VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– For its first event of 2023, Griffin Bike Park hosted a ride in honor of Black History month on Saturday.

The Buffalo Soldiers Winter ride commemorated a group of Black soldiers from the 1800’s who completed a bike ride from Missoula, Montana to St. Louis– more than 1,500 miles.  

Park manager Rich Moore said it the event came about as a way to celebrate the history, and stay active in the winter months.

We want to honor Black History month, and what better fit than the Buffalo Soldiers,” he said. “You got the Black soldiers, you got the bikes, you got these guys who were just completely tough guys.”

The ride on Saturday was much shorter– about 10 miles, partially due to the conditions. Moore said he was happy to host the event after it was canceled due to snow last year.

The next event for the park won’t be until the weather warms up, at the end of April. More information about the 2023 schedule for local riders can be found on the Griffin Bike Park website.