Officials predict largest Trail of Tears ride yet

The 14th annual Trail of Tears motorcycle ride will come through Florence on Saturday in what law enforcement officials say could be the largest motorcycle ride so far.

Activities associated with the Trail of Tears weekend begin today and are planned in McFarland Park in Florence as well as in Waterloo beginning Saturday.

The rides were organized by two separate groups this year, with one ending in McFarland, the other in Waterloo. Both rides begin in Chattanooga, Tenn., and follow the Drane/Hood Overland Route of the Trail of Tears. The route commemorates the 1838 journey of more than 1,000 American Indians who were forced from their land by the Indian Removal Act of 1830 that called for Indians in the eastern United States to move to Oklahoma by foot and wagon. Many died from the harsh treatment, poor nutrition and disease along the 230-mile journey from Chattanooga to Waterloo.

Florence Deputy Chief Tony Logan said numerous law enforcement organizations have worked together to make the ride safe for participants. To do that, the two rides are joining as one through Florence, Logan said.

Officials estimate as many as 100,000 people will participate this year.

"Once the ride gets to Madison, it becomes one," Logan said. "The state and all the agencies along the corridor are only providing escorts for one ride."

Rules regarding the ride will be strictly enforced, Logan said.

"Only motorcycles are a part of the escorted ride and people should be aware that they can't come off a side road and enter into the ride with a car or other vehicle," he said. "It is also critical that the area in and around McFarland Park stay clear of car traffic."

Logan said the ride could be up to 2 hours in length as it passes through the city.

"Our role is to make sure it's a safe ride," Logan said. "I expect many spectators along the route, especially around the intersections of U.S. 72. We just ask that people be safe."

With near perfect weather expected Saturday, Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Director Debbie Wilson said she expects Florence and the surrounding areas to benefit economically from the weekend-long events.

With area hotels booked to capacity, she said restaurants will benefit as will other businesses.

"This event makes a huge economic impact but because there's no paid admission to any of the activities, it's difficult to track exactly how much revenue is coming in to the area," she said. "The thing I always find remarkable is how so many agencies come together and cooperate so perfectly to put this event together. It's a major event for the area."

Lisa Singleton-Rickman can be reached at 740-5735 or lisa.singleton-rickman@timesdaily.com.