On July 26th, 80 participants from 17 different states and Ontario, Canada gathered in Knoxville, TN to embark on the annual Tennessee River 600 event to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Over $12,000 was raised for these organizations bringing the event’s total to over $230,000 dollars raised in its 19 year history!
The week long journey traveled from Knoxville, TN through Chattanooga, TN, Guntersville, AL, Florence, AL, Savanah, TN, and finished at Paris Landing State Park in Buchanan, TN, 600 miles from where it began. When not riding their personal watercraft, participants stayed at various hotels along the river enjoying fellowship, comparing stories of the day’s ride, and catching up on each other’s families.
“It’s like a big family reunion, only we do it on the water,” said Event Director Dennis Beckley. “So many friendships have been made over the years doing this event that we literally watch each other’s children grow up. Every year when we get together we get to catch up on how everyone is doing, who got married or had children or grandchildren join their family. Some were just kids when we started this 19 years ago and are now all grown up and raising their own families.”
The riders were subjected to all types of weather over the course of the week. “We ride rain or shine,” said Dennis. “One day it was windy causing choppy water. One day it rained on us. Another day we experienced thunderstorms. We have to find shelter and wait it out when there is lightning in the area, so that can sometimes make for a long day, but that’s all part of the adventure!”
Preparations have already begun for the 2016 ride, the event’s 20th, and to commemorate the anniversary Dennis and his staff are making plans to do the ride in reverse order. “The first year we rode from Paris Landing to Knoxville, but the weather that year prevented us from getting all the way to the end. Since then we have always began the trip in Knoxville, but it’s going to be exciting to start in Paris next year. We’re all looking forward to it!”
