The Handy 100 Bicycle Ride starts at the scenic McFarland Park along the Tennessee River in Florence, Alabama.  Riders will travel 2 miles on Highway 20 to CR 2 and continue west on CR 2 for approximately 13 miles to the newly paved Natchez Trace Parkway.  Riders will travel south on the Trace across the Tennessee River to the first aid station at Colbert Ferry Park.  From Colbert Ferry Park, riders have a choice of a 102, 70, 61, 39 or 21 mile ride.  Regardless of which ride is chosen, all riders will enjoy beautiful scenery.  The 102 mile ride continues south to the Bear Creek aid station, turn around and head north on the Natchez Trace to the Tennessee Cypress Creek aid station.  Riders will head back to CR 2 to return to McFarland Park.  Riders have the option of riding the entire route or riding out and back to one or more of the 4 aid stations.

            The Handy 100 Bicycle Ride has a long rich tradition,  2009 will be the 25^th annual ride.  Those who participate in the ride are treated to some of the best hospitality in the south. Many of last years riders said the Handy 100 Bicycle Ride was one of the best supported rides they had been on.

            Following the ride, participants can enjoy musical events related to the W. C. Handy Music Festival.  The Festival is a weeklong celebration of the life and music of W.C. Handy, Father of the Blues, who was born in Florence.  Rated as one of the top 100 events in the nation, the Festival is an excellent time to relax and enjoy the blues from leading musicians. 

http://www.wchandymusicfestival.org/

Click on the any of the Photos above to view the previous Handy Ride.