“This is a very special and fun event; a scenic ride, great music, food and it all goes to benefit children born with this devastating illness, cystic fibrosis” Says Jim Deanda founder of Cure Finders whose two young children are afflicted with the disease.
Cystic fibrosis is a respiratory disease that affects 10s of thousands of children and adults in the U.S. A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections. The median age of survival is 37 years. Since its inception Cure Finders has given almost $1 million toward research for a cure for cystic fibrosis and are happy to say that many great strides in finding a cure have been made through the help of volunteers, sponsors and participants such as those who attend these fundraisers.
The ride begins at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital at the corner of White Avenue and 22nd Street one block north of the UT strip. Participants can register their bikes ($20 per bike, $10 per additional rider) starting at 1 p.m. Registration will be open for two hours, the first bike out will be at 3:15 p.m. “The take off will be exciting for the kids in Children’s Hospital. We want them to be able to see and hear the bikes, to be included as much as can be!” says Deanda. The kids are preparing a banner for the cyclists to ride thru at the beginning and will have the opportunity to watch thru the windows of the hospital.
During the registration we have several events planned including duo artist Philip and Valerie Sharp, Canjo artist (yes, as in a Banjo made out of a can) player who has actually performed the Grand Ol Opry recently and is conducting a "Tour of Smiles". Many other activities are in the works as well.
Organizers of this year’s Rhythm & Roll have planned out the day’s exciting activities from beginning to end. The Dixie Iron Riders, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who enjoy riding together and aiding worthy causes are in charge of the ride itself.
One stop during the ride at Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson in Pigeon Forge with refreshments provided by No Way Jose's Cantina and a chance to win door prizes. The ride will conclude at Smoky Mountain Harley at “The Shed' in Maryville; featuring a special concert by Blues Artist Damon Fowler. A $5.00 admission donation for non-ride participants will be accepted.
“If you love to ride and want to spend a Saturday with some great folks you need to come out and join us!” says Deanda. If you are interested in registering for the ride or taking part in the activities planned for the event please check out our website at or contact Jim at jdeanda@curefinders.org, or call (865) 428-s2155.
