Erick Cedeño, also known as the Bicycle Nomad, was born in Panama and raised in Miami, FL. After graduating from Bethune-Cookman University, Erick moved to Philadelphia, PA where his love for cycling grew. Now, Erick travels the Americas on bike and is well known for his notorious 2,220-mile journey from New Orleans to Niagara Falls, retracing the route of The Underground Railroad. The founder of “Bicycle Nomad” looks to share the wisdom he has gained over the years with the world.
We had the opportunity to speak with Erick about how he came to his journey as the Bicycle Nomad and what he has accomplished in his 12 years of traveling by Bicycle.
Background/History
[Erick Cedeño] I discovered my passion for cycling when I decided to live car-free and move around by bicycle. When I moved back to Miami after several years in Philadelphia, I started doing triathlons. Soon after I wanted to do longer bicycle rides and travel on two wheels. My first trip was biking from Miami to Key West about 155 [miles] one way.
In 2009, I decided to ride from Vancouver, Canada to Tijuana, Mexico and my love for bicycle travel grew from that experience. The following year, I biked from Miami to New York. Did several bicycle trips around the country and in 2014, I rode from New Orleans to Niagara Falls, Canada to along the Underground Railroad. Which I recently completed again in November 2020.
How do you want to be remembered by the cycling community?
On Instagram (@Bicycle_Nomad), Erick documents his bicycle journeys, the amazing interactions with people and businesses he meets along the way, and personal reflection while riding his bike.
[Cedeño] I want to be remembered by the cycling community as someone who found his freedom by traveling by bicycle. Who wanted to inspired people to travel and discover new places and themselves thru the power of the bicycle.
What do you want people to learn about your journey?
[Cedeño] That the bicycle took me far. As far as I was able to dream or visualize. That traveling by bicycle I was able to discover beautiful places and kind people along the routes. It wasn’t about the bicycle or the destination. It was all about the journey. By taking the time to nourish and discover myself, I was able to become a better human being.
Your most notorious ride The Underground Railroad, what you hope to teach about the history of the route?
Erick first road the route of the Underground Railroad back in 2014. Sharing his journey every step of the way, Erick wanted to embrace the history for himself while emphasizing the importance to his followers.
[Cedeño] I hope that people are able get an inspiration from the people that travel the same routes before and their history of resilience. Maybe find a little piece of freedom.
You’ve shared on social that people you meet on your travels are one of the reasons you do what you do. What does it mean to share your journey with the cycling community in person and on social media?
[Cedeño] The people I meet along my journeys are the reason I continue to travel. People have been very kind and compassionate along my travels. My hope is to inspire more people to travel by bicycle, which is a non-threatening vehicle and experience what I have seen. Not only in the physical, but the kindness and love of strangers along the routes.
What is your vision for the future hold for you?
[Cedeño] I have travel by bicycle for over 12 years. Visited every single state by bicycle but Alaska. Hope to travel there one day.
One of my goals is the travel by bicycle from the U.S to Panama. Would love to do a documentary about that trip.
My vision is to inspire a new generation of bicycle adventurers. Especially kids from underserved communities. One day create a Bicycle Nomad Summer Camp for future explorers.
What advice would you give to a new cyclist?
[Cedeño] My advice for new cyclist is to find a journey and ride it at your own pace.
Through biking, Erick has found his freedom. He continues to inspire others to do the same by bringing the community along with him. Make sure to follow the Bicycle Nomad on Instagram @Bicycle_Nomad.
Inspired by Erick’s story? Erick says that a Bicycle Nomad is, “someone who discovers new places by bicycle. Everyone can be a Bicycle Nomad, regardless if they ride 3 blocks or 3,000 miles. I am Bicycle Nomad. We are Bicycle Nomad.”
If you, or someone you know, would like to share their story, please send me an email at cpatten@usacycling.org.
