Southern Cruisers Riding Club Raise Funds for Cancer Research

Southern Cruisers Riding Club’s Tennessee State Rally will come to Cookeville tomorrow.

Zach Ledbetter is vice president of visitor development at Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors’ Bureau.

“They have been hosting Tennessee state rallies and really been coming to Cookeville and Putnam County as the host to that rally a majority of the years since early 2000’s,” Ledbetter said. “They really have one mission and that is to raise awareness and some funding for St. Jude’s Research Hospital in Memphis.”

Ledbetter said the rally comes back to Cookeville, because of the hospitality the cruisers receive.

Even though the Southern Cruisers focus on giving to cancer research, the rally boosts Cookeville’s tourism, Ledbetter said.

“Well you know we have riders from not only just across the state of Tennessee but a few other states as well. And when those individuals come in, they are here and they stay in our hotels,” Ledbetter said. “And they spend money in restaurants and shop and buy fuel. So it is definitely a boost to our economic impact and tourism.”

Ledbetter said surrounding areas will also feel the economic impact as the riders travel.

“The rally’s host hotel is the Clarion Inn and Suites on Jefferson Avenue,” Ledbetter said. “Everything will be located there from registration to the guided rides leaving from there and all the other activities as well.”

A silent auction and biker games will take place over the weekend as well.

Registration starts Thursday, May 31. The rally will last from Thursday until Sunday, June 3.