By next Wednesday afternoon, some 1,100 riders will be in Roanoke Rapids, some 200 camping inside T.J. Davis and another 300 to 400 camping outside, said Chris Wicker, who is helping a myriad of local agencies plan the city's portion of the event.

As the cyclists, who take back roads on their ride that begins and Sparta and ends at the coast October 5, enter Halifax County, they will get a chance to visit Person's Ordinary in Littleton, a 1700s stage stop.

From there, they head into Roanoke Rapids. “The initial riders will come in around 11 a.m.,” Wicker said. “The bulk of the riders will come in between 2 and 4. Most of them are doing it as a tour.”

While part of the welcoming is for the bikers, the entire day is also for those in the community.

“It's open to the public,” said Christina Caudle, the city's Main Street Development director. “We want local people to come out and enjoy.”

From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. next Wednesday, the Roanoke Avenue Festival will begin in the 1000 block of Roanoke Avenue with the Holiday Band performing.

The 1020 Restaurant and Pub and david's will have sidewalk dining in which beer and wine can be consumed within the designated outdoor area. Carini's, Oscar's and the Double R Sports Bar will be open for the event.

“Between $50,000 to $75,000 is what each community the ride goes through expects,” said Lori Medlin, president and CEO of the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It should be good for everyone.”