Learn of an inspiring journey underway by cyclist Erick Cedeño.
He’s retracing the route of the historic Buffalo soldiers.
Continue reading to find out more.
Who is Erick Cedeño?
Erick Cedeño was born in Panama, raised in Miami and is the founder of Bicycle Nomad.
He has an incredible passion for cycling and aims to encourage people to travel the world by bicycle.
Erick is predominantly inspired by art, nature, and community. He is driven by curiosity and is on a pioneering journey to push boundaries.
His brand, Bicycle Nomad, was created with the intention to bring together bike riders and dreamers.
He believes that cycling allows you to travel at your own pace whilst also broadening your horizons.
His brand’s mission statement is to promote cycling and community through the likes of art, photography and film.
He is inspired the most by using the bike as a tool to discover oneself and community.
The Buffalo Soldiers Project
The bicycle advocate is no stranger to expeditions that link back to African-American history.
Over the last 12 years, he has cycled over 50,000 miles across the U.S, including two journeys along the historic paths of the Underground Railroad.
He also created the Urban Bike Project, a non-profit community bike shop that aims to support the local community of Wilmington, DE. It offers access to cycling as an affordable and efficient mode of transportation.
Erick’s latest project is the Buffalo Soldiers Project.
He will embark on a journey to discover the truth behind the momentous ride of the 25th Infantry Buffalo Soldier Bicycle Corps.
Commencing on June 14th 2022, Erick will retrace the exact journey of the 20 Black soldiers who developed one of the four regiments. They were known as the Buffalo Soldiers in the U.S Army.
He wants to use this opportunity to understand the important role that Black soldiers played in our nation’s history.
Cycling tour specialists Exodus Travels are proud to be partnering with Erick on this project.
Both parties share the same passion for cycling, travel, sustainability and culture. So, it was only natural for Exodus to support Erick on his 1,900-mile cycling expedition.
The History of the Buffalo Soldiers
African-American soldiers, known as the Buffalo soldiers, mainly served on the Western frontier after the American Civil War.
The group was formed in 1866 and helped protect settlers and capture cattle rustlers and thieves on the Plains.
In 1896, the experimental 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps was formed by the U.S Army. This designated African-American military unit of black soldiers traveled via bicycle.
The bicycle was set to become an important machine for military purposes.
Lieutenant James A. Moss wanted to test the feasibility of this method of transport by completing long-distance trips.
He led the Buffalo soldiers on this mighty expedition.
They began at the Texas border and traveled to Lake McDonald, a 126-mile trip which took the group four days.
The journey wasn’t easy.
The soldiers had to cycle through rough roads and steep hills while carrying heavy supplies and ammunition on their backs.
Their next trip was a 325-mile feat to Fort Yellowstone.
This lasted almost nine days.
The longer journey resulted in the soldiers needing more food and water. Unfortunately, this made the bicycles even heavier.
Muddy conditions and technical issues created multiple issues on the way.
Following the initial testing phase, the group embarked on a journey from Fort Missoula to St. Louis, Missouri.
This was a 1,900-mile trip!
They were faced with the tough conditions of varying climates, as well as wet and dry terrain.
Many members suffered from hunger, thirst and ill-health, often making it a struggle to continue the journey.
Final Thoughts on Erick Cedeño’s Buffalo Soldiers Project
Even though Erick is taking on this incredible journey, it’s hard to envision the conditions the Buffalo soldiers endured in the 19th century.
But Erick may have a better idea of what it might have been like than any of us.
To find out more about Erick’s journey, where he is now, and how you can help support this meaningful ride, visit his gofundme page.