RAIN event pours in revenue

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A big event rides into Terre Haute bringing a big boost to the local economy

Ride Across Indiana, also known as RAIN, is a bicyclist event that's pouring in revenue for Terre Haute.

During this time last year, hundreds of you were heading to colts camp. A local economy boost that became a bust this year.

However, with RAIN in this weekends forecast the local economy is weathering the colts camp blow.

"We always saw a lot business for the week the cotls were in town, but nothing this extreme," Drury Inn Front Office Manager Crystal Houser said.

Drury Inn is the host hotel for this Ride across Indiana.

In fact, 1,600 bicyclists are bringing in business this year; the largest crowd ever rode into Terre Haute.

While hundreds of visitors came for colts camp, these rain riders peddle in more money for hotels.

"With colts camp we do appreciate the draw to the community and all the publicity that colts camp brings but it didn't bring a lot of guest rooms," Holiday Inn Guest Services Manager Stacey Metz said.

This bike ride lasts 14-hours and stretches 160-miles to Richmond, Indiana.

All the RAIN riders take off on West Illiana Drive Saturday at 7 a.m.

From around 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. that roade will be congested with around bicyclists; so please make other travel arrangements

It's also important to keep in mind when driving near bicyclist to be cautious.

If you plan to pass make sure you keep at least 3-feet of space to avoid accidents.