This will be the scene in Bell Buckle a few weeks from now as riders from all over Tennessee thunder in for the 4th annual Bell Buckle Motorcycle Days set for Saturday, May 17. (Photo submitted) [Click to enlarge]

But it won't be due to the weather. Instead, riders will gather from across Tennessee for the fourth annual Bell Buckle Motorcycle Days, which promises to be the biggest event yet.

The day (it's a one-day event, despite the plural name) will start with a poker run through the hills of middle Tennessee, lunch featuring barbecue, rock and roll and the state's official Bike Show Championship.

Bell Buckle already calls itself "biker friendly," given the number of riders that visit all through the year, and this year's event should enhance that reputation.

The day begins at 9 a.m., where riders will meet up at Bumpus Harley Davidson or Sloan's Honda in Murfreesboro. If you are nowhere near the 'Boro, bikers can make their way to Bell Buckle on their own.

At 10 a.m., the first bikes leave for the poker run and a barbecue lunch from the Bell Buckle Café will be waiting at noon, along with "Sticky Kim" in concert on the outdoor stage behind Railroad Square.

The last bike should be in from the poker run at 3 p.m. and that is also the deadline for entries for the bike show. The poker run awards will be presented at 3:30 and the championship awards for the bike show takes place at 4 p.m.

Categories in the bike show will be Mild Custom American and Mild Custom Metric, including any American or non-American bike with the original engine, frame, and front end; and Full Custom categories for both American and metric, meaning any custom motorcycle, American or otherwise, with major changes such as engine, frame, or front end, which includes completely fabricated bikes.

Other categories include Manufactured custom bikes, which means models built by a franchised company such as Harley CVO, Big Dog, Bourget, etc., sport bikes, classic, defined as any make motorcycle manufactured before 1983 but not prior to 1960, with minor changes allowed, antiques (bikes built prior to 1960, which are near stock configuration and trikes and side cars.

General admission is $10, which includes entry, food and entertainment, or a one-day event pass for $25 that includes an event T-shirt and the poker run. a second rider will be admitted for $10. Even if you don't ride, you can still enjoy the food, music and have a good time.

For more information, e-mail mark@bellbucklemotorcycledays.com or call 389-9663.