Locals Invited to Relive Western History as Riders Thunder Through Sutter Street

The rhythmic thunder of hooves, the flash of leather tack, and the unmistakable spirit of the Old West will return to Historic Folsom next week as the National Pony Express Association’s Annual Re-Ride charges into town. On Wednesday, June 11, at approximately 6:29 p.m., riders bearing the iconic leather mochila will arrive at the Folsom History Museum on Sutter Street, offering local residents a rare and thrilling opportunity to witness living history unfold right in the heart of town.

Departing earlier that day from Old Town Sacramento, the 2025 Pony Express Re-Ride begins its 1,966-mile journey across eight states, retracing the legendary route that once connected California to Missouri. Folsom marks one of the first public relay points on the trail, where spectators can watch a live mochila handoff—the ceremonial exchange of the mail pouch between riders—just as it was done over 160 years ago.

The event promises an immersive Old West experience for all ages, complete with historical exhibits, reenactors, and the chance to meet the modern-day Pony Express riders. Hosted by the Folsom History Museum, the celebration brings local flair to a nationally significant journey. With the incoming rider expected to gallop up historic Sutter Street before handing off the mochila, it’s a dramatic moment steeped in nostalgia and tradition.

Following the Folsom handoff, the ride continues eastward through several other California locations. At approximately 9:53 p.m., riders will arrive at the El Dorado “Y,” located at Highway 50 and Pony Express Trail, where spectators can witness a classic Pony Express-style handoff. This moment recalls the swift, gritty exchanges of the 1860s, often made in a blur of leather and dust.

The journey proceeds to Celio Ranch at 2820 South Upper Truckee Road in South Lake Tahoe, with riders expected to pass through at approximately 10:42 a.m. on Thursday, June 12. Known as one of the oldest working ranches in the region, Celio Ranch has deep ties to both pioneer and Pony Express history. While primarily a working stop, the location underscores the rugged conditions and perseverance of the original Express riders.

Later that day, the Re-Ride reaches Woodfords, California, where the official handoff from the California Division to the Nevada Division will take place at approximately 1:00 p.m. This ceremonial moment at the historic Woodfords Station is a key milestone along the route. The public is encouraged to attend, meet the riders, and take in interpretive displays about the station’s history and significance.

The re-ride began with a public send-off in Old Town Sacramento at Pony Express Plaza (2nd and J streets). The ceremony starts at 1:15 p.m., with the first rider scheduled to depart at 2:00 p.m. The event features the National Pony Express Association, local officials, costumed reenactors, and community members paying tribute to the courage and grit of the original riders.

The Re-Ride itself is a feat of logistics and passion. Approximately 600 riders from eight state divisions will travel in relays of 1 to 5 miles each, riding 24 hours a day until the mochila arrives at its final destination in St. Joseph, Missouri. Each rider swears a version of the original Pony Express oath, receives a Bible, and carries commemorative letters stored inside the mochila’s leather cantinas—just as was done over 160 years ago.

“This event bridges generations and geography,” said Petra Keller, Corresponding Secretary, National Pony Express Association. “We ride to honor those fearless messengers of the past and to keep their memory alive for future generations.”

The Re-Ride honors the legacy of the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company, which originally operated from April 1860 to October 1861. Though short-lived, the service played a vital role in demonstrating the viability of a Central Route through Salt Lake and helped to unite a growing nation. The daring young riders of the original Pony Express helped pave the way for transcontinental communication, riding through rugged terrain with mail, telegrams, and hope in tow.

Organized by the National Pony Express Association (NPEA), the Annual Re-Ride is more than a commemorative event—it is a living history experience. The NPEA is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of the Pony Express through education, reenactments, and public engagement.

Residents are encouraged to attend the mochila exchange on Sutter Street and engage with volunteers, riders, and history interpreters. GPS tracking of the riders is available in real-time at nationalponyexpress.org/re-ride/follow-the-ride, allowing spectators to follow the mail as it journeys east across the American frontier.

With its own deep roots in the Gold Rush era, Folsom provides an evocative backdrop for this spirited celebration of frontier history. The Pony Express Re-Ride brings that history to life with every thunderous hoofbeat—and it begins right here on the streets of Folsom.

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