LAURINBURG — Bikers from two counties will be heading out on the highway Saturday to benefit law enforcement community outreach efforts.
For the second consecutive year, the Back the Blue ride will raise money for the Shop With a Cop programs in Scotland and Richmond counties.
The ride is organized by Chris Jackson, a 24-year patrol veteran of the Laurinburg Police Department.
Jackson told the RO last year he was thinking it would be a small event — until more than 200 riders showed up.
The ride also drew support from the Laurinburg, Gibson, Cordova and East Rockingham fire departments and other first responders.
On Saturday, riders will leave Jerry’s Deli in Laurinburg at 11:15 a.m. and head to the Hide-A-Way Tavern north of Rockingham; leaving the bar at 1 p.m. to go back to the starting point, riding by all law enforcement agencies in the two counties along the way.
Congressman Dan Bishop, who stopped by last year to say a few words, is expected to join the convoy this year. Scotland County Sheriff Ralph Kersey, State Sen. Tom McInnis and U.S. Senate candidate Ted Budd are also slated to attend.
Riders ask that other motorists drive with care as they come through.
Last weekend, during a short “Love Ride” for the late Sheriff James E. Clemmons Jr., someone in a pickup truck ran through the convoy.
The event will include food and other vendors, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, a cornhole tournament, and music from Beach Fever.
Entry fee is $20 for motorcycle riders and drivers of other vehicles who plan to join.
