Kennett prepares to Ride the Fault Line

Preparations are underway as Kennett gets ready to host around 300 bicyclists next month.

Ride the Fault Line is a seven day bicycle tour that starts and ends in New Madrid. Bicyclists are coming into Kennett June 14, leaving early the next morning. They will stay on the fairgrounds and use the American Legion Building.

A meeting was held Thursday at the Chamber of Commerce for those planning the event. Chamber Executive Director Melissa Combs reported that the Jaycees were planning to provide food and drinks for the visitors.

"Wayne Chiropractic is setting up a stretching tent for the riders to help them prep for the next leg of the tour. Some people like to be adjusted in the middle of something like that," Combs said.

Public Safety Director John Mallott reported a first aid/medical area would be set up, and he offered the fire station next door to help bicyclists cool down or to make adjustments on their bikes if the weather is bad.

Breakfast for the riders on Monday morning was a primary topic during the first planning meeting in March. The Grecian Steak House will be the location for that. A list of local restaurants will be provided, as many of the people on the bike tour will eat out Sunday evening.

Entertainment is planned at the fairgrounds Sunday afternoon from the Lucky Brothers.

Those involved in the tour gather in New Madrid on June 13, staying their first night there.

"I'm going to New Madrid and have a brochure to hand to them, so they can see all the things we have, like the Sheryl Crow pool. We're asking the museum to be open that day," she said. A combine and cotton picker will be on the fairgrounds for display. "A lot of them have never seen those. That's an every day sight for us, but some of these people have never experienced that," Combs added.

One more meeting is planned to prepare for the influx of out of town guests. It is scheduled for Monday, May 18, at the Chamber office, beginning at 4:30 p.m.