W.C. Handy Bike Ride

Handy 100 Information

Home Entry Form Handy Forum Ride Details

Detailed Route Maps

Thank you for joining us for the Handy Ride. To ensure you have a good ride, PLEASE READ the following instructions.

The course is set up for cyclists to ride from McFarland Park, to Bear Creek, TN Cypress Creek and then back to McFarland Park. If you chose to ride a shorter or an alternate route, please note when the aid stations will be open. MASS START AT 7:15 am.

Mile 0 McFarland Park 7:00 am until 4:00 pm
(restroom & shower facilities available)

Mile 12 County Road 2 7:45 am until 3:00 pm

Mile 18 Colbert Ferry 8:00 am until 1:00 pm
(restroom facilities available)

Mile 37 Bear Creek 8:45 am until Noon

Mile 70 TN Cypress Creek 9:00 am until 2:00 pm
(portajohn available)

Mile 102 McFarland Park

Roundtrip from McFarland to First aid station is approximately 21 miles.
Roundtrip from McFarland to Colbert Ferry Park is approximately 39 miles.
Roundtrip from McFarland to TN Cypress Creek is approximately 70 miles.
Roundtrip from McFarland to Bear Creek is approximately 70 miles.

We will be periodically sweeping the course for stranded riders. Please call 911 ONLY in the event of an emergency. The course between McFarland Park and the Natchez Trace is marked with arrows. There are no road markings on the Natchez Trace. Be sure to enter and exit the Trace from County Road 2. There are many churches located on CR 2; please watch for early morning traffic.

Detailed Directions to the Natchez Trace:

Leaving McFarland Park, turn left onto Highway 20. Go 1.8 miles and turn left onto County Road 2. Stay on County Road 2 for 14.5 miles. As soon as you ride beneath the Natchez Trace overpass, veer to the right to enter the Natchez Trace Parkway ramp. When you reach the top of the ramp, turn right and head towards Tupelo, MS. You will soon cross the Natchez Trace Bridge, and the Colbert Ferry aid station is on the right. If you chose to ride to Bear Creek, you can also stop by this station on your return. There is NEW SMOOTH PAVEMENT to Bear Creek! This aid station is at Mile Marker 312. The TN Cypress Creek aid station just past Mile Marker 344. Exit the Trace at County Road 2. Turn left onto CR 2 at the bottom of the ramp. Ride 14.5 miles and turn right onto Hwy 20. Go 1.8 miles and McFarland Park is on your right. Have a great ride!!!