While many people were on vacation, hosting friends for a party or just relaxing during some time off work, Brantley Gilbert kept busy over the holiday weekend, wrapping up his six-day, 3,000-mile 'Just As I Am: From Athens to Arlington' motorcycle ride on Memorial Day (May 26).

“From riding motorcycles with my 'brothers' to performing for my fans to honoring those who gave us our freedom," Gilbert says, "this journey has been unreal."

The 'Bottoms Up' singer and a motorcade of about 20 people left Athens, Ga. on May 21 and made their way through 11 cities on the way to Arlington, Va., including stops at the Indy 500 and Coke 600 on Sunday (May 25).

Brantley Gilbert
Big Machine Label Group
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The ride, which promoted Gilbert's new album 'Just As I Am' and raised money for the military charity Folds of Honor, ended with a private tour of Arlington National Cemetery, where Gilbert presented a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“It makes you realize what kind of sacrifices this country has endured so that we can do the things we enjoy doing,” Gilbert says. “I’m pretty sure that I wouldn't be able to saddle up on a motorcycle whenever I wanted to if it weren't for every war we've been in, and those who have sacrificed.”

Brantley Gilbert
Big Machine Label Group
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Gilbert is also involved with Outnumber Hunger, a collaboration between General Mills, Big Machine Label Group and Feeding America that supports local food banks. In a few weeks, he'll be performing at the second annual Taste of Country Music Festival.

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