I’m going to start with some honesty, because this is something every parent goes through. Even yours… Kids. I’m just at the point that I need, what I saw when I looked up from my bike in my shed prior to leaving this morning… I needed to move the soul today.

The trip started early in the morning. I decided to make the first two stops back to back, both close enough to justify the jump. First up, Nickajack Dam. (Hey, watch your mouth!) That always gets a chuckle out of me.

I don’t know a ton about Nickajack Dam off the top of my head, but I did a little reading. It was built to replace the older, leaky Hales Bar Dam. Driving up, what stood out to me was how much recreation is built up around the area. It’s like they built the dam, generate electricity, and then told everyone, “Go have fun!” There are boat ramps, fishing spots, and plenty of places to just relax. I’ll go ahead and call it your family-friendly dam.

For this blog, I wanted to try something different and incorporate some aggregated intelligence—yep, AI. I used ChatGPT fully today, I may use others in future blogs if this is successful. So here is ChatGPT the history of Nickajack Dam:

Nickajack Dam, located on the Tennessee River near Jasper, Tennessee, was built to replace the problematic Hales Bar Dam. Constructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, Nickajack was completed in 1967, ensuring safer and more reliable navigation along the river. The surrounding Nickajack Lake, formed by the dam, became a hub for recreation and wildlife. Its hydroelectric powerhouse contributes to the TVA’s energy grid, and the modern lock enhances river traffic efficiency. The site embodies a mix of practical infrastructure and community benefit—a testament to TVA’s multifaceted mission.

Here are some more reading opportunities on Nickajack Dam and lake.

Site 1 | Site 2 | Site 3

After that, I stopped at the entrance of the TVA Fire Training Center. I’ve been to this site before for meetings, though never for fire training itself. Sadly, being a Sunday, it was closed, so no riding in today.

But here’s what ChatGPT had to say about the Fire Training Center:

The TVA Fire Training Center, established in the early 1980s in Marion county, Tennessee after a major incident in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, serves as the primary facility for specialized fire safety training for TVA employees. With realistic fire simulations and plant-specific emergency scenarios, the center trains internal brigades to respond quickly and effectively before municipal responders can arrive. Over the decades, the center expanded to include medical response, search and rescue, and even virtual reality simulations. It remains a cornerstone of TVA’s commitment to safety and operational excellence.

Next stop was a bit of a hot topic—the Bellefonte Nuclear Plant. I don’t have much to say on this one, especially since I work for the company and prefer to keep clear of the politics. I did hear someone once base-jumped off a once nearby site cooling tower resulting in increased security at Bellefonte. If you like moments of heart stopping. [Click HERE!](https://youtu.be/Mgb37rLMANg?si=FiPyT9sDrcy24pdj) . I also heard rumblings about possibly bringing modular nuclear units to the site, and I’d be all for that. I hate to see a site with so much potential sit idle.

Here’s ChatGPT’s take on Bellefonte:

The Bellefonte Nuclear Plant in Hollywood, Alabama, is a symbol of unfulfilled nuclear potential. Construction began in 1974, (HOLD UP! It’s Papou! I was born in 1974, no wonder I feel for this place. We are kindred spirits. Having never fully reached our potential.) with two reactors nearing completion before being halted in 1988 due to financial constraints and changing regulatory landscapes. Multiple revival attempts, including a private developer’s bid, ultimately fell through. TVA allowed the plant’s construction permits to expire in 2021, but the site is still considered for future energy projects like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Bellefonte remains a curious landmark—half-built but still dreaming.

I welcome you to dig deeper into Bellefonte. I will be..

Site 1 | Site 2 | Site 3

Note: for legal purposes I must point out I had to have used a selfie stick to get the shots beyond the gate. I am a good person!

ummmmm... After Bellefonte, I made a loop back to the other side of Nickajack Dam for a few more shots. Yes, I got wet. Yes, it was refreshing. Yes, I get nervous riding on wet roads, yes I made a complete fool out of myself, yes, I muttered, “don’t drop it” the whole time. Especially when that cop was behind me mocking my ever mistake! But I made it through rattled but just fine

I get such a charge out of seeing the workings of these electrical jungles!

Next was a surprise. I was on my way to the next dam when I ended up within a block of—believe it or not—my home office! Couldn’t resist snapping a pic with my bike, and wouldn’t you know it? I can see my desk window right behind it. This photo’s already on my desktop.

I skipped the AI history on my office—too much potential for controversy and politics there. Onward to Chickamauga Dam!

Say it with me: Chick-a-mau-ga. I’ve been to this site more times than any other TVA site, yet I’d never stopped to check it out. I’ve driven over it countless times. It’s one of the few TVA dams you can drive across—Watts Bar being another. I think there might be one or two near Browns Ferry, but don’t quote me on that.

I’ve watched the progress on the new lock over the years, both from the road and on Facebook. Now let’s let AI fill in the blanks:

The Chickamauga Lock on the Tennessee River in Chattanooga was completed in 1940 alongside Chickamauga Dam. The lock allowed river traffic to bypass the dam, supporting commerce between the Midwest and Southeast. However, the original lock’s limestone-based construction led to deterioration over time. A replacement lock, 110 feet wide and 600 feet long, began construction in 2005 to accommodate modern barges. Though delayed, the project continues, ensuring that Chickamauga remains a vital artery for river commerce and regional growth.

After soaking that in, I stopped by Central Labs. I didn’t know much about the place other than the cool flower-looking solar panels and the big ol’ water tower with our company name in bold blue. Got my pictures, of course.

There are a surprising number of sites talking about the lock. Possibly because it's the Army Corps of Engineers heading it up, or because it's been going on since 2005 or maybe it's that big of a deal? Either way here are some great sites.

Site 1 | Site 2 | Site 3 | Site 4

Here’s what ChatGPT shared about Central Labs:

TVA Central Laboratories near Chickamauga Dam in Chattanooga, Tennessee, serve as the scientific backbone of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Established in the 1960s, the labs play a critical role in supporting TVA’s mission by conducting water and environmental quality testing, materials and metallurgical evaluations, coal combustion byproduct analysis, and technical support for fossil and nuclear power plants. Their work ensures the safety, reliability, and environmental compliance of TVA’s diverse energy operations across the region. Over the decades, the labs have continuously integrated advanced technologies such as automated instrumentation, chromatography, and spectroscopy, maintaining TVA’s position at the forefront of applied science and innovation in utility operations.

Site 1 | Site 2 | Site 3

Finally, I made my way to Chickamauga Dam itself. It’s as impressive as Watts Bar, no doubt. What caught my attention was all the folks fishing right next to the powerhouse outlet. A lot of people do it, so clearly, there’s something to it.

The Chickamauga Dam Railroad Bridge—or the train bridge as I call it. Has a house-like structure on top, ever wonder what it is?

That covers the machinery that lifts the span when taller vessels come through. But the bridge.. It’s a sight when a train crosses, and even better when your bike’s in the foreground. They call this the Riverwalk at the Dam and it is an amazing place to visit, here it also brought me one of my all-time favorite bike photos. I literally stopped in the road, kickstand down, phone out, and laid right on the ground to get the shot. Totally worth it. I might have looked ridiculous, but hey, Gen X—posing awkwardly since 1974.

There is so much going on in the background, I plan to do things with this image in the near future. Wall art, puzzle or something.

Here’s ChatGPT’s insight on the bridge:

The Chickamauga Dam Railroad Bridge is a vertical lift bridge just downstream from the dam in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Built alongside the dam in the late 1930s, it accommodates Norfolk Southern Railway traffic while allowing river vessels to pass when needed. The house-like structures on the towers contain the machinery for the lift mechanism. Still in operation today, the bridge is a testament to the engineering foresight of the era, blending functionality with Chattanooga’s industrial landscape.

More reading opportunities on Chickamauga Dam

[Site 1](https://www.tva.com/energy/our-power-system/hydroelectric/chickamauga) | [Site 2](https://www.tn.gov/twra/fishing/where-to-fish/cumberland-plateau-r3/chickamauga-reservoir.html) | [Site 3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chickamauga_Dam) | [Site 4](https://tennesseerivervalleygeotourism.org/entries/tva-chickamauga-dam-and-reservoir/efdcf7f4-9b5a-42a8-b092-707176712e40) | [Site 5](https://tennesseerivervalleygeotourism.org/entries/tva-chickamauga-dam-and-reservoir/efdcf7f4-9b5a-42a8-b092-707176712e40)

From there, it was time to ride home. But the road always calls, and the next adventure is never far away. Until next time, ride safe, keep the rubber side down, and never miss a chance for that perfect bike pic.

Another something new at the end. A comprehensive look at the ride in full! Wow eight and a half hours total!