Setting Off in Montana
On June 14, 1897, twenty Black soldiers from the 25th Infantry Regiment Bicycle Corps, nicknamed “Iron Riders,” set out from Fort Missoula, Montana. Their mission was to ride 1,900 miles to St. Louis, Missouri, to prove the viability of bicycles for military transport. Led by Lieutenant James A. Moss, the men carried supplies on single-gear bikes weighing nearly 80 pounds.
Tough Terrain and Weather
The Iron Riders pedaled through mountains, deserts, and rivers. They crossed railroad tracks to avoid muddy trails and endured rain, snow, and extreme heat. The soldiers sometimes had to carry their bikes over streams and were occasionally hampered by alkaline water, which left a few ill.
Unexpected Encounters and Warm Welcomes
Throughout the journey, residents in towns like Big Timber, Montana, greeted the soldiers with curiosity and hospitality. The team was even escorted into St. Louis by mounted police and nearly a thousand cyclists, welcomed by a cheering crowd of 10,000.
A Pioneering Success
After 41 days, the Iron Riders reached St. Louis. Moss reported their success, proving the potential of bicycles in military operations. However, bicycles were soon replaced by motor vehicles, marking the end of an era.
How Buffalo Soldiers Proved the Power of Pedal 🧵
In June 1897, twenty Black soldiers of the 25th Infantry, known as the Iron Riders, embarked on a 1,900-mile journey from Fort Missoula, Montana, to St. Louis, Missouri. Led by Lt. James Moss, they set out to prove that bicycles… pic.twitter.com/vYqi9JuAnu
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