Remember the Removal Bike Ride - Legacy Riders
Sharing the impact of the Remember the Removal Bike Ride program.
"The Remember the Removal Bike Ride was started by the Cherokee Nation in 1984 for Cherokee youth to retrace the Trail of Tears and get a glimpse of the hardships their ancestors faced when they made the same trek on foot years before. That year about 20 students, ride coordinators and two consultants from Boston College set out on bicycles followed by vans and a school bus of supplies, including tents and food.
The ride became an annual event starting in 2009 and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians joined the ride in 2011. Today, the riders are selected based on an interview process. Then, the riders will complete a physical test and train for six months.
During the bike ride, cyclists visit the Kituwah Mound in the original Cherokee homeland. They stop at unmarked graves of their ancestors; visit New Echota, the former Cherokee capital in Georgia; stop at Blythe Ferry along the Tennessee River, where Cherokees gathered during their forced removal; and take time to reflect on their ancestors at Mantle Rock and other historic sites historic to the Cherokee people.
The leadership program now has more than 200 alumni."
This story map aims to capture some of the stories of those alumni.
Remember the Removal Bike Ride - Alumni Map. Black outline is the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma. Orange dots are rider hometowns - click on the dot to see the hometown, name of the rider, and the year they completed the ride.
Cherokee people walked several different routes on the trail of tears. This image (from https://rtr.cherokee.org/about-the-ride/ ) highlights some of those routes.
Riders' shared with us several inspirational quotes and moments from their journey. We share those below, along with a few fun pictures capturing their memories!
"The ride taught me to persevere mentally and physically. I learned that I am capable of much more than I ever believed possible. I learned to be proud of my Cherokee heritage and to always remember the sacrifices made by our ancestors in order for us to be here today. Most importantly, the ride taught me how much is possible when you are surrounded by love and support from a family that loves you and cheers you on no matter what. " - Autumn Shrum, 2018 alum.
"Upon completion, I believe, even today, I can do anything." - Terrisa Lewis, 1984 alum
"(The Ride) influenced every aspect of my life. Especially patience. Also helped bring back my love for myself and who I am as a Cherokee woman." - Sarah, 2009 alum.
"For me, the ride opened doors for professional development that will have an everlasting impact on educating the public about removal and what it’s like experiencing the ride as a unique perspective. " - Amaiya Bearpaw, 2023 alum.
"I think the ride made me truly realize what I was capable of... not only because I completed the ride, but because I was able to recognize the strength I come from. I didn't find that strength immediately, though, and it took time to understand what we saw and experienced on the ride. I continue to be influenced in how I think about myself, my people, and our futures. It is also a good feeling to know I found family in a team that truly put each other first, and I'll always carry the lessons they have taught me. " - Sky Wildcat, 2018 alum.
