With New Eyes

Adventure Cycling Association was established (as Bikecentennial) to inspire cyclists to celebrate the United States' Bicentennial by traveling across the U.S. one pedal stroke at a time. In 1976, 4,000 riders put wheel to pavement to honor this anniversary.

And the first Adventure Cycling Association route was born from this effort -- the TransAmerica Trail. Still one of our most celebrated and ridden routes, it is now joined by a total of 38,158 miles of bicycle routes in North America.

I recently sent a letter (authored by Jim Sayer, Adventure Cycling's executive director) to our members about why it's important to financially support our routes and mapping efforts. My most simple and heartfelt answer to this question is that this base of 38,158 miles is a true American treasure that we need to protect, maintain, and expand.

Be sure and read this letter. It contains information on our newest route -- Sierra Cascades -- and information on the great work we're doing to make sure you have the information you need to travel by bicycle.

One of the great stories in this letter is about Bob Siebert and his son Kevin, who traveled the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (Kevin is pictured above). Here's what Bob had to say about his experience on the Great Divide:

"I am not exaggerating when I say the experience was life changing. Since that trip, I look at every day of my life with new eyes. Those 51 days de-stressed my life, and I am glad that I will never be the same again."

Bob's story summarizes the passion I have for our routes and maps. Traveling by bicycle is life changing. And I want everyone to have the chance to experience the self-discovery that comes hand-in-hand with bicycle travel.

photo by Bob Siebert

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BICYCLING INSPIRATIONS is posted the first and third Friday of each month by Julie Emnett, associate development director, and examines stories that illustrate why and how cyclists support our programs. Learn how you can support Adventure Cycling.