One month ago, a determined group of Cherokee students and Cherokee Nation officials set out on the quest of a lifetime.

The group drove to Calhoun, Ga., got on bicycles and began an arduous return journey, retracing the steps of their ancestors on the northern route of the Trail of Tears.

This Wednesday, after logging more than 950 miles on the road, the group will make the final leg of its journey through Stilwell and Tahlequah.

Among those making the trip this summer was Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith. In a blog from the trail, Smith wrote, “The Trail of Tears bicycle ride has brought a glimpse of what our ancestors faced 171 years ago. The trip has also allowed us to see the determination of students and staff to retrace the trip on their own physical effort.”

Other riders believe they are taking away valuable lessons from the experience

“While I was riding, I learned a lot about myself,” said Baron O’Field of Park Hill. “We had several big hills, more like mountains, in front of us, and at the time it seemed like they would be impossible to climb or even make it halfway up. I learned that I have a lot more strength in myself than I thought and I haven’t even pushed my limits. I think it is amazing what a person can do when faced with adversity and can overcome it.”

Wyatt Collins of Chelsea agreed, adding that teamwork was also an important ingredient in the success of the ride.

“Without it [teamwork] none of us would be able to make the journey,” said Collins. “It surprised me to see how much we can accomplish as a group.”

Other riders contemplated the connection with their ancestors and their tribe’s history as they passed through Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas.

“Our ancestors did not have the luxury to look forward to a warm embrace from a parent, spouse or child when returning home,” said Todd Enlow, Cherokee Nation group leader of leadership and a ride chaperone. “Many of them lost those family members along the way.”

He reflected that his ancestors did not have a home to feel safe in when arriving in Indian Territory after the removal.

“They would have to build a new life in a land that was unknown,” said Enlow.

The Remember the Removal Project was held in honor of the 25-year anniversary of the first Remember the Removal bike ride, held in 1984. The project was sponsored as a leadership initiative by the Cherokee Nation. Riders who participated in this year’s ride included Wyatt Collins of Chelsea, Sarah Holcomb of Vian, Kolton Holmes of Rocky Mountain, Gary Walker of Salina, Dallas Smith of Peggs, Johnny Christie of Sallisaw, Jared Dry of Fort Gibson and Baron O’Field of Park Hill. Chaperones who also rode were Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith, Chad McCarter, Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, J.T. Petherick, Cherokee Nation Health Services and Todd Enlow, Cherokee Nation Leadership Group.

The bike riders are scheduled to arrive at the Wilma P. Mankiller Health Center located on U.S. Highway 51 East in Stilwell on Wednesday at approximately 8:40 a.m. From there, the group will travel to Cherokee Nation Industries’ main office, One Cherokee Circle, Stilwell, arriving at 9 a.m. The riders will ride through Stilwell on U.S. 51, passing through Eldon and Briggs as they enter Cherokee County.

The riders will stop briefly at Speedy’s at the corner of U.S. Highway 62 and Welling Road, to allow any local bicyclists who wish to join them on the final five miles to do so. Local riders must be on their bikes, ready to go at 11:30 a.m. in order to participate. The group is estimated to arrive at the Cherokee Nation Courthouse, 101 S. Muskogee Ave. at noon.

Upon the riders’ arrival a homecoming ceremony will be held on the courthouse lawn, featuring the Cherokee Nation Color Guard, performances by the Cherokee National Youth Choir, special awards and recognition from Cherokee Nation officials and a free hog fry.

The public is encouraged to come out and cheer the riders on as they complete the last few miles of their journey on Wednesday, and is also invited to the welcome home ceremony and hog fry.

For more information about the Remember the Removal Project, call (918) 453-5000.