Pedal for Paws

Sumner Spay Neuter Alliance is pleased to host the 15th annual Pedal for Paws cycling event on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026. Ride day registration opens at 7:00am, ride begins promptly at 8:00am.  All support activities for the ride will cease at 1:00pm.

Join hundreds of other cyclists on this popular annual ride that covers the beautiful back roads of scenic Sumner County featuring 4 routes for cyclists of all skill levels (14, 30, 45 and 62 miles). The ride begins and ends at the Gallatin Civic Center in Gallatin, TN 37066 (210 Albert Gallatin Ave.). The 62, 45 and 30 mile routes depart at 8:00 a.m. The 14 mile route departs shortly afterwards.

Early registration fee of $50 per cyclist includes a SAG supported ride, well-stocked rest stops, music and a post ride meal with adult beverage as well as a Next Level tri-blend event t-shirt.

Early online registration for the 2026 event will close at 10:PM Central time on Friday , May 1st ($50). Registration is available day of the event for $55 per cyclist beginning at 7:00 a.m.

For complete, up to date event information please visit our
Facebook Page: www.Facebook.com/PedalforPawsTN or
SSNA’s website: www.SumnerSpayNeuterAlliance.org

Join us Rain or Shine -- No REFUNDS.

100% of the event proceeds go directly to supporting animals in our community through Sumner Spay Neuter Alliance’s life-saving low-cost, high quality spay neuter surgeries. SSNA is a 501c3 non-profit organization which opened in 2011 and has performed over 122,500 surgeries. Saving lives through prevention.

Access photos from this year's ride by clicking here.  Courtesy of Rob Wells.

Lots of great photos on Ponce Law's FB page.

Also a quick video from Fogbee Tom Evans.

Tour De Nash TBD

Ride the Fault Line June 7-13th Marion, IL  Union City, TN

The Milligan June 13th, 2026 Gladeville, TN

Tour De Corn June 27th, 2026 East Prairie, MO

36th Annual BRASS TBD 

BRAT Sept 12-17th

Misaligned Minds, Sept. 19th, 2026 Paducah, Ky

E-Bikes are welcome at Pedal for Paws as long as they fall under one of the three classes of e-bikes shown below.  The common requirement across the classes is that they must be capable of being pedaled by the operator. PAS = pedal assist.

Electric powered motorcycles are not permitted on this ride.

The Pedal for Paws begins at the Gallatin Civic Center. Before getting onto quieter roads the cyclists must use four miles of city streets, including a mile on Broadway, one of Gallatin’s busiest streets with no rideable shoulder. Gallatin Police officers control traffic on these roads until all cyclists are on quieter roads.  Most of these officers are members of Gallatin’s bicycle patrol who understand what is needed for the cyclists safety. They also erect electronic signs in strategic locations to warn drivers of cyclists presence.

It’s no exaggeration to say Pedal for Paws could not be done in it’s current form without the support of Gallatin Police.

The primary parking for the event is in the Civic Center parking lot and the parking lot where the tents are setup.  The first overflow area for parking will be Shafer Middle School.  There will be signs directing you. 

There are additional parking areas as shown on the map. 

Municipal Park is located across the street from the Civic Center.  You will have to cross Albert Gallatin Drive to access the Civic Center.

Triple Creek Park (the ride returns through the park) - you will see signs along the greenway directing you to the Civic Center.

A pre-ride cycling checklist should include checking tires, brakes, drivetrain, and overall bike condition. You should also ensure you have the necessary gear, including a helmet and any repair tools or puncture repair kits.  If you are not comfortable with the mechanical aspect of your bike's condition, please contact your local bike shop.

Here's a more detailed checklist: 

1. Bike Inspection: 
Tires: Check tire pressure, look for any debris, and inspect for cuts or nicks. 
Wheels: Check for loose spokes, and ensure the wheels are trued and don't rub on brakes.
Brakes: Check brake pad wear and ensure the brakes function properly.
Drivetrain: Inspect the chain for rust, cleanliness, and lubrication. Ensure it's properly tensioned and shifting smoothly.
Frame and Headset: Look for cracks in the frame. Check for loose play in the headset.
Cranks: Pull on each crank to make sure it's tight.
Quick Releases/Thru-Axles: Ensure they are tightened properly. 
Bolts: Check all bolts, especially those on the stem, seatpost, and brakes. 
2. Gear & Safety: 
Helmet: Ensure your helmet is properly fitted and in good condition. 
Lights: Carry front and rear lights to be visible, especially during dusk or nighttime rides. 
Tools: Carry a multi-tool, spare tube, and any other necessary tools for roadside repairs. 
Water: Have enough water to stay hydrated. 
Fuel: Carry some snacks or energy gels to prevent low blood sugar.
First Aid: A small first-aid kit can be useful for minor injuries.
Puncture Repair Kit: A tire patch kit, sealant, or spare tube can be helpful in case of a flat tire.
Lock: If you'll be leaving your bike unattended, bring a lock.
3. Personal Check:
Clothing: Choose clothing that is appropriate for the weather and ride conditions.
Comfort: Ensure your saddle is comfortable and your bike is properly fitted.
Route: Know the route you'll be taking and any potential hazards.

Pedal for Paws Rest Stops

A lot of planning and effort goes into the annual Pedal For Paws bicycle event.  A key component to a safe and successful event is strategically located rest stops. These sanctuaries provide hydration, fuel, mechanical support, and encouragement to every participant rider. 

A special group of individuals from the community provides the hospitality of their property to support our Sumner County Spay and Neuter Fund Raiser.  The following folks deserve our special thanks and acknowledgment: 

Rest Stop 1 - James and Betty  Johnson 

Rest Stop 2 - Ehrin Ehlert and the Bledsoe Lick Historical Society 

Rest Stop 3 - Rick Thomson

Rest Stop 4 - Theresa and Brian Puckett and Donkey Friends

Let’s give it up for our biking benefactors !

There have been some significant changes to the start of all of the routes.  Please update your electronic devices as necessary.  The Ride With GPS routes can be found below.

The 14 milers will now gather stage left of the registration area.  This change will get the riders onto the greenway earlier and reduce some congestion that was occurring at the middle school.

All other routes will use Airport Road all the way to a left turn on Cairo Landing.

There are two or three pothole areas on the route that we have marked heavily with orange paint.  The worst is on a downhill section of the 62 mile route at Smith-Thompson Rd - approximately 47 miles into the route.

Ride with GPS direct link
https://ridewithgps.com/collections/5635767

Cues sheets and maps
Google Drive

This group of all volunteers spend many hours honing their communication skills. There are times when all modern communications fail. Then these dedicated individuals are society’s only means of communication. The Sumner County Tennessee Amateur Radio Emergency Services (SCARES) provide vital communication among the Pedal For Paws ride director, Emergency Medical Services, Sumner County Sheriff officers, and Gallatin police. With real time radio contacts in every support vehicle and every rest stop the ride director can keep track of ride progress and more efficiently allocate resources. Some areas of the ride have no cell service so radio contact is vital.

In addition to the May 2025 Pedal for Paws in which they skillfully switched from Saturday to Sunday due to weather, they help other area events.

April 2025, provided communications during a tornado outbreak in Sumner County.

June 2025, in conjunction with their Nashville radio club fellows provided communication support for the Great Tennessee Airshow in Smyrna, TN.

June 2025, Provided support for the Milligan, formerly known as the Big Hill Challenge bicycle ride that like Pedal for Paws goes into some very remote areas.

July 2025, Participated in FEMA’s multi regional communications exercise where they provided support for a mock earthquake in Memphis, TN. In this the used many communication modes depending on resources nationwide.

July 2025, Hendersonville Freedom Fest

October 2025, Hickman County Gravel Revival, where hardy off road cyclist come from all over the USA to test their skill. Communication here was so difficult Starlink was used.

November 2025, Hendersonville Veterans Day parade

December 2025, Hendersonville Christmas Parade

The Pedal for Paws routes are primarily on public roads where cyclists must mix with normal automotive traffic. The Sumner County Sheriff’s officers are extremely concerned with rider safety. They identified particularly hazardous areas where they station well marked patrol cars, going so far as to activate their blue lights when needed. Sheriff officers are a big reason no unpleasant car and bicycle interactions have been reported in several years. A joint meeting of county officials and local cyclists led to the creation of a special Sumner County Sheriff cycling jersey riders wear to show mutual support between cyclist and officers.

To ensure that you receive a 2026 Pedal for Paws t-shirt, you must register for the ride before April 1st. 

Ride with GPS direct link
https://ridewithgps.com/collections/5635767

Cue sheets and maps
Google Drive

You can download our Sponsor Packet by clicking here -> Sponsor Packet or use the QR code.

E-Bikes are welcome at Pedal for Paws as long as they fall under one of the three classes of e-bikes shown below.  The common requirement across the classes is that they must be capable of being pedaled by the operator. PAS = pedal assist.

Electric powered motorcycles are not permitted on this ride.