Cruise for a cause

The Tennessee Road Riders, a local group of motorcycle enthusiasts who love to spend their free time cruising the back roads of their country on their Gold Wings and Harleys, also love their country and those who fight for it.

"Some friends and fellow riders found out a lot of our troops are having a hard time getting personal care items like shaving cream or deodorant, or creature comforts like nonperishable snacks," said Larry Brown, who help found the informal group of riders years ago. "We as civilians take for granted the personal care items we use everyday. We don't realize the hardships our fighting men and women suffer."

To help and collect those needed items, the Tennessee Road Riders are planning a fundraiser in March.

"We're in the process of planning a poker run and rally to provide a care package for each member of a battalion over there -- approximately 500 men and women."

The poker run is slated for March 27, which leaves two months to get sponsors, donors and volunteers. Rain date is April 3.

"We just got it off the ground this weekend," said Brown. "We're waiting for contact with the battalion commander over there to find out what products are or aren't allowed, what's needed, and the logistics of getting it shipped."

One thing he really needs is an end point. The ride will begin in Manchester and will travel approximately 130 miles on the Cumberland Plateau to Tracy City, north to McMinnville, west to Woodbury, and ending in Shelbyville.

"My hope is to get one of the owners of a mall or shopping center to donate parking lot space," said Brown. "We can put up a tent and have a barbecue dinner and some light music afterwards -- something to look forward to besides just a ride."

The poker run will offer prizes and awards, including for the best poker hands, who traveled the farthest, and the oldest bike on the poker run

"As we finalize each phase of it, there will be new information on the web site (www.tnroadriders.org)," said Brown. "We're looking for help. We need cash donations, prize donations for drawings and prizes, and volunteers."

Even though the fundraiser is in its earliest stages, the Liberty Lions Club has already made a sizeable cash donation, he said, which makes it easier to get everything set up.

"It will help cover the expenses involved with putting it all together," said Brown.

Those wanting to help can contact the Road Riders by calling (931) 205-6318, or through the web site. Emails can be sent to the regular address, roadrider@tnroadriders.

Some of the items that may be needed include:

* Toothbrushes & toothpaste

* Combs

* Hair Brushes

* Body Wash

* Hand Sanitizer

* Razors (disposable) & shaving cream

* Socks

* Underwear

* Blanks & Sheets

* Books

* Magazines for both men & women.

* Deodorants