An outdoor trade organization named the Adventure Cycling Association among its finalists for the 2008 Outdoor Industry Ambassador Award.
Although the award ultimately went to Mountain Gear for training more than 1,000 climbers a year, the bicycle touring group said it was proud to included among the finalists and honored to be the only cycling group cited.
Adventure Cycling was chosen for its Underground Railroad Bicycle Route, which has drawn new audiences, including African-Americans, to recreational bicycle touring.
Historic route
Launched last year, the route follows the corridor taken by escaped slaves seeking freedom in the years before the Civil War. It rolls more than 2,000 miles from Mobile, Alabama, to Owen Sound, Ontario.
The bike route was created in cooperation with University of Pittsburgh's Center for Minority Health, REI, and Bikes Belong. The Center for Minority Health had an interest in the project because it tells an important story and encourages more African Americans to use biking to maintain good health.
Tour the route
There are quite a few ways to experience the underground railroad bike route. You can simply buy a set of maps from Adventure Cycling. Or you can join this year's self-contained tour that rolls out for 48 days beginning April 27.
Adventure Cycling also offers a fully supported bike tour of the last leg from July 27 to Aug. 3.
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Major Taylor Cycling Club is sponsoring a three-day bike tour of the Pittsburgh to Erie spur route (check with club for details). Also, the Across Ohio Bicycle Adventure is incorporating a portion of the underground railroad bike route on its tour that runs from July 19-26.
More at Adventure Cycling and University of Pittsburgh's Center for Minority Health and Major Taylor Bicycle Club.
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