February is African-American History Month and one little-known fact is in 1896, a company of black soldiers tested mountain bikes for the U.S. Army. They were called the Iron Riders, and along with other Buffalo Soldiers, they helped settle the west. With the help of one young man, Texas Parks and Wildlife is using the Buffalo Soldiers story to connect kids with the outdoors.

(Video courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife. See more videos here – www.youtube.com/texasparkswildlife)

This year’s Chihuahuan Desert Bike Fest takes place Feb. 11-13. Anyone can come and share in the fun but the deadline to sign up online and ride is Feb. 7 and this year there is a cap at 500. For more information about biking at Big Bend Ranch State Park and the Chihuahuan Desert Bike Fest, go to https://TexasStateParks.org or https://DesertSportstx.com

(Video courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife. See more videos here – www.youtube.com/texasparkswildlife)