Ten members of the Cherokee Nation completed the Remember the Removal 2010, a 950-mile bicycle ride that retraces a part of the Trail of Tears, on Wednesday.

The group started the ride in New Echota, Georgia. The riders found their way back to Tahlequah, Oklahoma, through a route that their ancestors were forced to make in the winter of 1838 and 1839.

"It shows us how fragile our existence, our government can be,” Chief Chad Smith said after taking part in the final few miles of the ride, The Oklahoman reported. "And that we face continuous challenges even today."

After Georgia, the ride took the group through Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas.

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Team participates in project to honor ancestors on Trail of Tears (The Oklahoman 6/25)

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