Bicycle Nomad Erick Cedeno continues to connect, educate and inspire would-be adventurers

In a world where the constant rush of everyday responsibilities often consumes our lives, Erick Cedeno has found solace and a sense of purpose on the open road. Cedeno, known as the Bicycle Nomad, has forged a unique path, intertwining his love for cycling, travel, and cultural immersion into a transformative journey that spans continents, pushes boundaries, and inspires dreamers and riders alike. And, through social media, and now lectures, and other talks on bikepacking, he continues to inspire others to grab a bicycle and embark on their own journies.

To Cedeno, a bicycle is not merely a mode of transportation; it is a magical instrument in motion that enables him to delve deep into uncharted territories, fostering connections with diverse cultures and people. With each turn of the pedal, Cedeno expands his horizons both physically and metaphorically, traversing vast distances at a steady pace while exploring the unknown in search of self-discovery and meaningful connections.

Cedeno’s love for cycling and travel was sparked soon after he graduated college and found himself working in Philadelphia. Realizing that he couldn’t save much money while wanting to explore the world, he made a bold decision that changed his life.

“I was working in Philadelphia, and I realized that I couldn’t save any money. I wanted to travel but I wasn’t making any money. But I lived downtown and I worked downtown,” Cedeno says, on the phone from his home in Santa Monica. “And I’m like, you know what, my dad needed a car at the time. So I say Dad, I don’t think I need my car. Could just commute either walking or might just get a bike. And I got a bike and that’s when I fell in love with biking.”

This lifestyle continued for a decade until he returned to his hometown of Miami, where he ventured into triathlons, combining his passion for swimming, running, and now biking.

“I did that for several years, but the competition wasn’t my thing because I competed, you know, throughout high school in college, so I didn’t want to compete anymore,” he says. “So one day I decided I’m gonna go from Miami to Key West. And that was the first trip that I took on my bicycle and I never knew anything about, like, traveling by bicycle I just wanted to see more by bicycle at a slower pace. And I’m like this is awesome.”

The experience of traveling by bike enthralled him, and he started to wonder just how far he could go. For instance, could he traverse the entire country? With limited knowledge of bicycle travel at the time, Cedeno embarked on an ambitious journey from Vancouver, Canada, to Tijuana, Mexico, just a month after contemplating the idea. This transformative experience deepened his love for waking up in new places, immersing himself in diverse landscapes, and forming connections with different people.

“I didn’t have any knowledge of traveling by bicycle but my first trip was literally a month after I had that thought and I loved it,” Cedeno says. “I love waking up in different places I love seeing the landscape of the country and meeting different people. I just fell in love with it the following year.”

Did he make some mistakes? Sure. This was before the whole bikepacking thing gained popularity, so it was a time of trial and error.

Motivated by his desire to explore historical sites and fueled by a passion for history, Cedeno embarked on a trip from Miami to New York City. Along the way, he encountered places like St. Augustine, Florida, Savannah, Georgia, Charleston, and many others that were rich in history.

“I went into Jamestown, Virginia, and into DC, Philadelphia, and Delaware and New Jersey,” he explains. “And it was just like, wow, so much history, right? And I’m traveling through and learning, and it was just so fascinating to me that I decided at that moment, on that trip that I wanted to see the country and experience the different history of the country.”

 

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The journey solidified his fascination with the history of the United States and its exploration. Inspired by the bravery and resilience of those who traveled the Underground Railroad, Cedeno embarked on a significant expedition from New Orleans to Niagara Falls, retracing their path and staying at historical sites related to the Underground Railroad.

In the footsteps of those seeking liberation, Cedeno blazed a trail through rugged terrains, often venturing alone for extended periods, and immersing himself in the lives of countless individuals he encountered in towns along the way. The Underground Railroad ride allowed him to experience, in some small measure, the trials and triumphs of those who fought for freedom. Now, fueled by the profound impact of this journey, Cedeno is determined to share the essence of that experience with the world.

In July 2022, Cedeno accomplished yet another remarkable feat, completing a monumental 1,180-kilometer ride from Fort Missoula, Montana to St. Louis, Missouri. This arduous journey followed the route of an all-Black unit of American soldiers in 1897 known as the Buffalo Soldiers. These soldiers were part of the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps, a groundbreaking initiative by the U.S. Army to test the cost efficiency of bicycles for military purposes.

More than a century later, Cedeno meticulously retraced their path, seeking to honor their legacy and bring renewed interest to the Buffalo Soldiers and their historic 1897 ride. His extensive social media following played a pivotal role in shedding light on this remarkable chapter of history, igniting curiosity and appreciation for the soldiers’ contributions.

Throughout his travels, Cedeno has encountered countless individuals who have left a lasting impact on his journey. He fondly recalls the generosity and warmth of strangers who welcomed him into their homes, bought him dinner, and shared stories of their own adventures. He firmly believes that it is the people he meets along the way that make each experience unforgettable. Cedeno emphasizes, “I barely remember some of the places I visited, but I never forget the people I met along the way.”

For Cedeno, the beauty of bike touring and bikepacking lies in the valuable life lessons it imparts. He advocates for openness, embracing the unpredictability of the journey. He shares, “It’s about being open to experiences, accepting that plans may change due to rain or other circumstances. It teaches you to be comfortable outside your comfort zone.” These invaluable lessons have shaped him as an individual, instilling resilience, self-discovery, and a deep appreciation for the present moment.

The impact of Cedeno’s nomadic lifestyle extends beyond personal growth. He believes that bikepacking can bring people together, dissolve societal divisions, and bridge gaps between individuals. Cedeno has witnessed firsthand the kindness and compassion of strangers in small towns across America, disproving the divisive narratives prevalent in mainstream media. Through his adventures, he seeks to inspire others to embrace nature, discovers themselves, and slow down in a world that often demands haste.

As Cedeno looks toward the future, he plans to embark on new adventures and share his wealth of knowledge and experience with others. He aims to engage in smaller trips, participate in gravel races as an adventure rather than a competition, and immerse himself in bikepacking lectures. His curiosity and thirst for exploration remain unquenched, and he dreams of cycling from Los Angeles to Panama—a journey that holds personal significance to him.

Eric Cedeno, the Bicycle Nomad, is a testament to the transformative power of bicycle travel. Through his tireless journeys, he has discovered a deeper understanding of himself, the resilience of the human spirit, and the profound connections that can be forged with strangers along the way. His mission to inspire others to embark on their own transformative journeys stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and the boundless possibilities that lie within each one of us.

As Cedeno says, “Take time for yourself, discover who you are, and embrace the experiences that come your way. Be open to the unknown, for it is in those moments that you truly learn and grow.”

Bicycle Nomad is not just a person; it is a philosophy—a reminder to embrace the simplicity of two wheels, discover the world around us, and ultimately, find ourselves. Cedeno’s passion for cycling, travel, and cultural immersion resonates deeply with all who yearn to explore the vast tapestry of our planet and the rich diversity of humanity. In a world that often moves at a frenetic pace, Cedeno’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder to slow down, breathe in the beauty of the present moment, and let the open road guide us toward new horizons.