Todd Wold, a SCLT Board Member and proud holder of an undergraduate degree in history, proudly served for 30 years as an attorney in the US Air Force. After deciding to move to Sheridan with his wife in 2005, Todd partnered with Carrie Edinger to organize the Iron Riders: 1896-1897 Bicycle Experiment program, held on May 9 at the Hub on Smith. After Edinger left for her new position at the Brinton Museum, Wold continued his research into the unmarked graves at the Monarch cemetery, eventually uncovering the historic Iron Riders of Sheridan County.
Todd was delighted to discover that the Iron Riders were members of the 25th Infantry, also known as the “Buffalo Soldiers”. He uncovered reports from Fort Missoula’s commanding officer Lt. James Alfred Moss and Edward “Eddie” Hugo Boos, a reporter for the Missoulian paper who accompanied the soldiers on their ride. Bicycles were chosen for military usage due to their convenience; they did not require feeding, were smaller and quieter than a horse, and were more efficient than walking or riding in wagons or trains. Todd Wold, honored to be part of such an important program, is proud to share the story of the Iron Riders of Sheridan County.
He noted that the bikes the Iron Riders rode were heavy and made by the Spauling company, with an anatomical correct design of the bicycle seat, which included a small pad for riders’ buttocks and an iron tongue in front of the seat. “You would have to be an ‘iron rider’ to ride this,” Wold said, emphasizing the dedication and skill required to conquer such a challenging mission.
The soldiers were outfitted with a knapsack on handlebars, blanket roll, haversack, two sets of clothes, toilet paper, and a toothbrush. To stay battle-ready, each Iron Rider had a canteen, rifle and cartridge belt with 30 rounds of ammo, either strapped to the bicycle or slung over their chest. Despite the difficulty, they were proud to be part of this unique military experience, making sure they could quickly respond to any potential conflict.
The 41-day expedition from Missoula to St. Louis was an intense journey, full of challenges that had to be overcome. With courage and determination, the Iron Riders crossed rivers, navigated sand and pushed their bikes through remote areas, re-stocking supplies at forts, towns and depots along the way. Their efforts were rewarded when they reached Missouri, proud to have taken part in an historic endeavor.
Even after the experiment, the 25th Regiment continued to serve America’s wars with distinction, including in Cuba and the Philippines. The march of 1897 was recognized as one of the greatest military marches in history by Lt. Moss, confirming the legacy of the Iron Riders.
Todd Wold, a SCLT Board Member and former Air Force attorney, is proud to be a part of the Iron Riders: 1896-1897 Bicycle Experiment program that aims to educate people on the amazing Iron Riders of Sheridan County. To help share this extraordinary story, Wold dug deep into archives found spanning Fort Missoula to the Monarch Cemetery, where he uncovered documents detailing the bravery and skillful riding of the 25th Infantry – the ‘Buffalo Soldiers’. Despite the challenge posed by riding an uncomfortable, heavy bicycle made by the Spaulding company, these men gave no quarter as they completed their almost 600 mile ride. Through his dedication and determination, Todd Wold has honored these courageous individuals and thanks to him their incredible story won’t be forgotten.
