HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Motorcyclists from across the Southeast will gather Saturday, Sept. 20, for the 32nd annual Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride, a scenic journey across northern Alabama honoring Native Americans.
When the ride reaches Alabama, it will begin in Bridgeport and travel through North Alabama to Waterloo. Festivities include a kick-off rally in Bridgeport on Friday, featuring live music, street dances, and fireworks. Event organizers expect up to 10,000 riders to participate.
Ride schedule:
- Sept. 18–19: Opening rides and fellowship begin in Cherokee, North Carolina.
- Saturday, Sept. 20 (Main Ride): Thousands of motorcycles will depart Bridgeport, Alabama, following the historic route to Waterloo.
- Sept. 21–22: Riders continue westward with stops along the Trail of Tears route for remembrance and reflection.
- Tuesday, Sept. 23: The ride concludes with a commemorative gathering at the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, Oklahoma.
The Florence-Lauderdale Emergency Management Agency said the ride is expected to enter Lauderdale County between 12:30 and 1 p.m. Motorists should plan for slowdowns along US Highway 72 from Rogersville to Florence, as well as on Cox Creek Parkway, Veterans Drive, US Highway 20, and County Road 14. All local roads in Lauderdale County are expected to be open by 2 p.m., and officials encourage drivers to allow extra travel time to avoid delays…