Iron Riders: Story of the 1890s Fort Missoula Buffalo Soldier Bicycle Corps
Posted by Blogmaster in Books (Bicycle History), tags: 1890s, Bicycle, Buffalo, Corps, Fort, Iron, Missoula, Riders, Soldier, Story
Product Description
This is the lively story of the only bicycle corps the U.S. Army ever authorized. Using buffalo soldiers, this 1890s African-American unit conducted drills and exercises on wheels. They rode into Northern Montana on muddy trails and toured Yellowstone on their 100-pound iron bicycles. As proof of their capabilities, these Iron Riders pedaled 1,900 miles from Ft. Missoula, across the snow-dusted Rocky Mountains and steamy Great Plains, to St. Louis. As they approached the city over 1,000 civilian bicyclists rode out to escort them into town in a great parade. Learn more about the adventures of this little known buffalo soldier unit and fascinating details about this era in America. Well researched and a good read. Full of rare pictures and drawings.
Iron Riders: Story of the 1890s Fort Missoula Buffalo Soldier Bicycle Corps
Entries (RSS)
In 1897 a contingent of twenty black soldiers, a white West Point officer, a military surgeon and a young newspaper reporter rode bicycles from Fort Missoula, Montana to St. Louis, Missouri, following the Burlington Northern railroad. The groups’ leader, Lt. Moss, was trying to prove to the army that bicycles could be a valuable asset. I first became acquainted with this little known gem of history through the children’s magazine Highlights in the early 90s. I have been fascinated with it ever since. George Niels Sorenson’s Iron Riders presents this story and the broader context of those “Buffalo Soldiers-on-wheels”. He tells us of the practice trip the bicycle corp made to Yellowstone Park before their epic St. Louis run and the lives of the riders after their trip. This 8 x 10 book has many primary source pictures, documents and maps which illuminate the text. It’s the only informational book I know of devoted to a story which deserves a wider audience. If you are a middle school history teacher, like me, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. It would make a fantastic unit. But I agree with the other reviewer: anybody who likes black history, social history, military history, bicycle touring, the west and/or unsung heroes will find a lot to enjoy in this book. And, if you like this book you’ll want to check out the PBS video The Bicycle Corps: America’s Black Army on Wheels and the children’s book Black Wheels.
Rating: 5 / 5
This is a very interesting and neglected subject for a book. I’m interested in anything about bicycling and a bit about the turn of the century, so this was a must-read. Because this is the only book of it’s kind I’ve found, I would recommend reading it.
However, be aware of a few annoyances. The book is poorly edited and proof-read. There are many hyphens separating words that are not at the ends of lines, and a few paragraphs end mid-sentence. There are quite a few repeated passages and it tends to wander a bit from the main subject. One gets the feeling it would not have filled a book of more normal format and was padded a bit. It would be nice to see this one re-published and improved.
Again, I don’t mean to disparage it too much – just pointing out some personal annoyances.
Hope it helps…
Rating: 3 / 5
What a great book! It really has something for everybody; military bike history, Black history, the American frontier at the turn of the century and more. Great pictures and illustrations also. Military cycling books are rare and this one fills a much needed niche. You will not be disappointed.
Rating: 5 / 5
Whoever heard about this unusual bicycle corps that pedalled around the Rocky Mountains 100 years ago? The fact that African-American army soldiers participated in this fascinating exercise adds to the enjoyment of this story. The author clearly did his research and presents the material in an understandable and fun manner. Check it out!
Rating: 5 / 5
Nice book.REMINDS me of the under ground rail road.
Rating: 4 / 5