Tims Ford Dam (Hey! … errr... Ok go ahead. Hey whatch your mouth!)

This trip was special for a number of reasons. (1) I was able to get a nice few hour ride in this morning before the rain came. (2) It was where I camped last week. (3) I desperately needed to get out of the house this weekend. And (4) this dam is the one that creates the water for my oldest son and the two precious grandbabies that gave this site its name. They drink it, they boat on it, they fish in it and they swim in it!

As far as work goes, we updated a portion of the dam a few months ago but it is not a strong focus. We monitor the levels of water pretty close. The reservoir is used for flood prevention for Elk River above, so it’s pretty much a big bucket.

Here are some sites for more information on Tims Ford Dam and Lake

TVA Times Ford

TVA Lake Levels Tims Ford Tennessee River Valley Tims Ford There is an old Turbine on display, and if you get close enough you can not only see the residue from its time in the dam but also why most things are kept outside of arm access, Locals have tatted it up quite good. It is huge though, my bike is over 9’ long and it is easily every bit that and then some.

Also striking were the number of vultures on and below the dam. I suspect there is a time of great feast on the regular below the dam. Possible during water release? I’m guessing.

Much like Ocoee 1 it would involve stopping in the middle of the road for a shot with bike in front of the TVA sign. Some genius decided to put it so far off the road you have to squint just to read it. But I did get the bike with the little cruddy Tims Ford sign.

Just down the road from the dam is Broadview Elementary school. Where my precious grandbabies currently learn. And just a bit of a drive more and it’s the beach they have frequented many times to cool down from the heat.

A wonderful meal at lovely Holt’s Diner and it was time to hit the road. I needed to beat the storms after all.

All in all a nice ride, another site down, a favorite site down. And I did beat the storms home!