Series

Based on a true story

Some men make history. Others live through it, shape it, and are nearly forgotten

It all began with a documentary. After watching the PBS documentary *The Bicycle Corps: America's Black Army on Wheels*, my wife and I were left with two questions. **First, how could such an incredible chapter of American history remain so widely unknown?** **And second, what could we do to help tell the story of one of the remarkable men who lived it?** We were captivated by the extraordinary journey of the Buffalo Soldiers, particularly First Sergeant Mingo Sanders. Here were men who traveled nearly 2,000 miles by bicycle across America's rugged countryside in the late 1800s, battling unforgiving terrain, brutal weather, exhaustion, and prejudice. Yet their remarkable achievements were only part of a much larger story. As we learned more about Mingo, we discovered a life that intersected with some of the most defining people and events in American history. His journey was one of courage, loyalty, perseverance, and ultimately, heartbreaking injustice. We wanted readers to experience that journey alongside him—not simply as a collection of historical events, but through the eyes of an ordinary man living through extraordinary times. That desire inspired us to write *Regular Men* as a screenplay, imagining a sweeping cinematic journey through America's changing landscape and turbulent history. Years later, we decided to give the story a new life in print. Adapted from our original screenplay, *Regular Men* is a fast-paced historical short read designed to be enjoyed in approximately two hours. Our goal was to preserve the adventure, humor, friendships, hardships, and emotional impact of Mingo's remarkable journey while making his story accessible to readers who might otherwise never discover it. Some men make history. Others live through it, shape it, and are nearly forgotten. **We hope *Regular Men* helps ensure that Mingo Sanders is remembered.**