This year the Remember the Removal Bike Ride program commemorated the 40th anniversary of the original Remember the Removal Bike Ride. Ten Cherokee Nation citizens which include six cyclists and four mentor riders, pedaled their way across seven states, 950 miles back to our capitol of Cherokee Nation along the northern route of the Trail of Tears. The 2024 team is the 16th team to accomplish this journey in honor of our ancestors.
The ride spans from Georgia to Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma over nearly three weeks. The ten cyclists began their training in December of 2023. The cyclists averaged around 60 miles a day along the routes used by their Cherokee ancestors, who made the same trek by foot more than 180 years ago. Of the estimated 16,000 Cherokees who were forced to make the journey to Indian Territory in 1838-1839, about 4,000 died due to starvation, disease and exposure to the elements.
Participants were selected based on an essay, in-person interviews and a physical to ensure they are up for the grueling challenge. As part of their training, the group spends weekends undergoing rigorous physical training and cycling on various routes throughout the Cherokee Nation Reservation.
During the trek, the cyclists will visit several Cherokee gravesites and historic landmarks. Among the sites are Blythe Ferry in Tennessee on the westernmost edge of the old Cherokee Nation, and Mantle Rock in Kentucky, where during the harsh winter of 1838-1839 Cherokees spent several weeks during the frigid winter weather, waiting for the Ohio River to thaw and become passable.
The Cherokee Nation cyclists will be joined by seven cyclists from the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians in North Carolina. Together, they started the ride in New Echota, Georgia, a former capital of the Cherokee Nation.
"The Remember the Removal Bike Ride is such a tremendous opportunity for our Cherokee youth to learn the history and honor the legacy of their ancestors who endured some of the worst tragedy in the history of the Cherokee Nation," said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.
“When I look back on this experience, I’m going to remember how welcoming so many communities were along the trail and how they are constantly working to preserve our history and continue to share it with the world” said Kristy Ross, RTR mentor rider.
Shawna Baker, RTR mentor rider states “with each pedal stroke, it’s an honor to be present in the presence of Cherokee history; both with our ancestors on the Trail and the 1984 riders.”
Hannah Neugin, RTR cyclist says “My ancestors did not choose to leave their homes, but I get to choose to honor them through the bike ride”.
Camerin Fite-James, RTR cyclist states “Defying the odds, we are still here. Heavy is our responsibility to ensure removal is never forgotten. We persist with strength and purpose inherited from our ancestors”
“I was told the pain is a privilege. To experience a sliver of what they endured is everything. They got us here, and they’ll bring us back, remarks Taylor Armbrister, RTR cyclist.
Heather Fite, RTR mentor rider, states “This journey has been challenging but powerful. It is an experience that can not be fully described, it must be personally experienced to understand its impact.”
“This ride has shown me where my resilience, determination and perseverance come from: all of my ancestors” says Ashawna Miles, RTR mentor rider.
Jasmine Goodman, RTR cyclist says “When I thought I couldn’t keep going, I remembered my ancestors’ sacrifices and strength, which pushed me to keep going in honor of them”.
Jaslyn Christie, RTR cyclist remembers “….because they are moving not from choice to an unknown region not desired by them…..” – Elijah Hicks, detachment leader of 1838.
Jaxen Smith, RTR cyclist says “The strength, perseverance, and resilience of my ancestors brought me here today, having endured being forced from their homelands and driven like animals. Joining this bike ride allows me to authentically honor their existence.”
For more information on the Remember the Removal Bike Ride or to follow along during the journey, visit www.facebook.com/removal.ride.
The 2024 Remember the Removal Bike Ride cyclists from the Cherokee Nation include the following:
Youth Leadership
Mentors
