BRIDGEPORT, Ala — Motorcyclists from across the southeast will come together on September 17, for a scenic ride across the north Alabama region to honor Native American Indians.
Now in its 29th year, the Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride travels from Bridgeport in the northeastern part of Alabama to the northwestern town of Waterloo, and along with the celebratory ride, there is a kick-off rally in Bridgeport Friday the 16th and a three-day Indian Festival in Waterloo for the public to take part in.
If you're on the road, slow down and look out for bikes.
The event organizer expects up to 10,000 motorcycles to participate in the ride. Drivers are reminded to expect delays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on major roadways and the interstate.
Starting at 9:00 A.M., Huntsville police will shut down U.S. Highway 72 East at Shields Road and Moores Mill Road to all westbound traffic to allow the motorcycles to make it safely through the area. As riders continue westbound on I-565 to Mooresville Road, officers will assist in shutting down entrance ramps to the interstate. As the convoy of motorcycles passes through the area, entrance ramps will reopen.
The procession will exit I-565 at Mooresville Road and arrive at Redstone Harley Davidson for a two-hour lunch break. The road closures are expected to end by noon, and drivers are asked to use caution or alternate routes Saturday morning.
Huntsville Police is coordinating with Alabama State Troopers, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Scottsboro Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Madison Police Department, Limestone County Sheriff’s Office, Athens Police Department, Florence Police Department, local fire departments and HEMSI as the ride approaches and departs Huntsville.
The Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride starts at the Alabama/Tennessee state line off U. S. Highway 72 in Downtown Bridgeport with riders departing at 8 a.m. CST on Saturday, Sept.17.
The ride travels U. S. Highway 72 West to I-565 West and will arrive at Redstone Harley-Davidson around 10:30 a.m. for an official rest and lunch stop. The public is invited to welcome riders while enjoying lunch and special entertainment. At 12 p.m. riders will depart and head west through Florence arriving in Waterloo at approximately 2:30 p.m.
A kick-off rally offering children’s activities, live music, entertainment, a street dance, fireworks show and other free family fun for the public to enjoy is scheduled in downtown Bridgeport on Friday, September 16th. Bikes will start arriving at 3 p.m. and the official opening ceremony gets underway at 5:00 p.m.
The town of Waterloo will host a free Indian Festival September 16-18 in remembrance of all those who walked the Trail of Tears. The three-day event offers live music on Saturday afternoon and night with four great bands, flute and drum music and displays from Native American artisans and vendors.
A River Walk Dedication Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. to honor those who experienced the forced journey with the grand entry set for 1 p.m. and bikes arriving around 2:30 p.m.
The ride is held rain or shine. For more information on the Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride including a map of the route and a schedule of events please visit the event's website.
