Tahlequah, Okla. — A Vinita teenager will cycle the 950-mile Trail of Tears that her ancestors followed on foot.
Lexi Melton, 22, is participating in the three-week “Remember the Removal Bike Ride” from Georgia to Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. He is one of the oldest Cherokee cyclists.
Cyclists will cover about 60 miles each day, following the route taken by Cherokee ancestors who made the same journey on foot more than 180 years ago. Of the estimated 16,000 Cherokees forced to make the journey to Indian Territory in 1838 and 1839, approximately 4,000 died from starvation, disease, the elements, and more.
“Remember the Removal Bike Ride is a very powerful way to honor the sacrifice and perseverance of our ancestors on the Trail of Tears,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chuck Hoskin, Jr.
Cyclists had professional genealogists create their family trees, providing insight into their ancestors' pasts and connecting any family ties they might share.
The group has been training since December. As part of their training, the group spent the weekend undergoing rigorous physical training and biking various routes on the Cherokee Nation reservation.
“We are proud of the 12 Cherokee cyclists who are undertaking this grueling 950-mile journey to retrace the path their ancestors took when they were forcibly removed from their homeland. Their efforts to keep this piece of history alive are commendable.”
Cherokee Nation Principal Chuck Hoskin Jr.
While biking, cyclists visit several Cherokee cemeteries and historic sites. These include Bryce Ferry, Tennessee, on the western edge of the former Cherokee Nation, and the Cherokee, who spent weeks waiting for the Ohio River to thaw and become passable during the harsh winter of 1838-1839. This includes Mantle Rock, Kentucky, where he spent time.
“The 40th anniversary of the Remember the Removal Bike Ride is a solemn tribute to the thousands of Cherokee who endured the Trail of Tears,” said Deputy Chief Warner. “Although a challenging undertaking, this drive allows us to forever remember their resilience in the face of severe hardship and tragedy. We hope you can travel safely on this meaningful journey to reconnect.”
A team of cyclists from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina will join cyclists from the Cherokee Nation. Together they start in New Echota, Georgia, once the capital of the Cherokee Nation.
For more information on “Remember the Removal Bike Ride” or to follow us along the way, click here.
Cherokee bicyclists participating in the 2024 Remember the Removal Bike Ride include:
- Taylor Armbrister, 24, Little Kansas
- Camaryn Fitt James, 24, Fort Gibson.
- Jaxen Smith, 21, Tahlequah
- Jaslyn Christie, 19, Fort Gibson
- Jasmine Goodman, 23, Fort Gibson
- Kiya Holmes, 24, Tahlequah
- Hannah Neugin, 18, Muskogee
- Shawna Baker, 45, Tulsa
- Heather Fitt, 46, Fort Gibson
- Ashona Miles, 50, Tahlequah
- Christy Ross, 49, Pryor
