Have you ever thought or fantasized about wanting to get out and do an overnight bicycle trip but never really knew where to start? If that’s the case then maybe this will be the inspiration you need to actually get it done. Already an experienced bike traveler? There’s opportunity here for you as well.
Check it out: Registration for Adventure Cycling Association’s sixth annual Bike travel Weekend is now open as of April 4th, 2022. Bike travel weekend is June 3rd through the 5th and offers an opportunity to inspire, connect and empower bike travelers everywhere to hopefully try their first overnighter or weekend trip. The rides for the weekend can be of any length and can take place anytime over that weekend. You can try a solo ride, go with your family, or invite other cyclist friends from your area to join you in the adventure.
Visit biketravelweekend.org to search for, lead or plan a ride. See below for some important deadlines.
“For Bike Travel Weekend this year, join thousands around the globe who are connected through the joy of traveling by bike,” said Carmen Aiken, Bike Overnights Project Manager for Adventure Cycling. “Try a solo sub-24-hour ride, gather your family or a few friends for a one- or two-night trip, or open it up to others in your community – we can’t wait to see what you plan. Whatever Bike Travel Weekend is for you, we hope we can build an amazing adventure cycling community together.”
The goal here is to inspire more people to experience bike travel during an overnight or weekend trip. Whether you are an experienced multiday cyclist or a cyclist that has never gone on a bike trip, the Bike Travel Weekend is for everyone!
Adventure Cycling Association says that last year more than 5000 people went on more than 700 rides as part of Bike Travel Weekend. Cyclists across the country and around the world can register to lead their own public or private ride or join an existing public ride.
Bike Travel Weekend ideas include:
- Plan a ride on Adventure Cycling’s Route Network or the U.S. Bicycle Route System.
- Plan a ride on state bike travel routes in Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, or Oregon. Contact other state departments of transportation to see if similar resources are available.
- Plan a ride on a rail trail through the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.
- If dirt is preferred over road, plan a ride on a bikepacking route.
- And outside the U.S., plan a ride using international bike route networks.
Adventure Cyclist wants you to know that if you lead a ride with five or more participants who are registered by May 1, they will provide Bike Travel Weekend stickers and swag. Once all of the cyclists are registered, email bike-overnights@adventurecycling.org.
Or, lead a large ride of at least 10 participants who are registered by May 15, and Adventure Cycling will provide Ambassador swag. Keep in mind that leaders of large rides are expected to hold pre-trip meetings, take photos, and share their joy for bike travel. Once all cyclists are registered, email bike-overnights@adventurecycling.org.
Adventure Cycling also offers support and stipends for people interested in leading a ride for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women, intersex or gender nonconforming cyclists, or cyclists with disabilities. To learn more, email bike-overnights@adventurecycling.org for stipend proposal requirements.
As an added incentive, anyone who registers to lead or join a ride will receive a one-time 10% off code for Adventure Cycling’s online Cyclosource Store.
Find out more about Bike Travel Weekend at biketravelweekend.org, then register to lead or join a ride, pack your gear, and share your experience using the hashtag #biketravelweekend.
What Adventure Cycling Association is About
Adventure Cycling Association inspires, empowers, and connects people to travel by bike. It is the largest cycling membership organization in North America with more than 50,000 members. Adventure Cycling has produced over 50,000 miles of meticulously mapped bicycle routes for North America, organizes more than 100 tours annually, and publishes bike travel information including Adventure Cyclist magazine. Adventure Cycling Association has also provided dedicated staff support to the U.S. Bicycle Route System since 2005, including research support, meeting coordination and technical guidance for states developing routes.
Phone: 800-755-BIKE (2453).
Web: www.adventurecycling.org.
