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Commemorative Motorcycle Ride
 http://www.trailoftears.no/
This event has a registered trademark! The group motorcycle ride and moving party has taken place in the early fall since 1994. The annual date has settled on the third Saturday of September.
In a growing awareness of the richness of Native American history of the area, the organizers learned that one route of the Trail of Tears ran directly through this region, starting at Ross's Landing in Chattanooga, TN, along Highway 41, then following the route of present-day Highway 72 southeast from South Pittsburg, TN. Organizers believed that that an annual motorcycle ride would contribute to a wider understanding of the Trail of Tears and help to commemorate this dark chapter in American history.
In the first year, 1994, eight motorcycles began the ride. By the end of the ride in Waterloo, AL, the number of riders had swelled to about 100. The 8th Annual Trail of Tears Ride began with 40,000 motorcycles and ended with a reported 90,000 motorcycles rolling into Waterloo, Alabama at the end of the ride, making this event the largest organized motorcycle ride in history
The ride starts at 8 a. m. at Ross's Landing in Chattanooga, TN fthen follows Highway 41 through Jasper, and Kimball, TN, winding through Stevenson, Scottsboro, Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia, AL and ending in Waterloo, AL. Along the route, music, refreshments, and entertainment are available at various stops. Other types of music are included, but mostly the ride features The Blues. The ride has become well known for booking some of the best blues bands the region has to offer.
There is no cost to participate, and no need to pre-register. The ride is free, and at one's own risk.
Suitable for large groups. Bus and motorcoach parking available.
Accessibility to persons who use a wheelchair, varies by venue and stop. Most stops are outdoors.
If you go to the stops for the entertainment, bring a lawn chair to see the performances in a tree-shaded area. Food concessions available.
No admission fee.
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