Ride Summary: For our 2026 “season opener” ride we’re partnering with Trees Knoxville for a TREE PLANTING RALLY. How’s that work, you’re wondering? It’s un-be-leaf-ably simple: Gather a team (or ride solo) and branch out across town to plant, water and learn about local trees. You’ll receive a Tree Passport with a list of locations and activities like prepping a root ball, digging a hole or tree identification. At each stop a volunteer will stamp your Passport. Stops and activities can be completed in any order. By the end of the ride, you’ll be a certified tree planter.
The TREE PLANTING RALLY is knot a race, it’s a rally! But there will be awards for the quickest three teams/riders with a fully stamped Passport.
Meet at Caswell Park at 9:30am for registration. The ride starts at 10:30am.
Potchke and Husmus Studio will provide bagels and coffee for breakfast (yum!). Don’t forget to stick around after the ride for a tree giveaway and an afterparty at Ricky’s.
Here’s what the day’ll look like:
9:30am - 10:00am Registration/Breakfast
10:00am - 10:30am Ride Orientation
10:30am - 12:30pm TREE PLANTING RALLY
12:30pm - 1:00pm Awards and Tree Giveaway
1:00pm - ??? Afterparty at Ricky’s!
Challenge Level: Party Pace for some, Serious Amateur for others.
Distance/Elevation: That’s up to you! But expect to ride 10-15 miles.
Appropriate Bike: Any bike is good working condition will do…but I’d maybe leave the beach cruiser at home.
Rider Expectations:
This is not a traditional group ride. Teams or solo riders will choose their own routes and may complete the stop/activities in any order.
This is a rally-style ride, not really a race. Yes, you can ‘win’ the ride, but the stakes are low. Hit as many stops and complete as many activities as you want; the important part is poking around town with friends and leaving things better than we found them.
This is an unsupported ride so be prepared for any roadside issues (i.e. bring a multitool and a flat-fix kit).
Dress accordingly. Spring weather can be unpredictable and you might get a little dirty planting all those trees.
Be comfortable riding on public streets. Respect the rules of the road and don’t forget to yield to more vulnerable road-users.
Helmets and closed toe shoes required. Locks recommended. Tool kits encouraged.