The Army has always looked for innovative ways to accomplish their tasks. From foot soldiers to the motorized services used today, the Army has experimented.
Back in the late 1800’s the Army was looking for a way to change things up. Calvary horses were the mode of transportation at that time. Unfortunately horses died. Horses had to travel where water and forage was available and they ultimately needed rest. Extra supplies and gear had to be transported to maintain them. And horses had to be broken, shod, and could be counted upon to run off at the most inopportune times.
What if, someone thought, they could substitute a mode of transportation that did not need water or food, never got tired or needed rest? A mode of transportation that was a lot of quieter when slipping up on the enemy and never ever disobey their rider.
In 1897 an elite company of soldiers left Fort Missoula, MT in an attempt to test that revolutionary idea. They would travel across the U.S, to St. Louis, Missouri to test how they would fare at the end of thousands of miles. On June 14, 1897 the 20 men of the 25th Infantry took up its long march from Fort Missoula. They left quietly and without much if any fanfare. The destination St. Louis, MO.
They were to travel 1,900 miles. Fort Missoula to Livingston; Sheridan, WY; Edgemont, SD; to Marsland, NE; Broken Bow, NE; Lincoln, NE to St Joe, MO and finally St. Louis. 539.7 miles in MT. 233.4 miles in WY. 48.2 miles in SD. 645.8 miles in NE and 433.1 miles in Missouri. The route roughly followed the Northern Pacific Railroad line from Missoula to Billings; then the Burlington Northern Railroad from Wyoming to Nebraska. From there the Missouri River to St. Louis.
In reality the 25th Infantry had been preparing for this expedition for some time. Much groundwork and prep had been done already for the last year. Lt. James Moss drafted a formal proposal in April 1896 requesting approval of his idea to test out an experimental Army mode of transportation. General MiIes was eager to take the Lt. up on his offer to put the idea to the test. There was much skepticism among the soldiers, but Pvt. John Findley was the first to volunteer. So 8 enlisted men from Companies B, F, and H underwent initial training and laid the groundwork for the Corps 1st major trip.
The first part of 1896 was spent training 15- 40 miles a day. The men had to learn how to ride without their hands and how to shoot from this new method of transportation. “They practiced carrying their bikes through deep water.” Yes- bikes. The object of the experiment was to test the practicality of the bicycle for military purposes in all types of terrain.
To carry their bike through deep water, a bike was hung on a long wooden pole and carried above 2 men’s heads so the bike and equipment was kept dry. The procedure was repeated for each bike. “The hardest exercise was scaling a 9 foot fence.” Bikes were leaned up against the fence. 3 men stood on the seat of their bikes, climbed the fence and jumped down to the other side. 3 stayed on top of the fence and 2 each lifted a bike and hoisted it to the men on top of the fence and then it was lowered to the men on the other side. The whole routine of 8 bikes, 8 men, scaling a 9 foot fence had to be completed in 20 seconds – yes 20 seconds.
The first trial was completed by Lt. Moss and 6 men. A 126 mile round trip to Lake McDonald from Fort Missoula – around 50 miles as the crow flies. They carried 120 pounds of food divided among the riders; along with cooking and eating utensils, extra clothes, personal care items, tools, bicycle repair parts, bedrolls, tents and a rifle and 50 rounds of ammo.
The troop left August 6, 1896 and encountered rain and mud. The men had to stop often just to wipe off the mud. The muddy slick roads meant the men walked often more than rode, carrying their bikes when they encountered steep hills too slick to ride. Fallen trees and rocks blocked their path. At times the soldiers were forced to walk along the Railroad tracks. In spite of the obstacles they covered 50 miles their first day and reached Lake McDonald the next afternoon.
Spending the night, the soldiers turned around the next day to head home. Pounding rain made a difficult and harrowing journey. There was more walking than riding. Shoes filled with mud. The bike tires had to be constantly wiped, flat tires, broken foot pedals, damaged chains all conspired against them. The water caused the cement on the tires to loosen and fall off the wooden rims. Although challenging – traveling 126 miles in 4 days in inclement weather; the trip was considered a success. It proved the Bicycle Corp could persevere and be effective in spite of bad weather and rough roads.
6 days later the Corp left on their 2nd expedition. This would take them to Yellowstone National Park – approximately 325 miles. The Corp left Fort Missoula August 15, 1896 to experience the world’s 1st National Park. Lt. Moss and 8 riders headed out for a 3½ week trial. In addition to the previous supplies, medical supplies and more spare bike parts were added. Delicacies such as jelly, sausage and chocolate were added to the food rations along with extra clothes. On this trip Moss took a Kodak camera, 7 rolls of film and a notebook to document the trip.
They traveled through the mountain passes and vast plains of the state. The route mostly followed the RR which enabled the troop to have supplies left for them at various train stations. This meant the men did not have to carry as much weight.
As a result of meeting artist Frederic Remington, their adventures were publicized in Cosmopolitan Magazine. They were able to average 45 miles a day. They reached Fort Yellowstone in 8 ½ days. Some photos of this trip still survive and are regarded as historical treasures.
The return trip once again encountered heavy rains causing delays and difficulties. However they covered 58 miles before being able to take shelter in a rancher’s shed. The 2nd day the weather and roads were worse, but they were able to cover 72 miles on the 3rd day.
Don’t touch that dial. Stay tuned for our next article in the further adventures of the Corp’s journey to St. Louis when they peddle into history and test their fortitude and grit to travel.