'Remember The Removal' Riders Return To Tahlequah After 950-Mile Trip

After riding 950 miles, the "Remember the Removal" bicyclists arrived in Tahlequah Friday.

Fifteen Cherokee citizens and seven members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians made the trip from George to Oklahoma, retracing the Trail of Tears, through seven states.

This year marks the 175th anniversary of the forced removal of the Cherokees.

The riders averaged 60 miles a day, while the trip was long and hard, they say it was worth it.

5/30/2013 Related Story: Cherokee Students Head Off To Begin 950-Mile Trail Of Tears Bike Ride

"Everyday, you wanted to get off your bike, but you stayed on your bike, because you knew that they stayed on their feet. So, you pushed through just so you could make them proud," said Latasha Atcity.

An estimated 16,000 Cherokees walked the Trail of Tears. About 4,000 died along the way of starvation, exposure or disease.

Read more about the Remember the Removal Ride