Southern Cruisers of Ellis County head out along Hwy 77, on foot…

Barry Byers Posted May 3, 2010 3:30pm Clubs and Organizations

Image: The Southern Cruisers of Ellis County 326 Adopt-a-Highway — Southern Cruisers Riding Club members that participated in the Adopt-a-Highway program on Sunday in Italy were: Back Row Earl Goodwin, Mike Ritchey, Gary McNeely, Gena Litton, Bobby Litton, Shay Krnavek, Scott Spencer, Mark Jones, Barry Guthrie, and Cheryl Palmer. Front Row Donna Goodwin, Jaquay Brown and Dylan Jones. — The Southern Cruisers of Ellis County 326 Adopt-a-Highway — Southern Cruisers Riding Club members that participated in the Adopt-a-Highway program on Sunday in Italy were: **Back Row** Earl Goodwin, Mike Ritchey, Gary McNeely, Gena Litton, Bobby Litton, Shay Krnavek, Scott Spencer, Mark Jones, Barry Guthrie, and Cheryl Palmer. **Front Row** Donna Goodwin, Jaquay Brown and Dylan Jones. (Barry Byers)

Italy — As part of the Don’t Mess With Texas, Adopt-a-Highway program, the Southern Cruisers Riding Club of Ellis County 326 covered two miles of Hwy 77 on Sunday, but not on their motorcycles. Club members and their families walked along the sides of Hwy 77 in their boots clearing debris and trash as they patriotically eagle-eyed the medians and ditches.

Club members arrived in Italy at 3:30 on Sunday and dismounted the motorcycles to begin the trek down the sides of Hwy 77. Jokingly, Southern Cruiser club member Barry Guthrie said, “I joined the Southern Cruisers Riding Club so I wouldn’t have to walk.” And after a chuckle everyone began the cleanup effort.

The Southern Cruisers Riding Club of Ellis County 326 also benefits St. Judes Hospital in Memphis. “We ride to Memphis every August and personally deliver the money donated and visit with the kids. The SCRC, as a whole, has given over ONE MILLION DOLLARS as of this year.” mentioned the club’s First Officer Shay Krnavek.

Mike Ritchy, who helped organize the gathering of volunteers added, "This is our first time to participate in the “Adopt-a-Highway” program so there has been a bit of a learning curve. We will start earlier in the morning next time instead of in the heat of the afternoon and everyone should carry extra bags in their pockets. Also, keeping the volunteers hydrated after they venture off will be better thought out before our next trip."

It didn’t take long to notice the difference the volunteers were making along the stretch of Hwy 77 that cuts through Italy. On behalf of the businesses and hundreds of travelers that rely on that stretch of road daily, “We would like to thank the Southern Cruisers Riding Club of Ellis County 326 for volunteering their time to keep our county beautiful.”

The Southern Cruisers Riding Club Ellis County Chapter 326 welcomes all bikes and there are no dues required. Get involved, meet some great people and help the kids of St. Judes.

Southern Cruisers, “Cruisin’ for a Cure.”

The SCRC 326 sign — The Southern Cruisers Riding Club of Ellis County 326 began their first cleanup effort along a two mile stretch of Hwy 77, that cuts thru Italy, as part of the national “Adopt-a-Highway” campaign. (Barry Byers)

The dismount — Members of the Southern Cruisers Riding Club of Ellis County 326 parked in front of Mama’s Place on Sunday in Italy to prepare for the cleanup. (Barry Byers)

Here we go — Mike Ritchy and Shay Krnavek pass out the “Adopt-a-Highway” trash bags and protective vests. (Barry Byers)

Donna and Earl — Donna and Earl Goodwin, of Italy, get ready to help clear Hwy 77 of debris and discarded trash. (Barry Byers)

We can do this — Cheryl, Barry and Bobby trade in their black leather jackets for bright orange protective vests. (Barry Byers)

Gary keeps at it — Gary McNeely was on a mission to make a difference. (Barry Byers)

Road warriors — Members of the Southern Cruisers Riding Club parked their motorcycles and went afoot to collect trash from the roadway. (Barry Byers)

Cheryl and Barry — Cheryl Palmer and Barry Guthrie were happy to be a part of the Adopt-a-Highway cleanup effort organized by their Southern Cruisers Riding Club. (Barry Byers)

Trash teamwork — Cheryl holds the bag and Barry fills it up with debris. (Barry Byers)

It’s worth it — In a matter of minutes, the Hwy 77 cleanup effort paid dividends as Mike Ritchy finds a dollar to donate to St. Judes Hospital in Memphis. (Barry Byers)

A scenic view — Southern Cruisers’ members Mike Ritchy, Scott Spencer, Cheryl Palmer and Barry Guthrie help keep Ellis County scenic. (Barry Byers)

Fun in the sun — Gary McNeely, along with Donna and Earl Goodwin, walk Hwy 77 during the Southern Cruisers Ellis County 326 Adopt-a-Highway cleanup effort. (Barry Byers)

Thumbs up! — Shay Krnavek gives a thumbs up during the cleanup. (Barry Byers)

Group effort — Dylan Jones, Jaquay Brown, Gena Litton and Mark Jones cruised the roadside spotting trash along the way. (Barry Byers)

No messing with Mark — Mark Jones displays the “Adopt-a-Highway” trash bag that he’s using to haul debris collected from alongside Hwy 77 in Italy. (Barry Byers)

Look what we found — It’s amazing what trash is hidden within the tall grass blades along Hwy 77. (Barry Byers)

Cruising along — Bobby “Trouble” Litton left his motorcycle behind to join in the Southern Cruisers Ellis County 326 Adop-a-Highway cleanup effort. (Barry Byers)

The SCRC emblem — Bobby Litton proudly wears the Southern Cruisers Riding Club Ellis County Chapter 326 emblem on his back to help the club during their two mile cleanup effort along Hwy 77 in Italy. (Barry Byers)