Bicycle rides at Reflection Riding, Moccasin Bend

May is National Bike Month, and two events this week will help push up kickstands locally. Monthly rides start at the Moccasin Bend National Archaeological District today, May 9, and riders can tour the grounds of the Chattanooga Arboretum & Nature Center at Reflection Riding on Saturday, May 11.

Moccasin Bend: A partnership between the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park and Outdoor Chattanooga for monthly bicycle rides at Chickamauga Battlefield have been extended to also include guided historical rides at Moccasin Bend. The first is today, starting at 6 p.m. The first ride at Chickamauga Battlefield will be on May 18.

At Moccasin Bend, participants may bring their bicycles or reserve a loaner for this leisurely paced historical ride, which will take about two hours. National Park Service interpretive rangers will talk about the history of Moccasin Bend and plans for the site, while Outdoor Chattanooga staff and volunteers provide ride leadership and support.

The tour will begin at Outdoor Chattanooga, which is in Coolidge Park at the base of the Walnut Street Bridge, 200 River St. Ride length is about five miles on flat to moderately hilly terrain.

Rides are appropriate for adults and chaperoned children ages 8 and older. Helmets are required for riders 16 and younger and are encouraged for all participants.

Reservations for bicycles may be made by calling 423-643-6888.

Reflection Riding: Bike Day at the CA&NC, 400 Garden Road, will showcase trails for every level of cycling ability wending over the facility's 300 acres.

Two clinics offering cycling information and support will start at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Topics will include ABC Quick Checks of bike-riding essentials, such as brakes, body positioning and fitting a bicycle.

Outdoor Chattanooga will have loaner bicycles and helmets at no charge with one-hour sign-outs. The bikes should fit most body types, ranging in height from 4-foot-11 to 6-foot-3. Supply is limited so advance registration is suggested. Call 423-821-1160, ext. 0, or visit www.chattanoogaanc.org.

All biking activities are free between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday.

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