Riders Blog

Principal Chief Chad Smith - A Remarkable Team

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:06:27 -0500

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. One story that should be noted is that of Cherokee Nation Marshal Danny Tanner. He is an EMT and is always cheerful and helpful. He fixes the bikes, changes inner tubes when we have a blow out and drives one of the vehicles. However, several days ago his 17-year-old son was in a serious car wreck and went to the hospital for several surgeries. Danny Tanner chose to stay on the trail because he was the only EMT. The day after his son had the wreck, Sarah Holcomb had an accident and Danny was there to provide expert EMT care until the ambulance arrived. He was kind, decisive and effective. Ultimately Sarah’s injuries were limited to bruising and a cut that required several stitches. All the staff and volunteers have been great and it has been a positive experience, but Officer Tanner’s dedication to the students on the trip at the expense of being with his own son at a time of need is commendable and should be recognized. So Danny Tanner, thanks, you make us proud. Just as I am sure there were many acts of kindness, compassion and dedication on the Trail of Tears there have been similar acts on this trip.

Chad Smith

Waynesville, MO to Lebanon, MO

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:33:15 -0500

Video from the road.

Wyatt Collins - The Power of Team Work

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:40:31 -0500

Pedal by pedal we have made our way through Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois and almost through Missouri with only Arkansas left. While passing through each state I have taken with me a higher knowledge and understanding of the Trail of Tears and what led up to the forced removal. While in Georgia we visited New Echota and the Major Ridge home as well as the Vann house. As we made our way through Tennessee we stopped for a while at Red Clay and Rattlesnake Springs where Jack Baker talked to us of the history. Mr. Baker astonishes me with the amount of knowledge he has.

While in Kentucky we were able to see parts of the original road that led thousands of Cherokees along the Trail. As we approached Illinois we stopped at the site of Berry Ferry that the Cherokees used to cross the river.

Now we are in Missouri. I knew the state had hills, but not to this extent. Today we climbed a lot of hills with one at the end of the ride that stuck in my head as one of the biggest “gut checks” of my life!

On this bike ride I have learned the power of teamwork, without it none of us would be able to make the journey. It surprised me to see how much we can accomplish as a group. We eat as a team, we ride as a team and we encourage each other as a team.

Todd Enlow - Reflects on the Trip

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:35:18 -0500

As I sit in Lebanon, MO, I have been reflecting on the arduous days that brought us to this point. I personally have experienced wasp stings, poison ivy, extreme heat, driving rain, knee pain, numbness in hands and feet, sunburn, and a pretty fantastic wreck. Others can share some of the same stories and some that are more painful than mine.

With that, we are all safe. We take care of one another, and I look forward to returning home to my family and friends. Then it hit me…I am looking forward to returning home. Our ancestors did not have the luxury to look forward to a warm embrace from a parent, spouse or child when returning home. Many of them lost those family members along the way. They also did not have a “home” to feel safe in when arriving in Oklahoma. They would have to build a new life in a land that was unknown.

Second, I could not imagine making this journey with the weight of making sure my kids are safe. I have three wonderful kids, and I would be gravely concerned about the welfare of each with every step of the way.

While this trip has been hard, it is still nothing compared to the adversities that thousands of Cherokees faced approximately 150 years ago.

Gary Walker - Thinks About Home

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:32:28 -0500

The closer we get to Oklahoma I can't help but think about everything
going on at home; my family, church , friends, coworkers, house,
and pets. As I travel, I have a good idea of what to expect when I get
home. This leads me to think of what was going through my ancestors’
minds as they traveled. They were forced to leave mostly everything.
They had no home, friends, or idea of what to expect when they arrived in "Indian territory". With every mile I ride I'm reminded of the
hardships they were faced with.