Cumberland River (Downtown Nashville) / Cheatham Lake

Cheatham Lake / Cumberland River row was special because I was joined by teammates of the Nashville Rowing Club (NRC).  Along with me in my single, there were two four's, a quad and a double.  Three rowers were included in the launch for safety of which two were interchanged at our turning point so they could row.  Rowing the Cumberland River toward downtown was special to our club.  We all wanted to experience the river row so that we can all share what it will be like to eventually have out boathouse on the river.  Most city's include river recreation and we hope that Nashville will welcome our club along with Montgomery Bell Academy and Vanderbilt Crew.

The day started with loading at Hamilton Creek Marina.  Once loaded and excited to make our launch destination, we encountered a downpour.  NRC rowers gathered in Shelby Park to check  our launching location and the weather radar.  Once we determined we could make a go at rowing with a break in the weather, we made our way down a fairly steep boat ramp with a slick bottom to then awkwardly climb in boats.  While this feat is not so bad in my single, it can be a challenge in the larger boats.

NRC lined up and ready to launch

Getting in a boat on a slippery ramp can be a challenge!

It may be a challenge, but entertaining to watch.

All boats were filled and we gathered to row in a group.  Our first sight as we started rowing was the rail bridge that crossed the river at the Omohundro Water Treatment Plant, with a train crossing and continuously sounding the whistle.  Our second encounter was a set of docked barges that take residence on the far side of the river.  I've passed these before and even though they are not moving, it is still intimidating to feel their size when passing by on what seems like a toothpick in comparison.  All these new sights also included new sounds.  It took some time to become accustomed to the new noises, from trains, to bridgework, and even interstate noise.

Rail bridge with the Omohundro Water Treatment Plant

Ingram Barge loading/docking area.  These are HUGE!  Both barges and cranes.

Don taking a picture of me taking a picture.  Ha!  There were people on the balconies at Rolling Mill Hill.

The first stage of the row was industrial in nature but also featured a lot of green space on the Shelby Park side (east bank).  As we got closer to the PSC metal site it became apparent we we getting closer to downtown Nashville.  There was enough of a break in the rain that I could make out the Nashville Skyline.  Seeing downtown Nashville from the river is a new perspective that was exciting to me.  I often get to see the Cumberland River but have never had the opportunity to be on it (one of Nashville's needed improvements).

As I rowed under the Korean War Memorial Veteran's bridge, I was recognizing so many landmarks that make Nashville special.  Downtown Riverfront was about 3,500 meters from our launching point at Shelby Park.  The General Jackson Riverboat was docked at Riverfront Park and our goal was to be past it so we would not be in the path of it's noon voyage to Opryland. Perfect timing as it pulled away from shore just as we were all past.  Rowing past the Riverboat and downtown was a personal treat.  People from the river boat and shoreline were waving and shouting cheerful greetings.  This is not something we often get to experience as a club typically rowing on Percy Priest.

General Jackson Riverboat at Riverfront Park.  They are just about to leave for Opryland.

Another view of the Pinnacle & AT&T.  Both are a presence in Nashville's skyline.

The turning point we chose was Woodland Street Bridge, 4,000 meters into the row.  As NRC took time to change rowers out of the launch and into the fours, I rowed back downtown to take photos of Riverfront Park, the Nashville Skyline, Titan's Stadium (LP Field), the NABRICO building (I still think this would have made a great boathouse on the bottom floor), the piece of 'art' & bridges crossing the Cumberland.

Another rail bridge just past Woodland Street bridge.  This was the view at our turning point.

LP Field.  Home of the  Tennessee Titna's!

Riverfront Park / downtown Nashville

Shelby Pedestrian Bridge & Korean War Memorial Bridge (race start & finish lines).

I paddled back to rejoin the rest of the team and we took off on our return journey.  Rowing once again through downtown, I was still excited see all of the activity and waving hands as people welcomed us.  Nashville really is as friendly as it ranks!

Josh & Chris in the double

I still don't get it....even from this perspective.

The NABRICO building being renovated.  Wouldn't the bottom floor make a perfect boathouse?!

Our next piece of excitement took place as Don yelled from the launch for all boats to line up for a small 400 meter race between bridges.  Anyone that knows me, knows I got the adrenaline rush to get in a race and went into what felt like sensory overload.  Don boisterously yelled 'Ready All -ROW' and we were off.  That little 400 meter piece was fun with my teammates boats surrounding and all the sights of the river to watch.  We made it to the next bridge hearts pumping and got a beautiful view of Nashville!

Last view of downtown Nashville.

One of our four's making their way back to the boat ramp......steady state.

Knowing that we had about 3,000 meters to go and a rain storm to beat, we all locked into our steady state row.  The drizzle was starting and the river was quite.  As I rowed past the location of our potential boathouse, it was nice to think of launching off that point in the near future.   I can see myself spending many more rows on the Cumberland River.

You can barely see it.  The old Navy Reserve Building....hopefully the future home of rowing.

As NRC made it back to the boat ramp and started loading boats, I took off to get one last glimpse of the rail bridge that crosses the Cumberland.  Just as I got one last shot of the bridge and the surroundings, the rain started with a steady fall.  Don came by with the launch just as I was making my way back to the dock.  He made the comment, "Nice day for a row, huh?". I could not have agreed with him more.

Rail bridge from a different point of view.

The rain is comiong down!  This is the direction of Opryland.  My next journey on the cumberland River.

We all made it back in one piece.  No boat or rower damages done.  The river was calm with no debris and very few motorized boats.  Overall it was a great experience and even more fun to share with my fellow Nashville Rowing Club members.  NRC member, Chris had a surprise of home made brew for everyone as we tightened the straps on our boats and prepped for our journey back to our home marina.  I am thankful for all that shared in the experience and am looking forward to many more rows on the Cumberland River!