. For a full calendar of events, visit the Smoky Mountain Bike Week Website.
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Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
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