2012 Spring Ride:
  The Natchez Trace Parkway
                  March 9 - 17

Why we will ride

Building upon the success of our cross-country summer Bicycle Adventures the past four years, we are launching a new event: a Spring Ride! It will continue the tradition of cycling and volunteering, of putting faith into action, and of working to break the cycle of poverty with each stroke of the pedal. 

The idea for a Spring Ride arose last summer when the Bike Adventure's founder Ryan Iafigliola participated in a historic return visit to Millard Fuller's first international project - in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Here was a nation plagued by a long history of almost unimaginably horrific tragedy, and yet where a hope was born that continues to inspire the world. Standing amidst that ironic tension, the idea for this new ride began to form. More than a bike ride, it would be an invitation to join us in providing hope and opportunities to the poor, tragedy-stricken, and war-torn places of the world. Read more about its inspiration here. 

About the Ride

This week-long, 400-mile ride down the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway will allow riders the opportunity to enjoy what ESPN rated as one of America's ten best biking roads while contributing to the eradication of poverty housing. As an added bonus, riders can indulge in a brief hiatus from homework and busy lifestyles as they leisurely wind through the picturesque countryside of Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi.

This event is not only about riding – we will also have a focus on raising funds for our Fuller Center projects all over the world. Similar to our summer ride, participants may choose a Fuller Center Covenant Partner to which they'd like to designate their funds. Also, to gain a first-hand perspective on The Fuller Center’s work, participants will also have the opportunity to work on a housing project in Yalobusha, Mississippi.

Join the Ride

Joining the ride is simple! First, you will need to fill out the online registration form which you can find here. You will need to fill this out before Feb. 18th, which is when registration will close. Next, you’ll need to pay a $100 registration fee, which will cover the cost of lodging, most meals, a t-shirt and a water bottle. After that, you may begin fundraising!

We require that every rider raise at least $750, which will go towards building homes for people in need all over the world.  However, we encourage you to set your fundraising goal even higher than that if possible – The more we can raise, the more lives we can impact!

To show our appreciation for your hard work, the first 15 riders to raise the required amount will receive a free 2011 Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure jersey!

The Route

View Larger Map

First, we’ll begin the adventure by holding an orientation on Saturday, March 9, in Nashville, Tennessee. Then on Sunday afternoon, we’ll embark upon our 400-mile ride down the Natchez Trace Parkway. We’ll roll into our final destination one week later, on March 17, in Jackson, Mississippi.

The Natchez trace is a great route for both experienced and non-experienced riders for the following reasons:
- The entire parkway is a designated bike route that is very well marked with many signs.
- The maximum speed limit for cars is 50 mph, commercial traffic is not allowed, and motorized traffic in general is very light.
- There are NO stop lights or stop signs!
- The scenery is amazing and you will not see any utility poles, billboards, and large buildings just beautiful forests, creeks, and vistas.

Overall, we’ll have six biking days, with an average of 65 miles a day. Take a look at the schedule below to learn more about the daily mileage.

Daily Schedule

3/9     Riders arrive in Nashville, TN
3/10   Orientation
3/11   Bike to Williamsport, TN (56 miles)
3/12   Bike to Collinwood, TN (58 miles)
3/13   Bike to Saltillo, MS (88 miles)
3/14   Bike to Houston, MS (50 miles)
3/15   Build Day
3/16   Bike to Kosciusko, MS (76 miles)
3/17   Bike to Jackson, MS (72 miles)
3/18   Riders Depart

Helpful Information

Below you will find some important information and notes concerning the 2012 Spring Ride.

- Take a look at our Tools for Riders page to learn about a variety of topics such as what to pack, helpful fundraising tools, and frequently asked questions.

- One difference between our summer ride is that we will not be providing jerseys. However, the shirts we are giving to all riders who sign up will be athletic, moisture-wicking shirts that participants can wear while riding. You may also bring your own cycling jersey to wear during the ride. You may also purchase a 2011 Bicycle Adventure jersey for $25, but we have a limited supply – once they're gone, they're gone!

- If you would like to drive to Nashville to help save on travel costs, you may leave your car at the church, and once we get to our ending point in Jackson, MS we plan on helping to drive people back to Nashville. This should also help save on flying costs as well, since you will be able to book a round-trip ticket through Nashville. You must let us know at least two weeks before the ride starts if you are going to take us up on this offer.

- Learn more about the Congo and The Fuller Center's work there at: www.fullercenter.org/drc

- If you have any questions concerning the ride never hesitate to contact us at bike@fullercenter.org.