Each year, thousands of motorcyclists come through Blount County.
Many of them are headed to the Tail of the Dragon, a famous but dangerous motorcycle road that has 318 curves in 11 miles.
In September 2008, a group of Christian motorcyclists called Faith Riders, from Hermitage Hills Baptist Church near Nashville, partnered with CHARM and Chilhowee Baptist Association churches to serve hundreds of motorcyclists.Children in local churches made gift packs to give to bikers. The packs contained practical things like lip balm, wet wipes, tissue and other items.
Each pack had an evangelistic message and/or a prayer for the person receiving the pack.
We gave away sunscreen, kickstand pads (called A Firm Foundation), maps of motorcycle roads, New Testaments and scripture portions and other gifts.
We also served popcorn, Sno-Cones, cold water and other drinks.
The team prayed with many bikers. Motorcyclists are open to having their bikes "blessed." Blessing of bikes is really a prayer for the rider, since motorcycles are merely chrome and steel.
CHARM was blessed by the participation of members of Caylor's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and Bethel Baptist Church, who prepared meals for the Faith Riders team.
We also wish to thank Ruth and the staff and owner of Wings R Us for allowing CHARM and Faith Riders to use their parking lot for the Biker Rest Stop.
CHARM wants to assist local Christian motorcyclists, especially from Chilhowee Baptist Association churches, to carry this ministry forward in the future.
If you want to get involved, or want more information, contact Joe Ledford by writing joe(at)chilhoweeba.org
The state HOG Rally was held in Maryville and Townsend in June 2008.
Six Mile Baptist Church held a free pancake breakfast for bikers on their way to ride The Dragon.
Faith Riders set up a vendor booth at the rally and gave away gifts.