The thunderous rumble of revving engines echoed through the city of Athens Saturday, Sept. 21, as thousands of motorcyclists from across the nation passed through Limestone County for the Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride.
For 31 years in a row, the third Saturday of every September has been reserved for the annual passage of thousands of riders — traditionally adorned in leather and denim — through North Alabama as they honor the poignant history and lasting legacy of the Trail of Tears.
The ride, which started around 8 a.m. near the Alabama-Tennessee state line in downtown Bridgeport, honored part of the route thousands of Native Americans were forced to take as they followed the Tennessee River on foot to reserved territories in the Midwest. Using U.S. Highway 72, the riders traveled through Athens at about noon before reaching their final destination in Waterloo around 2:30 p.m.
“It really is a great way of memorializing something that was such a bleak part of our country’s history,” Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks told The News Courier. “It looked like they had a great day, everybody moved through pretty good. It’s always been a good thing to pass through Athens every year, and we just hope it continues.”
Marks highlighted the work of local law enforcement on Saturday, who worked to close off various roadways and direct traffic away from the riders.
“Not only do they recognize the responsibility that they have in ensuring the public’s safety, which they did a good job of,” Marks said, “but, they also recognize the history of this and the importance of it continuing. We will always be happy to help and be there to support their cause.”
As the long procession of motorcycles rode through Limestone County, riders were escorted by Alabama State troopers and Limestone County deputies to lead the way and keep them safe.
“We are always honored to be able to be a part of Trail of Tears ride every year,” Limestone County Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin told the News Courier. “It’s one of those things that could be easily forgotten, so I’m glad these riders continue to promote it every single year. As long as they continue to do it, we will be glad to help them move through as safely as possible.”
As the miles of bike riders — many of which donned tribal regalia, patches and pins to commemorate the ride — drove through Athens, they were greeted by hundreds of onlookers.
Families such as the Rose family gathered on the side of the roadways — filling into parking lots and sprawling across sidewalks — to wave on the boisterous parade of motorcycles.
“I spent Saturday afternoon watching a short part of the procession,” Marks said. “It’s something I’ve always tried to participate in. Going out and picking a location to sit and watch is always fun, and watching them ride through is truly a great feeling.”