Ten members of the Cherokee Nation are taking part in Remember the Removal 2010, a 900-mile bicycle ride that retraces a part of the Trail of Tears.

The group left Tahlequah, Oklahoma, on Wednesday by van. After they arrive in New Echota, Georgia, they will make their way back to Oklahoma by biking through a route that their ancestors were forced to make in the winter of 1838 and 1839.

"When you head up those growing mountains, it will be difficult,” Chief Chad Smith told the rider, The Tahlequah Daily Press reported. “When you hit the plateau, you’ll wonder what our ancestors did to make it through. You’ll have many opportunities to reflect, and I hope you understand the lessons of our history – to do as well or better than our ancestors.”

The trip is expected to take about 23 days. The riders are due back in Tahlequah on June 23.

Get the Story:
A personal journey (The Tahlequah Daily Press 6/3)
A 1,000 mile adventure begins for Kye Quickel (The Sequoyah County Times 6/3)