Biker occasion boosts Memphis tourism business

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – Potentially thousands of cyclists head to Memphis for a large gathering that could give the city’s tourism industry a boost.

It is an annual event of the “Pound 4 Pound Motorcycle Club”. The group couldn’t hold it in 2020, but now that COVID-19 restrictions are being eased, it’s back this year.

James Franklin is one of the founders of the club.

“Things are going great now,” he said, “we couldn’t wish it would get better.”

The festivities are on. There is a BBQ party on Wednesday evening, a meet and greet on Thursday and a block party on Saturday.

“We’re going to have a stereo contest, who’s got the loudest stereo?” Franklin said, “We’re going to have other things going.”

Franklin expects 4,000 to 5,000 bikers, and many of them come from outside the country.

“I’ve received calls from people in Maine and all the way to Nevada, California, Washington state,” Franklin said.

As tourism picks up again, some restaurants and hotels in Memphis remain understaffed

It’s music to the ears of workers like Kevin Kern at Memphis Tourism, who applaud the surge in sales tax revenues at a time when cities across the country continue to recover from the pandemic.

“Business travel isn’t back yet,” said Kern, “but here in Memphis, leisure travel is really what drives our industry. Youth sports, such clubs of common interest that bring people together, fill the hotels. “

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