Little Big Town Rev Up Their Harleys for a Good Cause

The motorcycles around the Harley Davidson dealer just south of Nashville looked like a Wild West cavalry getting ready to attack, as riders lined up for Little Big Town's Ride for a Cure on Sunday. Not only were LBT group members pleased to see the large number of riders, they were thrilled at the 80-degree temperature for the annual event, which benefits research and treatment for cancer and other deadly diseases.

"Last year I think it was 103 here," Kimberly Schlapman says, adding, "Every year we have doubled our riders. It's such a great cause that is so close to our hearts. We've all been affected by cancer."

"We have a dear friend fighting for her life right now so we were thinking about her all day on Sunday," adds
Karen Fairchild. "It's something we're really proud to be a small part of."

This was the third year for the event, which combines the motorcycle ride to Columbia, Tenn. with a barbecue lunch and a post-ride concert. Artists on hand to help Little Big Town with performances included Martina McBride, Jamey Johnson, Jamie O'Neal, Jason Michael Carroll, Kate & Kacey, Ray Scott and Shelly Fairchild.

"The T.J. Martell Foundation (ride's beneficiary) raises money to help AIDS, cancer and leukemia research, so it's great to be involved," Schlapman says. "It's such an amazing cause and hopefully we're helping to find a cure for that disease in our lifetime."

This year's ride raised $52,000 for TJ Martell.