175th anniversary of Trail of Tears

Remember the Removal Bike Ride Marks 175th Anniversary of the Cherokee Nation's Trail of TearsThe 2013 Remember the Removal Bike Ride is the fifth annual bicycle ride commemorating the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation from its homelands during the winter of 1838-39. This year marks the 175th anniversary of the Cherokee Nation’s Trail of Tears. The 900-plus-mile trek is accomplished over a three -week period in June as selected riders representing the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians retrace the northern route of the Trail of Tears through Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. The Cherokee Nation will sponsor a team of riders on the journey of a lifetime, averaging 60 miles of riding per day.

“Today students read in history books a brief section about the removal, but by participating in the ride they are able to experience firsthand the trials and tribulations of the Trail of Tears,” said coordinator Taylor Alsenay, in a Cherokee Nation press release. “The Remember the Removal Bike Ride is a great lifetime experience.”

During evenings and along the way, the group will explore and experience activities that link the riders to the experiences their Cherokee ancestors had at the time of the removal. The ride is both an educational opportunity and a goodwill event. While on the trip, individual riders will use blogging and other social media, photos and videos to provide daily updates of their experiences on the ride. The ride will culminate with an exciting homecoming event as the team arrives in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the capitol of the Cherokee Nation.Comment:  For more on the subject, see "Ocmulgee to Okmulgee" Bike Tour and Remember the Removal 2010.