W C Handy Bike Ride

WC Handy Bike Ride

July 20 2019

Florence, Alabama, USA

Date Confirmed

Distances: 21, 39, 61, 70, 100, 107 miles

Difficulty: Difficult terrain with longer, steeper hills

Limited to: 500 or less Participants

The WC Handy Festival Three State Bike Ride is the premier cycling event held in "The Shoals" each year. For the second year, it is a part of the Alabama Backroads Century Series. The ride begins and ends at scenic McFarland Park, on the banks of the Tennessee River near downtown Florence, Alabama. Distance options of 21, 39, 61, 70, 100, and 107 miles are available to suit riders of all ability levels.

The Handy Ride will get underway with a mass start at 7:15am. Leaving the park, all riders will travel two miles on Alabama Highway 20, turn left onto Lauderdale County Road 2, and continue some nine miles to the first rest stop. Those choosing the 21 mile option will turn around here and return to the start.

All other riders will continue westbound on CR2 to the beautiful Natchez Trace Parkway. Once on the Parkway, the route turns south and crosses the Tennessee River. A series of rest stops along the Parkway serve as the turnaround points for the various distance options. Because July can be quite hot in northwest Alabama, a total of five rest stops are provided for participants to visit while riding either outbound, inbound, or both. There will also be several SAG vehicles, manned by Shoals Cycling Club members, patrolling the entire route. (Please refer to the "Ride Details" page for further information on rest stops and distance options.)

Back at McFarland Park after the ride, all participants will be treated to a catered BBQ with smoked pulled pork/chickn, tossed salad, baked potato bar, desert and soft drinks or bottled water. Showers will be available at the park campgrounds.

Participants are further invited to spend at least one night in "The Shoals" and enjoy some of the many musical performances that make up the W.C. Handy Music Festival. The Festival is a week long celebration of the life and music of W.C. Handy, who was born in Florence and is known as the "Father of the Blues." Rated as one of the top 100 events in the nation, the WC Handy Music Festival offers an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy the blues as played by both local and nationally-known performers.

The WC Handy Three-State Bike Ride has a long and rich tradition, with 2017 being its 33rd edition. Every year, many participants tell us that it is one of the most scenic and best supported rides they've ever done. Please save the date and make plans to join us this year!

Start Located At: McFarland Park, 200 James M Spain Drive, Florence, Alabama

View larger map | Get directions

256-7100289

The WC Handy Festival Three State Bike Ride is the premier cycling event held in "The Shoals" each year. The ride begins and ends at scenic McFarland Park, on the banks of the Tennessee River near downtown Florence, Alabama. Distance options of 21, 39, 61, 70, 100, and 107 miles are available to suit riders of all ability levels.

The Handy Ride will get underway with a mass start at 7:15am. Leaving the park, all riders will travel two miles on Alabama Highway 20, turn left onto Lauderdale County Road 2, and continue some nine miles to the first rest stop. Those choosing the 21 mile option will turn around here and return to the start.

Registration Fees

$45 through July 2, 2017

$45 on July 3, 2017 thru day of ride.

Included

Back at McFarland Park after the ride, all participants will be treated to a catered BBQ meal of smoked pulled pork/pulled chicken, tossed salad, baked potato bar, desert and soft drinks or bottled water. Showers will be available at the park campgrounds.

Participants are further invited to spend at least one night in "The Shoals" and enjoy some of the many musical performances that make up the W.C. Handy Music Festival. The Festival is a week long celebration of the life and music of W.C. Handy, who was born in Florence and is known as the "Father of the Blues." Rated as one of the top 100 events in the nation, the WC Handy Music Festival offers an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy the blues as played by both local and nationally-known performers.

The WC Handy Three-State Bike Ride has a long and rich tradition, with 2017 being its 33rd edition. Every year, many participants tell us that it is one of the most scenic and best supported rides they've ever done. Please save the date and make plans to join us this year!

Prize / Race Categories

As part of the Alabama Backroads Century Series, each rider that completes either the 100 or 107 mile route will recieve a commemorative finishers medallion.

Facilities

Adequate Car Parking

Free Parking

Changing Rooms

Registration On the Day

Support for Participants

Route Signposted

First Aid

Emergency Contact No

SAG Wagon

Nutrition

Feed / Aid Stations