Topics

1

General Discussion / Request for Updates Please

« on: March 04, 2026, 07:20:52 am »

Dear ACA -

Would it be possible to keep members informed of the current situation at Adventure Cycling via the news tab of the organization's website? I believe that Andy Williamson's resignation took effect at the end of February unless he agreed to remain as an interim. Is there an interim director? Have there been other resignations or retirements from the staff or board? What is the status of the conversations with the past leadership?

I suspect that there is post-vote exhaustion among staff and members as well as disappointment for those who supported the sale of the headquarters building.  Not to mention organizational flux given the recent resignation of the executive director. And yet, this remains the best and most fruitful time to engage.

There have been many suggestions made as to future directions for ACA; however, one stands out clearly. Both in terms of growing the organization and restoring its financial viability - - this is the time to do major outreach to those members who have left over the past five years. These are 32,000 people who we already know are strong supporters of bicycle touring.

Regards,
John Egan

2

General Discussion / An Open Letter to the Adventure Cycling Board and Past Leaders

« on: February 09, 2026, 11:30:08 am »

Dear Adventure Cycling board members and past leaders,

The single most important goal in the coming 6 months is to reach out to former members.
Although the disagreements of the past year may appear to be a net negative, the vote against the sale and the recognition by the board that they have been off course may yet be a positive factor in regaining past members. Regaining half the lost members - if possible - would largely offset the income from the sale of the headquarters building.

However, there also has to be a willingness to listen. I believe that ACA’s leadership has been in an echo chamber for the past 5 years. That’s easy to do in this electronic age because we can seek out confirming views and block any opposing ones.The echo chamber is part and parcel of our media. Also, when most people leave, they simply leave without saying. Very few take the time to share the reasons for their departure. But remember, the largest pool of potential members is the 32,000 people who have left ACA over the past 5 years.

That leads to the second goal - an effective survey of current and as many past members as possible. That is increasingly hard to do. Most people ignore the constant bombardment of surveys. Even the New York Times surveys rarely have a response rate larger than 1%-2%. I have a background in surveying. I no longer am startled when clients want specific results. Which underscores a reason for nonresponse - that it is useless to try to respond and be heard. To have an effective survey, past and present members need to be convinced that their views - and not just their money - matter.

Whether or not the survey is done in house or by consultants is debatable. Given the very specific nature of bicycle touring and the likelihood that survey consultants may not have the knowledge to ask the right questions in the right manner, it may be preferable to do the survey internally. It can be designed as both a short and longer survey depending on the time and interest of the respondent. Also, it can be either anonymous or with contact information. But most importantly - - now is the time to do a survey.

The third goal is far more difficult. Bicycling is in serious decline in the United States. A recent Atlantic article pointed out that childhood bicycling has dropped 50% in the past 25 years, frequent riding even more. For boomers, the bicycle racks at school were full, 6 or 8 racks overflowing. Now, there is a single rack with 2 or 3 bikes. People are unlikely to go bike touring if they have never even ridden to school or the store. Gravel bikepacking may appeal to the dramatically reduced population of riders, but young adults with little experience riding will most likely prefer pavement - empty pavement - but pavement. It’s a both/and proposition. Gravel and pavement.

The opportunities presented now will be short-lived. It will be tough. It will require a significant change in approach. Be it can be done.

Sincerely,
John Egan, Buffalo, Wyoming

3

General Discussion / Why Adventure Cycling Is at This Juncture

« on: January 19, 2026, 09:40:56 am »

I just read a post elsewhere on the forums which neatly encapsulates all that is wrong with ACA.

1 The poster quotes one of the countless marketing emails from ACA:

"This Isn't Happening Without You"

2) And they offer their response:

"Then I guess it's not happening because you lost me
(and my substantial estate planning donation) a while ago and have not taken steps get me back.
And I feel the need to write that the shiftiness re: the sale is extremely concerning. 
Really seems like something is rotten in Denmark.  Shame on you."

<<<>>>

"Because you lost me"
And lost 31,999 other members - from 50,000 in 2020 down to 18,000 now.

I have been involved in the bike touring community and have been a member of ACA for 40+ years.
I started hearing comments similar to this 3-4 years ago and they have multiplied.

Quite simply, the leadership at ACA made serious mistakes over the past 3-4 years.
And they have been lockstep in their denial of any responsibility for the organization's massive decline.
The current leadership prides itself on its progressive views,
yet the primary reason offered in the initial vote notification was the "ageing out" of boomer riders.
That was not only ageist, but factually wrong, since 32,000 riders do not age out in 3-4 years.
It was also financially blockheaded since this is the cohort which primarily funds ACA.

I am also flummoxed that the current leadership chose to stonewall the SaveACA group
rather than find some sort of compromise - given the number of past leaders represented.
It appears to many that the decision to define the conflict as "old guard" vs. "new guard"
was made early on by current ACA leadership. Their language indicates as much.
And it was completely unnecessary.

I am not opposed to the sale of the headquarters building, per se.
I have visited ACA's headquarters many times and appreciate its history.
However, the sale of the headquarters will do nothing to change the decline at ACA,
unless there is, first, a serious inventory of past errors and, second, an effective plan for the future.


* This is not posted under "Building Sale" because the issue is far more than the sale of the building.

4

General Discussion / Fears for the Future of Adventure Cycling

« on: June 25, 2025, 02:04:25 pm »

Dear Fellow Cyclists,

I am posting this in a number of locations because of the recent announcement that Adventure Cycling will be selling its headquarters in Missoula. I’ve visited there a number of times on cross-country bicycle trips. Most of us riding through Missoula stop in - it’s a bit of a pilgrimage. Not to mention getting your photo taken with your bike.

Some time ago, I posted my concerns about the direction Adventure Cycling was heading. At that time, I pointed to a number of factors at ACA that were troubling. There are many businesses and organizations connected with cycling, but only one that is historically connected with bicycle touring. If we lose Adventure Cycling, we lose our main anchor.

The hiring of Jennifer O’Dell -  who had a marketing background but no significant cycling experience - was a mistake. Part of the mission drift and lack of focus may be attributable to her misdirection of ACA. One of the challenges of any organization is trying to be all things to all people. Most long-time members were deluged with fundraising appeals and promotions. Meanwhile, the core functions of ACA went unattended, or worse, were axed - such as the self-supported TransAmerica tours, the origin of Bikecentennial.

Another issue has been the apparent politicization of Adventure Cycling. The language, tenor, and offerings of ACA became quite left-oriented. I suspect that most people who get on a bicycle and ride across the country tend somewhat to the liberal side, but not all and not so far left. A small organization that represents a tiny segment of the recreating public cannot afford to become politicized. Granted, cycle touring has long been the domain of affluent, White men. For women and minorities it can be dangerous. For queer people, too. I was sexually assaulted and almost killed 28 years ago. But, there is a difference between outreach and politicization.

It could be that bicycle touring is simply going the way of movie rental stores. United States Steel, recently disposed of at a yard sale, was once one of America’s strongest corporations. Kodak’s name and bright yellow color were recognized worldwide. Now it barely survives. Concrete data is hard to come by. Yellowstone National Park used to count bicyclists at its entrance stations, but stopped. Surly no longer makes the Long Haul Trucker. I find myself alone at hiker/biker campsites in national parks when once there were always other cyclists.

Many times, when information such as the announcement of the headquarters comes out, it is already too late. No one mentions that there are no binoculars until after the ship hits the iceberg. It’s human nature. But it may not be too late. I believe, however, that it requires a far more open leadership at Adventure Cycling and a willingness to assess honestly the impact of recent management choices.

I’ve been a member of Adventure Cycling since its Bikecentennial days in the late 1970s. I would hate to see it go. Please feel free to forward this to other touring cyclists whether or not they are members. I welcome your comments. If you would like to get in touch with me personally, you can do so at jamawani@gmail.com.

Thanks very much for your support for bicycle touring.

John Egan
Buffalo, Wyoming

June 25, 2025

5

Routes / East River Road Closed North of Yellowstone N.P.

« on: May 05, 2025, 09:35:55 am »

On a recent spring trip to the Yellowstone area I discovered that East River Road south of Chico Hot Springs is closed. East River Road is one of the most scenic rides in Montana with extremely light traffic and the spectacular backdrop of Paradise Valley. Way better than the heavy, fast traffic on US 89.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50627628

The reason for the closure is rockfall from a slope where the road squeezes between the Yellowstone River and a cliff. I contacted the Montana DOT office in Bozeman and they indicated that a scaling operation would take place this summer as soon as the landowner gives permission.

Although through access for pedestrians and cyclists is not forbidden, it is highly discouraged since massive rocks continue to fall on the roadway. I do not know to what degree the road is currently blocked. I do look forward to the reopening and encourage any cyclist in the area to explore East River Road when it reopens.

6

Routes / Clearwater Fire Threatens PPP Highway near Yellowstone

« on: August 03, 2024, 05:35:44 am »

The Clearwater Fire continues to grow near Yellowstone N/P.
Containment is at 0% with extremely hot and dry conditions.
Although Highway 14/16/20 remains open, there is one lane of traffic.
All campgrounds in the immediate area have been closed.
Since campgrounds further west ban tent camping,
this means there is no cyclist camping between Buffalo Bill S.P. and Bridge Bay in YNP.
Heavy smoke also makes cycling difficult - both breathing and visibility.

An alternative route via Cooke City and the Northeast Entrance is extremely difficult.
And, with diverted traffic and little to no shoulders would have elevated risk.
Even before this fire, there are way too many large RVs and inattentive drivers.
Use extreme caution and expect changes on a daily basis.

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wyshf-clearwater

7

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Jasper National Park Is Closed

« on: July 25, 2024, 10:14:37 pm »

A horrific wildfire has destroyed half of the town of Jasper.
The Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) and the Yellowhead Highway (Hwy 16) are closed.
Given the extent of the damage, Jasper National Park may remains closed for the rest of the season.

https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cyj423n2jdgo

It is one of the most beautiful bike rides in North America.

8

General Discussion / Going to the Sun Road Opens for the 2024 Season

« on: June 24, 2024, 05:28:54 pm »

Great news!
Going to the Sun Road in Glacier N.P. opened this past Saturday, June 22.
The bicycling restrictions have changed significantly.

The PREVIOUS restrictions were:
Apgar to Sprague Creek - Closed both directions from 11:00a to 4:00p.
Logan Creek to Logan Pass, Eastbound only - Closed from 11:00a to 4:00p.

The CURRENT restrictions are:
Apgar to Logan Pass - Closed both directions from 3:00p to 6:00p
This is due to the implementation of reservation entry for cars which ends at 3:00p each day.

It should make it easier for Eastbound cyclists,
although getting an early start from Sprague or Avalanche is still suggested.
For westbound cyclists, it will be a bit more difficult
getting to west side campgrounds and the Lake McDonald Lodge services in the afternoon.

It's some of the best cycling in the world.
Again, start at sunrise to enjoy it to the max.

>> There may still be icy/wet conditions at higher altitudes. Use caution.

9

Routes / PPP - Big Horn Mountains Road Damage

« on: April 12, 2024, 09:26:44 am »

The frost heaves are bad this year between Powder River Pass and Buffalo.
Which is strange since this winter was far milder than last.
They are bad enough to cause a crash coming downhill at speed.
Wyoming is good about road repair - - but - -
that means there will be multiple construction segments on the east side.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46183956

The segment in question is the north-south dogleg of US 16
beginning 9 miles east of Powder River Pass
running for 13 miles to the major turn east down the mountain.
(Westbound - starting 12 miles west of Buffalo running 13 miles)

Although the danger is primarily for eastbound riders,
because there are multiple big rollers over ridge lines
westbound riders should use caution, as well.

10

Routes / Since We Are Talking About Cape Meares ...

« on: March 19, 2024, 11:06:19 pm »

Is there anybody out there who remembers bike camping at Cape Meares?
Or am I just getting old and imagining it?
We are, after all, talking about the 1980s.

They had a single hiker/biker site at the picnic area.
You were asked to share if other riders came along.
But there was just you, the lighthouse, and the ocean cliffs.

* Not Cape Lookout. Not the wheelbarrows at Oswald West.
It's been so long and I've done so many Oregon rides.
And I don't think I was breaking the law,
'cause I've never broken the law.

11

General Discussion / Some Useful Parameters When Asking for Route Help

« on: March 01, 2024, 03:58:07 pm »

A lot of people come here and ask for route help.
Too often, it's just "What's a good route between Peoria and Portland?"

1. When are you planning on doing it?
Montana is way different in May than July or October

2. Which direction are you riding and what kind of time frame?
Heading westbound in the Columbia Gorge is a challenge.
As is riding the Western Express in two weeks.

3. What's your age and your experience cycle touring?
Mega gravel isn't a good idea for newbies, nor mega miles for older riders.

That way you'll get the best advice for your situation.

YMMV- J

12

General Discussion / Crossing Tioga, Sonora, or Ebbetts Passes This Summer?

« on: May 24, 2023, 11:16:40 am »

Here's a recent National Park Service video of plowing operations.
As of May 21, they were 15 miles  west of Crane Flats with 25 miles still to go.
Tioga Pass is not likely to open until mid-July.
Sonora Pass and Ebbetts Pass are cleared by Caltrans.
They usually open for Memorial Day - but this year will probably be mid to late June.

Keep this in mind if you plan to do the Sierra Cascades route.
Of if you have planned to hit Yosemite and Tioga Pass on a west-to-east ride.
The Western Express uses Carson Pass further north which is plowed all winter.
(But it also had a record number of closure days this winter.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-yK1wERMC0&t=41s

13

General Discussion / Adjust Your Plans for Touring in the West

« on: March 04, 2023, 10:52:02 am »

Hey y'all -

Just came in from clearing more snow.
A lot of us out West are pretty darn sick of shovelling.
And there's more coming in March - lots more.

Other than me trolling for sympathy, what does that have to do with anything?
Well, a lot of touring plans may need adjusting because of this winter's impacts.
Yosemite National Park has an all-time record - 15 feet in some places - and winter's not over.

Impacts:
1) Many mountain passes and highways will open much later this year.
2) Campgrounds and services will open even later - if at all.
3) There is likely to be damage that will delay things further.
4) Snowmelt will be massive this year with probable flooding.

Even in normal years, people in Atlanta and Dallas simply don't understand winters in the West.
If you have 5 feet of snow in Yellowstone, it doesn't melt out until the end of May or early June.
In normal years.

The deepest snows and biggest records are in the California Sierras.
Mountain ranges in Nevada and the Wasatch in Utah have near records, too.
The Colorado and Wyoming Rockies have above normal snowpacks.
The Cascades in the Northwest and the Northern Rockies in Montana and Idaho
have close to average snowpacks, but longer snow seasons with March storms lined up.

Routes Impacted by Snow:
1. Sierra-Cascades -
The segments in California will be unrideable until July and may be closed for resource protection.
2. Western Express -
Carson Pass has been closed more this season than ever before. May will be tough.
Expect snowbanks and no services all the way through June.
The desert in Nevada and Utah will be beautiful this year - esp. in late May and June.
3. TransAmerica - also Parks, Peaks, and Prairies
Stay tuned. Depending on the rest of winter, there is likely to be above normal snowpack.
Yellowstone is still recovering from last year's floods. Expect later openings.
4. Northern Tier -
Sherman Pass has about 200% of normal snowpack with more to come.
Glacier N.P. has slightly above normal totals - again - with a series of March storms predicted.
Expect late pass openings in Washington (June) and a late June opening of Going to the Sun.
5. Great Divide -
Still too early to tell, but trending later for anything north of New Mexico. Wet/muddy conditions likely.
Given the moisture levels, the Southwest monsoon is likely to be strong this year in New Mexico.

Other Weather Impacts -
1. Pacific Coast -
California has had record rainfall on the coast this winter with mudslides and washouts.
There is one full closure and multiple lane closures south of Monterrey.
2. Lewis & Clark -
Any route that follows western rivers is likely to be impacted by flooding.
Flooding will be especially bad if there is a rapid warm-up. Flooding will peak in June / early July.

<<<>>>

The moisture will mean beautiful - albeit late - wildflowers. (Also mosquitos in late summer.)
But everything will likely be a few weeks - or more - late.  YMMV

Jama

Pix -

Yosemite Valley & Half Dome Webcam
Sonora Pass on Memorial Day on a normal year

14

General Discussion / Getting to Your Starting Point

« on: October 16, 2022, 12:17:33 pm »

One of the most challenging things about getting started on a long bike tour is getting there.
Not a weekend out-and-back, but a months-long trek.
It ain't easy - and it seems to be getting harder.
And more expensive, for sure.

Just curious how y'all prefer to get there.

The biggest problem is that you have a lot of stuff.
Bicycle, panniers, tent, sleeping bag.
Hard to schlep around and sometime quite expensive as baggage.

Or course, it matters where you start.
If you are heading to another continent, driving there is tough.
But for the purposes of discussion, let's say you are sticking to the same continent.

I like to start on an ocean - not a bay, not an inlet - the ocean.
Which sometimes adds a complicating factor.
Westport rather than Seattle. Yet, getting to Westport is a lot harder.

In a perfect world my private pilot, Lars, would fly me there.
In an imperfect world I have a range of imperfect choices.

1) Spouse, Significant Other, Parent, or Friend driving you there.
No question, that is the #1 best way of getting there. And more fun, too.
All your stuff is with you and you get it all the way to the starting point.

2) Driving yourself.
Either in your own car - and then you have to find long-term safe parking.
Or in a one-way rental - which is increasingly hard to fin and expensive.
Still - both let you take all your stuff all the way to the starting point.

3) Amtrak or Railroads.
Amtrak service is great for inexpensive bike shipping and taking your gear.
But it varies which stations take what - and is increasingly unpredictable.
Some long distance trains have roll-on bike service, others require packing.
But Amtrak trains are often late - very late - 8, 10, 12 hours at times.
Plus they take a long time to get there.
Via Rail isn't much better. The UK, EU, and Japan are way better.

4) Airlines
The main advantage of flying is getting there quickly.
The two main drawbacks are cost, especially baggage fees, and connections.
Bike fees have increases dramatically over the past decade.
More and more airlines limit baggege and charge exorbitantly for extra bags/weight.
Then there's the problem of connecting to surface transportation to your starting point.
(Although there are some people who start their tours from the airport baggage carousel.)

5) Bus
Someone who used to post here called it "Riding the Dog". Greyhound
For many parts of rural America, it's the only option.
And bus service has been declining rapidly. For good reason.
Bus travel is often the transportation for the most marginalized in society.
I've had a bus stop for hours because someone overdosed in the back.
I've had a bus stopped and searched in the middle of the night by the ICE for illegal immigrants.
I've had a driver quit mid-route because of drinking and obscene language.
It's the very last option when there are no others.
Regional public bus services - like the Point busses in Oregon are different.

<<<>>>

What's been your experience?
Is there some secret bike tour fairy that I don't know about?
(That last sentence is VERY risky to include.)

Pic - Cape Lookout Lighthouse - Not Easy to Reach

15

Routes / How Early Is Too Early? Eastbound from Oregon/Washington

« on: August 22, 2022, 08:00:05 pm »

This year I started an eastbound trip from Astoria, OR on June 1.
Cold & wet. Cold & wet. Even in eastern Oregon.
Near Baker City at noon on June 15th. 47F with a cold north wind.

If I would have done the same trip in 2021, I would have roasted.
In 2016 I started an eastbound trip from Westport, WA on June 3.
The next day it was a record 98F in Raymond.

Way back in 1990, I started an eastbound trip from Astoria on June 1.
The first few days were fine - then I got heavy snow in the Cascades.
Almost froze to death.

So - - -
When is the best time to start an eastbound cross-country trip from the Northwest coast?
Is the beginning of June too early? Should it be closer to the middle of June?
I actually like to start touring in mid-May, but I think that would be way too early.

What has your experience been?

Pic - Cold & Wet near Pendleton, but Green