Welcome to the Official Web Site of the
Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride®

1994-1995-1996-1997-1998-1999-2000-2001-2002-2003-2004-2005-2006-2007-2008-2009

It's more than just a ride, it's an experience....

No Registration & No Fees to Ride

2009 Ride
Sept. 19

The Experience

Annual Rides

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History of the Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride ®

In the early 1990's, Jerry Davis, of Scottsboro, Alabama, was researching Native American history surrounding his area.  He learned that the Trail of Tears removal had used a route passing along present-day  Hwy. 72.  He began talking with longtime friend, Bill Cason, of  Whitwell, Tennessee about what they could do to bring public awareness to this event.  Jerry felt that this route should be officially recognized and marked. Conversation after conversation took place.  One day Bill Cason, a motorcycle rider, suggested that the best way to he knew to get people's attention was to have a bike ride.

Thus began plans for the 1st Annual Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride®.  On October 8, 1994, eight motorcycles began the ride at Ross's Landing.  By ride's end the number had increased to approximately 100.  By 2001, the 8th Annual Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride began with 40,000 motorcycles and ended with a reported 90,000 motorcycles pulling into Waterloo at ride’s end – making this event the largest organized motorcycle ride in history.