Tour de Rocky Top
About this race
Welcome to the 20th edition for the Tour de Rocky Top, the Knoxville area's largest cycling event.
After 18 years at Barley's, Race Day Events is returning for the second year to Peaceful Side Social in Townsend. Reviews from the first edition at Peaceful Side were very positive, with the number one improvement being the route "approach" from Townsend instead of from downtown Knoxville. The same great Blount and Sevier Co roads are back again in 2026, along with the much improved post ride meal offered by Peaceful Side this past year.
The 2026 TdRT has expanded yet again to include EIGHT route options. These will include a slightly revised 24 miler, along with moderate 42 and 50 mile options for those not comfortable riding the longer distances. Those longer distances include a 62 and 77, both very similar to last year, along with a new 88 mile route that also avoids Butterfly Gap. The two Butterfly Gap options this year are 60 and 82 miles. Both Butterfly Gap route option finishers will receive Butterfly Gap finisher medals.
For those not familiar, Butterfly Gap is a short but epic 2.4 mile climb, averaging 8.2% but with sections approaching 18%. Butterfly Gap has been targeted for training by many pro cyclists including George Hincapie, Christian VandeVelde, Robbie Ventura, Brent Bookwalter, & Tom Danielson, and has been described by some as the toughest short climb in the southeast.
The final 8 miles of all routes have been changed to make the return to Townsend and Peaceful Side more moderate terrain.
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.
The post ride celebration at Peaceful Side Social will again 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. Tour de France viewing (Stage 8) on several big screens will return in 2026.
Expected participation--350
All routes roll out at 7:30am
Packet pickup:
Thursday (7/9)), Crown Cleaners, 9409 S. Northshore, from 3 to 6pm.
Friday (7/10), Peaceful Side Brewery (MARYVILLE location)), 106 Everett Ave, Maryville, TN 37804, from 3 to 6pm
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 $85.
Join the event at Ride with GPS 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, Dec 16 thru Dec 25
$60, Dec 26 thru Mar 1
$65, March 2 thru June 21
$70, June 22 thru July 5
$75, July 6 thru July 10
$85, Day of ride
Pick your distance
Cycling
Tour de Rocky Top
Routes include 24, 42, 50, 62, 77, & 88 miles NOT including Butterfly Gap. Butterfly Gap route options are 60 and 82 this year.
Typical race-day weather
Based on 12 years of Open-Meteo archive data for this event's race dates in Townsend, plus the 3 days either side.
The sun rises at 6:28 AM and sets at 8:52 PM local time (EDT) in Townsend on July 11, 2026 — 14h 24m of daylight.
Course
No course map published yet.
The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.
Reviews
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Other races near Townsend
Different organizers, within 40 miles, in the next three months
Cades Cove Loop Lope
Smoky Mountain Very Scary 5K
S'mores Run 5k & 10k (Townsend, TN )
Little River Run 5K
Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.
- Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
- Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
- Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
- Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 8 Townsend events
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