Trail of Tears Ride

[BigMac]

Is anybody going on the Trail of Tears ride in September 18? Its from Chattanooga Tn. to Waterloo Al. I have never been, but I was told it was free and big.

Mike

[HairOnFire]

I heard it is VERY big. So big that at times you might as well be walking.

[BigMac]

I heard that it was escorted all the way. Last year was 150,000 bikes and over 65 miles long.

[POGOGOLF]

I heard it is VERY big. So big that at times you might as well be walking.

I'll tell you this...you'll be WAY proud you're on a water cooled ride if you go!! HD's drop like flies. It is extremely big and is free, but it's even neater to find an overpass on hwy 72 which runs from South Pittsburg, TN through Huntsville, AL and sit and watch a TON of bikes go by. JMHO.

[byrdman]

Mike,
I did the ride last year and am considering going back again. You really should do it at least once. It is free, police escort all the way...and yes, it is big! Nothing but motorcycles as far as you can see. People lining both sides of the road waving and holding signs.
The initial "line-up" in Chattanooga is around 6,000 or 8,000, so it is a little slow getting that many lunatics out of town and over Lookout Mtn. But speed picks up for the rest of the ride.
Make sure you get to the "kickoff" party at Thunder Harley the night before. The whole thing is very well organised. I saw no trouble and only 2 bikes go down, and one of those was in my hotel parking lot.

Larry

[BigMac]

Thanks for the info byrdman. What hotel did you stay at so I can make reservations?

Thanks,
Mike

[byrdman]

Mike,
You can check the T.O.T. website for info on sponser hotels dowtown. When I tried last year, they were full. I wound up on the Days Inn in Tiftonia. It was clean, cheaper and only 10 minutes from downtown. I'd just as soon go back their again.
Are you riding or trailering? How much time do you have? If you backtrack a couple of miles from Waterloo, you can catch the Natchez Trace and have a really beautiful ride thru Tennessee.
Keep in mind...the last stop before Waterloo is Florence Ala. If you plan to camp (no hotels) you need to leave Florence ahead of the main pack. If you just want to party a while and head elsewhere, you need to one of the last in or you'll have a hell of a time getting out! Waterloo is a VERY small town with only 2 roads in and out, both crowded with thousands of motorcycles.
It's a great trip, Mike. Something you'll be talking about for years. Let me know what your plans are. Maybe I'll ride up with you.

Larry

[BigMac]

byrdman,

Thanks again.

We just purchased some a house with some acres on it approx 25 miles north of Florence Al. in Cypress Inn Tn. Our property is only two miles from the parkway.

We plan to trailer a few days early to the property, bike over to the start the day before, then when it is over take the parkway up to the house. Take it easy for a bit, then come on back here.

Mike

[BigMac]

By the way here is my email.
mcgrath@emtsolutions.com
I see we are both from Clermont, maybe we can meet.

Mike

Hello All...Just joined tonight! 2 Friends and myself are heading from Panama City, FL to the Trail of Tears on our bikes. Leaving the morning of Sept. 16 from PC, FL and arriving that evening in Chattanooga for the ride. My first long ride and major event. Hope to see some of you guys there! I have a 2003 1800R.