Giddy-up all you cowpokes; memorial trail ride is Sat.

The Terry Tankersley Memorial Trail Ride is set for Saturday, March 29, at the Bussey Point Recreation Area. The event is sponsored annually by the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce. Pictured at a previous trail ride is Scott Ashmore.

The Terry Tankersley Memorial Trail Ride, sponsored annually by the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, will take place Saturday, March 29, at the Bussey Point Recreation Area.

Terry Tankersley was a local cattle rancher, who passed away in 2001 at the age of 47. Without his help, the chamber's dream of hosting an annual trail ride would never have become a reality.

According to Melissa Burgess, chamber president, "Years ago, when we started planning our first spring trail ride, we realized we didn't have a place near Bussey Point where people could park their trailers. At that time, Terry agreed to let us use some of his pasture land for parking and camping. He even moved fencing and cows.

"Without Terry's generosity and hard work and that of his family in subsequent years, the trail rides would not have been possible," said the chamber president.

During the event, horsemen may purchase armbands for $5 each and ride at their leisure from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The numbers on the armbands will be checked by chamber volunteers whenever riders enter or depart the Bussey Point gate area.

A negative Coggins Test and outof state health papers are required. Riders should note that water will be provided for the horses. No dogs, please.

Concerning meals and snacks, riders may pack a picnic basket and/or enjoy mouth-watering hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, soft drinks, candy, and ice overlooking the lake at Bussey Point, the midway point of the ride.

Riders and non-riders alike are encouraged to come out to the Bussey Point Recreation Area on March 29 and enjoy the warm spring weather, the delicious food, and the wonderful fellowship.

Owned and operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Bussey Point is a 2,545-acre, multiple use recreation area situated at the end of Double Branches Road.

The peninsula is heavily forested and contains abundant wildlife; it also features 32.5 miles of shoreline and nine miles of trails winding through a natural forest setting. Directional signs are posted along the trails to help visitors locate points of interest, including a primitive picnic area and a wildlife observation tower.

For those wishing to make a weekend of it, primitive camping sites are available on a first come, first served basis.

For more information about the Terry Tankersley Memorial Trail Ride, contact the chamber office at 706-359-7970.

In conjunction with the trail ride, the Tankersley Family is hosting a barbecue supper on Friday, March 28, beginning at 6 p.m. at Tankersley Field, which is located on the lefthand side of Double Branches Road just past Newberry Baptist Church, near the entrance to the Bussey Point Recreation Area.

The public is cordially invited to attend.