The AL-TN Trail of Tears Corridor Association, Inc.'s 11th annual Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride will start on Saturday, Sept. 18, in Chattanooga.
Riders will meet at Ross’s Landing and start their engines at 8 a.m.
Motorcycle groups will arrive from Cherokee, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia to join this year’s ride.
The 230-mile journey will take riders around Lookout Mountain on Cummings Highway, continue on Highway 41 through Jasper and Kimball, along Highway 72 West, and conclude in Waterloo, Ala.
This annual event commemorates those who suffered and perished during the Indian Removal Act of 1838, which history refers to as the "Trail of Tears.” Ross's Landing, on the banks of the Tennessee River, became the gathering area for the start of a long journey to Oklahoma. Over 1,700 Native Americans were forced from their homeland to make this journey.
In 1993, Bill Cason of Whitwell and Jerry Davis of Scottsboro became increasingly aware of the Native American history surrounding the Chattanooga area. They wanted to bring more public awareness to one of the darkest periods in Native American history and felt this route should be officially recognized and historically marked.
On Oct. 8, 1994, the two avid motorcycle riders left Ross's Landing with eight other motorcycles. By the time they reached the end of their journey in Waterloo, Ala., over 100 motorcyclists had joined them along the way. Over the next several years, the number of participating riders increased as the ride grew into what is now considered the “Largest Organized Motorcycle Ride in History.”
Last year, an estimated 45,000 motorcycles left Ross's Landing and grew to a reported 120,000 by the time it reached Waterloo.
Thunder Creek Harley Davidson will be hosting the official kickoff party. It will be held on Friday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Thunder Creek Harley Davidson.
The live entertainment will feature J.B. Walker & The Cheap Whiskey Band, Ken Rhyne Band and other local acts.
There will be food and beverage vendors.
Victory and Triumph Motorcycles of Chattanooga will also be thanking the riders as they host a kick off party. Riders can participate in motorcycle events and enjoy entertainment. For more information on their kick off party, call 1/888-682-7404.
Following the main event ride from Chattanooga to Waterloo, there will be an extended ride. Motorists will leave Spring Park in Tuscumbia, Ala., on Sunday, Sept. 19, at 8 a.m. This part of the 400-mile ride will end in Hot Springs, Ark. On Monday, Sept. 20, the ride will leave Hot Springs from the Oaklawn Park Racetrack parking lot at 8 a.m., to complete the last 250 miles to Tishomingo, Okla.
For the past 11 years, The Trail of Tears Official Merchandise sales have funded scholarships in the amount of $90,000. The Native American Museum, along with historical and cultural educators have received $6,500. Over 100 “trailblazer” Corridor signs have been erected in Tennessee and Alabama, nine large bronze historical markers have been placed from Ross’s Landing to Oklahoma and a commemorative bronze statue was placed in Spring Park, Tuscumbia, Ala.
The Trail of Tears Ride will be police escorted and is intended for motorcycles only. All other vehicles must follow behind the main ride. There is no registration fee. Helmets are required. Ride at your own risk.
For more information, continuous updates or to purchase official Trail of Tears merchandise, visit www.al-tn-trailoftears.org or call 1/888-356-8687.