TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma – Six bicyclists from the Cherokee Nation are about to embark on a 950-mile journey to retrace the Trail of Tears, as they left for New Echota, Georgia,
TAHLEQUAH â Four cyclists and two mentor riders from the Cherokee Nation will participate in the 2021 âRemember the Removalâ Bike Ride in June, retracing an estimated 950 miles along the northern route of the Trail of Tears by bicycle.Â
The ride spans from Georgia to Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma over nearly three weeks.Â
This yearâs CN riders are Shace Duncan, 18, Stilwell; Whitney Roach, 22, Tahlequah; Melanie Giang, 21, Claremore; Kaylee Smith, 20, Tahlequah; Ronnie Duncan, 48, Stilwell, mentor rider; and Tracie Asbill, 39, Tahlequah, mentor rider.
The cyclists began training in December 2019 and were originally scheduled to participate in the ride during the summer of 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused the 2020 ride to be canceled. The program is now implementing a number of safety precautions this year to allow the participants to complete the journey.Â