Erick Cedeño embarked on a solo 1,900-mile cycling journey from Montana to Missouri, following the historic route taken in 1897 by the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps, a group of 20 Black infantrymen. This troop was tasked by the U.S. Army to evaluate the feasibility of a bicycle corps by traveling through challenging terrains. Cedeño’s ride aimed to honor, commemorate, and shed light on this nearly forgotten expedition of the “Buffalo Soldiers.” Throughout his quest, he faced various challenges and relied on the support of others while striving to keep the experience as authentic as possible.
Key Points:
- The 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps, comprised of 20 Black soldiers, undertook a 1,900-mile journey in 1897 from Fort Missoula, MT, to St. Louis, MO, to test the practicality of a bicycle corps for the U.S. Army.
- Erick Cedeño retraced this historic route over 41 days, aiming to remain as true to the original expedition as possible, covering an average of 50 miles a day on a modern gravel bike.
- Cedeño, considering himself a “storyteller on wheels,” has undertaken various long-distance rides and turned this particular journey into the documentary “Truth and Dignity.”
- He came across the story of the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps during his research on bikepacking and felt compelled to relive and highlight their experience.
- For the expedition, Cedeño collaborated with historians, visited museums, and received full support from his wife, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the achievements of the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps.
Source: https://www.mensjournal.com/adventure/buffalo-soldiers-bike-ride
