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.

CHARM uses servant evangelism to reach out to hundreds of motorcyclists who come through Townsend.

The outreach began in September 2008 when a group of Christian motorcyclists called Faith Riders, from Hermitage Hills Baptist Church near Nashville, partnered with CHARM and Chilhowee Baptist Association churches.

In 2009, the second annual Light in the Smokies outreach expanded to include local Christian motorcyclists.

Children in local churches make gift packs to give to bikers. The packs contain practical things like lip balm, wet wipes, tissue and other items.

Each pack has an evangelistic message and/or a prayer for the person receiving the pack.

We give away sunscreen, kickstand pads (called A Firm Foundation), maps of motorcycle roads, New Testaments and scripture portions and other gifts.

We also serve popcorn, Sno-Cones, cold water and other drinks.

The team prays with many of the 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.

 A tradition among bikers is to hang small bells beneath their bikes to ward off "evil road demons." When Light in the Smokies teams bless bikes, they offer bikers a small cross to attach to their bikes.

Local churches also participate by feeding the mission team.

We also wish to thank Walter and Ruth and the staff of Wings R Us for allowing CHARM and Faith Riders to use their parking lot for the Biker Rest Stop.

CHARM wants to assist other local Christian motorcyclists, especially those 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.