Black Wheels Author:Michael Halperin Inspired by a true story. Nat Fowler, a fifteen year old African-American boy raised on his family farm in a predominately white part of Missouri in the late 1800’s, runs away from home when he’s accused of murder and joins the United States Army. He ends up at Fort Missoula, Montana immersed for the first time in his life in all-black culture... more » with the 25th Infantry. A white officer, Lt. James Moss, convinces the War Department to test the modern bicycle as a replacement for the horse. Nat, an avid bicycle rider, joins the Bicycle Corps just as the U.S. Army orders Moss and 19 black soldiers to prove the theory. They must complete a journey of 1900 miles from Missoula, Montana to St. Louis, Missouri over some of the most rugged territory in the United States in forty days. During the journey he falls in love, discovers bigotry and hatred, finds friends, betrayal and comrades but also grows up as he enters the 20th century.« less