Tour de Rocky Top
- Date Sat 11th July 2026
- Time 7:30AM EDT
- Location Townsend, Tennessee
- Price $50.00
- Races 1 race
- Distances Ultra
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating day of cycling at the 19th edition of the Tour de Rocky Top on Saturday, July 11, 2026! This beloved event takes place in the picturesque town of Townsend, Blount County, and promises a fantastic day for cycling enthusiasts of all levels. With seven exciting route options ranging from 25 miles to 100 miles, there's something for everyone. Experience the stunning foothills of Blount County from a fresh perspective, as riders will tackle both familiar and new roads, all supported by fully stocked rest stops every 15 miles and multiple sag vehicles.
This year, participants can conquer the legendary Butterfly Gap, now offered in two distance options: 60 and 100 miles. Finishing either Butterfly Gap route will earn cyclists a newly designed finisher medal, a great keepsake of their achievement! The event kicks off at 7:30 AM, and riders can look forward to a lively post-ride celebration at Peaceful Side Social, complete with a delicious meal, two free beers, and a chance to catch the Tour de France Stage One on big screens. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Blount County while challenging yourself on a scenic ride!
This year, participants can conquer the legendary Butterfly Gap, now offered in two distance options: 60 and 100 miles. Finishing either Butterfly Gap route will earn cyclists a newly designed finisher medal, a great keepsake of their achievement! The event kicks off at 7:30 AM, and riders can look forward to a lively post-ride celebration at Peaceful Side Social, complete with a delicious meal, two free beers, and a chance to catch the Tour de France Stage One on big screens. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Blount County while challenging yourself on a scenic ride!
Organiser's Description
Massive changes are in store for Tour de Rocky Top in its 19th edition.
After 18 years at Barley's, Race Day Events is moving Knoxville's premier road cycling event to Peaceful Side Social in Townsend. The same great Blount and Sevier Co roads but coming from the opposite direction from the town of Townsend.
The 2025 TdRT has expanded to include SEVEN route options. These will include both 25 mile & 40 mile routes (replacing the old 30 route) to go with the usual 50, 65, 85 mile routes. Butterfly Gap is back, but is now offered on 2 distance options--60 & 100 mile. BOTH BUTTERFLY GAP ROUTE OPTION FINISHERS WILL RECEIVE NEWLY DESIGNED BUTTERFLY GAP FINISHER MEDALS.
After rolling north out of Townsend, the undulating foothills of Blount County are the featured roads. Fully stocked rest stops ~every 15 miles, with all routes fully supported with multiple sag vehicles and moto support. Soft cotton ride logo shirt guaranteed to all riders, as well as DeFeet TdRT logo socks.
Police escort will be provided for the 3 mile start down Hwy 321 to Old Walland Hwy, with back roads leading to the finish at Peaceful Side Social. The starting and finishing route segments will be much less stressful than those sections coming from and back to Knoxville in previous years.
The post ride celebration at Peaceful Side Social will exceed anything seen at previous TdRT editions. Cyclists will enjoy an outstanding post ride meal featuring fresh items from the chef curated menu from PSS, along with two free beers. And of course, the usual Tour de France Stage One viewing on several big screens.
2025 TdRT rest stop volunteers are provided by Harbours Gate, with race donations going to that organization. https://www.harboursgate.org/
EXPECTED PARTICIPATION--400
ALL ROUTES ROLL OUT AT 7:30AM
Packet pickup:
Wednesday (7/2)), Crown Cleaners, 9409 S. Northshore, from 3 to 6pm.
THURSDAY (7/3), PEACEFUL SIDE BREWERY (MARYVILLE LOCATION)), 106 EVERETT AVE, MARYVILLE, TN 37804, FROM 3 TO 6PM
Friday (7/4), NO PACKET PICKUP due to Fourth of July.
DAY OF RIDE PACKET PICKUP BEGINS AT 6AM AT PEACEFUL SIDE SOCIAL, 7967 E LAMAR ALEXANDER PKWY, TOWNSEND, TN 37882
DAY OF RIDE REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE FOR $75.
JOIN THE EVENT AT RIDE WITH GPS [https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Event/342800/jTCCOOK9HbBTx6O6tK58LuekZiBhcUYl]AND GET PREMIUM SERVICES PROVIDED BY RACE DAY EVENTS
RIDE PARKING at Peaceful Side Social.
REGISTRATION COST SCHEDULE (THESE PRICES INCLUDE ONLINE PROCESSING FEES):
$50, January 26 thru February 2
$55, February 3 thru February 28
$60, March 1 thru June 15
$65, June 16 thru June 29
$70, June 30 thru July 04
$75, Day of ride
After 18 years at Barley's, Race Day Events is moving Knoxville's premier road cycling event to Peaceful Side Social in Townsend. The same great Blount and Sevier Co roads but coming from the opposite direction from the town of Townsend.
The 2025 TdRT has expanded to include SEVEN route options. These will include both 25 mile & 40 mile routes (replacing the old 30 route) to go with the usual 50, 65, 85 mile routes. Butterfly Gap is back, but is now offered on 2 distance options--60 & 100 mile. BOTH BUTTERFLY GAP ROUTE OPTION FINISHERS WILL RECEIVE NEWLY DESIGNED BUTTERFLY GAP FINISHER MEDALS.
After rolling north out of Townsend, the undulating foothills of Blount County are the featured roads. Fully stocked rest stops ~every 15 miles, with all routes fully supported with multiple sag vehicles and moto support. Soft cotton ride logo shirt guaranteed to all riders, as well as DeFeet TdRT logo socks.
Police escort will be provided for the 3 mile start down Hwy 321 to Old Walland Hwy, with back roads leading to the finish at Peaceful Side Social. The starting and finishing route segments will be much less stressful than those sections coming from and back to Knoxville in previous years.
The post ride celebration at Peaceful Side Social will exceed anything seen at previous TdRT editions. Cyclists will enjoy an outstanding post ride meal featuring fresh items from the chef curated menu from PSS, along with two free beers. And of course, the usual Tour de France Stage One viewing on several big screens.
2025 TdRT rest stop volunteers are provided by Harbours Gate, with race donations going to that organization. https://www.harboursgate.org/
EXPECTED PARTICIPATION--400
ALL ROUTES ROLL OUT AT 7:30AM
Packet pickup:
Wednesday (7/2)), Crown Cleaners, 9409 S. Northshore, from 3 to 6pm.
THURSDAY (7/3), PEACEFUL SIDE BREWERY (MARYVILLE LOCATION)), 106 EVERETT AVE, MARYVILLE, TN 37804, FROM 3 TO 6PM
Friday (7/4), NO PACKET PICKUP due to Fourth of July.
DAY OF RIDE PACKET PICKUP BEGINS AT 6AM AT PEACEFUL SIDE SOCIAL, 7967 E LAMAR ALEXANDER PKWY, TOWNSEND, TN 37882
DAY OF RIDE REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE FOR $75.
JOIN THE EVENT AT RIDE WITH GPS [https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Event/342800/jTCCOOK9HbBTx6O6tK58LuekZiBhcUYl]AND GET PREMIUM SERVICES PROVIDED BY RACE DAY EVENTS
RIDE PARKING at Peaceful Side Social.
REGISTRATION COST SCHEDULE (THESE PRICES INCLUDE ONLINE PROCESSING FEES):
$50, January 26 thru February 2
$55, February 3 thru February 28
$60, March 1 thru June 15
$65, June 16 thru June 29
$70, June 30 thru July 04
$75, Day of ride
Races
-
Tour De Rocky Top
Incl. Soft Cotton Shirt
Sat 11th July 2026 (7:30AM EDT)
$50.00
OPENS TOMORROW
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Peaceful Side Social, 7967 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, 37882, TN, United States
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Tour de Rocky Top
