Consider joining the Iron Riders Community Bike Ride on Tuesday, June 14th, the kick-off event for the Buffalo Soldiers Iron Riders Gathering. More info on the ride below.
Brief background: The all-Black 25th Infantry was stationed at Fort Missoula in the late 19th century. Their commanding lieutenant was interested in using bicycles as military transport and thus the first military bicycle corps was born. The group completed training rides to McDonald Lake in the Mission Mountains and Yellowstone National Park, but their major achievement was a 41-day, 1,900-mile bike trek from Missoula to St. Louis in 1897. Click HERE for more detailed history.
Fast forward to 2022 and it's the 125th anniversary of the "Iron Ride." The Buffalo Soldier Iron Riders Gathering is a week-long series of events commemorating and celebrating the 125th anniversary of the ride and the other accomplishments of Buffalo Soldiers in the northwest. Destination Missoula and the Missoula TBID are proud sponsors of the gathering and we are excited about its goal to share this history with residents and visitors alike.
Additionally, adventure cyclist and bikepacker, Erick Cedeño aka bicycle_nomad, will be retracing the entire 1,900 mile journey by bike. You can follow along on his journey via social media but you can also pedal alongside Erick as he departs on his trip!
The Iron Riders Community Bike Ride will be on Tuesday, June 14th starting at Fort Missoula and ending downtown at the Holiday Inn. The ride will begin at 5:40 am - that's right, super early! - as this was the time the riders departed back in 1897 - which also shouldn't conflict with too many work schedules;) Ride alongside Erick Cedeño and Iron Rider reenactors complete with replica bikes!!
There will be a complimentary breakfast reception at the Holiday Inn Downtown for riders and an opportunity to view static displays and speak with the Buffalo Soldier Iron Rider reenactors.
Route of the Ride - Fort Missoula to Bitterroot Branch Bike Path - Bike Path to 6th St. - 6th St. to Higgins - Higgins across the bridge, turn right on Front St. & right on Pattee - End at Holiday Inn Downtown. (Participate at your own risk and riders are responsible for transport back to the starting point.) The meeting place for the start of the ride will be at the gazebo in between the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula and the Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History - just off of Captain Rawn Way.
There are also a limited number of seats (12) for riders who would like to continue on with Erick Cedeño and bike out to the Potomac/Clearwater area - provided by Arlen Hall of BIKEternity. If you are interested in this option please email me and Arlen Hall at arlenvhall@gmail.com
Interested in more? The gathering includes a variety of events from historical presentations, film screenings, concerts, and a community wide Juneteenth Celebration! Check out the full schedule events at www.ironriders2022.org/schedule-of-events and you can register for the events at www.ironriders2022.org/registration. Most events are free and open to the public! THANK YOU and please share with friends & family who may be interested! Let's send Erick off on his 41-day, 1,900-mile journey with great support and show Missoula's pride for recreation, history, and diversity!