9:00 a.m.
There’s nothing better than the smell of roasting pig in the morning. It’s the day of Cityview’s first ever Red Line Ride, and the hog is cooking on the grill in preparation for the roast to be held after the ride. Ominous clouds gather around Ultimate Motorsports, our event host, and although the forecast calls for a break from rain, more seems to be on its way. A chance of rain hasn’t deterred T. Scott Jones from setting up his race bike—he’s busy answering questions from interested onlookers.

11:00 a.m.
Saturdays are for enjoying, and people are pouring into the dealership. The folks at Aubrey’s serve lunch, and everyone is digging in the delectable cuisine. It looks like we are going to have a great turnout from several law enforcement agencies—this ride is in their honor—and I think everyone is psyched to ride alongside them. It really is a tribute to their often selfless service to our community.

1:00 p.m.       
Lunch is over, and the bikes just keep coming into the dealership, with more than 100 riders accounted for so far. The sun has decided to show its face for a little while at least, and the absence of any rain has been a relief. We’re about to start the ride.

2:00 p.m.
Hanging out of car windows with a camera has really put new meaning into doing whatever you have to for the best shot. We have four motorcycle officers setting pace and a considerable additional escort from other law enforcement vehicles. Ride founder Scott Jones and Ultimate Motorsports owners Bill and June Lindsay coast behind the officers. The sight of all the cycles and riders cruising down the open road is really awe-inspiring. Check out all of the photos online at tscottsredlineride.com.

3:00 p.m.
It certainly makes you reconsider a career in politics when you have a police escort for an afternoon. Our caravan of bikes hasn’t had to stop once since the ride began. We’ve reached the city of Vonore in Loudon County, and the slight concern over the impending rain showers has come to a head again. Should we alter the route or continue on? Mother Nature takes a back seat to the ride, and the bikes continue on their designated route. Luckily, we made the right decision, and a light sprinkle is all the inclement weather we had to deal with.

5:30 p.m.
Our time on the road has come to an end, but the pig that has been on the grill all day is the reward for those who joined us on the ride. Randy Burleson and crew from Aubrey’s have laid out a great spread for everyone to enjoy, and all the hungry riders are ready to chow down. A little music, some door prizes and the announcement of the number for the chance to win the Victory cycle complete what has been a very fun and eventful day.

The ride was a tremendous success. As publisher of Cityview, I would like to personally thank all of our sponsors—Ultimate Motorsports, 103.5 WIMZ, Aubrey’s, ET Motorgear, Executive Cleaners and Shell Capital Management. The ride also would not have been a success without the support of many law enforcement agencies—Knox County Sheriff’s Department, Knoxville Police Department, Alcoa Police Department, Blount County Sheriff’s Department, Loudon County Sheriff’s Department, City of Loudon Police Department, Vonore Police Department, Tellico Plains Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, Madisonville Police Department, Sweetwater Police Department and Lenoir City Police Department.

For more information and to see event photos go to www.tscottsredlineride.com