Mile of tractors rides thru county

Tractor enthusiasts from across the Midstate gathered Saturday morning in the Shady Grove community of Coffee County for the first Southern Middle Tennessee Tractor Ride. Participants came from as far away as Michigan to ride in the event that wound 31 miles through Coffee, Warren, and Cannon counties. The line of tractors was over a mile long.

The tractors varied in age, size, make, and model. The oldest tractor was a fully restored 1941 Model H Farmall. The newest tractor was a 2007 John Deere purchased nearly a week ago.

Participants of all ages enjoyed the ride, even if they had no tractor to drive. Some of the tractors pulled wagons to accommodate the young and young-at-heart.

Bruce Daniel, of Huff & Puff Trucking, allowed the riders to take a break at his picturesque cabin, ‘Hillbilly House,’ near Bradyville approximately half-way through the ride. Upon their return to the Shady Grove Community Center, riders enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the event’s head chef, Teresa Hinds, and her assistant, Chuck Henegar. Other people from the community also contributed food.

Plans are already in the works for next year’s ride, which is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, July 5, 2008. Anyone who would like to learn more about the ride is encouraged to call event coordinators Ronnie Teal at (931) 728-6783, or Tim Cunningham at (931) 728-3675.