SCLT unveils Iron Riders Tour

Sheridan Community Land Trust History Program Manager Kevin Knapp made an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to announce a driving or cycling audio tour that celebrates the legacy of the 25th Infantry Regiment Bicycle Corps – better known as The Iron Riders.

According to Knapp, the story of these Buffalo Soldiers had largely been lost to history. Thankfully, citizen and professional researchers took an interest in the amazing feat these young soldiers accomplished. The men pedaled through Sheridan County on a 1,900-mile journey as part of the U.S. Army’s Great Bicycle Experiment.

K. Knapp

Unlike the bicycles of today, the bikes were made of iron. Knapp admits the idea appears strange, but at the time the U.S. Army saw value in the experiment. 

K. Knapp

SCLT has taken on the responsibility of preserving this unique history and telling the Iron Riders’ story through a new, innovative driving/cycling audio tour, a first of its kind, funded by a $50,000 African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

SCLT has announced the new tour will launch this Juneteenth, June 19, complete with a special celebration featuring reenactors from the 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers who will be available for photos and to answer questions.

This special tour unveiling will feature special guests Bobby McDonald, 9th and 10th Horse Cavalry Association – Buffalo Soldiers; Kevin Smith, Interpretative Ranger, Missouri State Parks; Sen. Dave Kinskey; and Sheridan Mayor Rich Bridger.

This event is free to attend. Refreshments will be provided. SCLT suggests bringing lawn chairs and blankets.

Afterward, the Iron Riders tour will be available on the TravelStorys GPS app.

After the unveiling, a special screening of the soon-to-be-released documentary “The Ride Continues” will be held at the WYO Theater in downtown Sheridan at 6:30 p.m. This documentary will air on Nevada PBS this July. 

To aid SCLT, please RSVP by clicking here. 

SCLT believes these events are not just for history enthusiasts, but for everyone in the Cowboy State community and SCLT invites everyone to join and be a part of this celebration of a shared history.