Letter from the Executive Director

At Adventure Cycling, we believe that bicycle travel isn’t just about the miles you pedal — it’s about the journey, the growth, and the connections made along the way. Cycling allows us to connect deeply with the world around us, to challenge ourselves, and to find peace in the simple rhythm of pedaling. It’s a mode of travel that offers benefits extending far beyond the road.

Research shows that setting and achieving significant goals, such as cycling across the country or even to the next county, can enhance motivation, self-esteem, and autonomy. Achieving such milestones improves mental well-being, creating a profound sense of accomplishment.

Beyond goal setting, the act of cycling offers mental and physical benefits. Just a casual ride through nature triggers the release of endorphins, which help elevate mood, promote relaxation, alleviate stress, and reduce anxiety and depression. Cycling also increases blood flow to the brain, which can enhance cognitive functions such as memory, reasoning, and planning abilities. Providing both a significant personal goal and physical activity, bicycle travel creates a powerful synergy for the mind, body, and spirit.

This community is built on cyclists who have directly felt the transformational impact of bicycle travel on their mental and physical health. Now imagine what sort of world we could have if everyone could take the time, have the resources, and find the confidence to experience these benefits for themselves.

At Adventure Cycling, we are committed to creating opportunities for more people to experience these benefits. From mapping thousands of miles of bike routes to offering tours and resources for cyclists of all levels, our mission is to help everyone find their own adventure.

As we approach the end of the year, I ask you to support our Year-End Appeal. Your donations help us extend these positive impacts to more people, building a healthier, happier community of bicycle travelers. Together, we can keep the joy of cycling alive and growing.

Thank you for being part of our community.

With gratitude,

Jen O’Dell
Executive Director, Adventure Cycling Association

Tour Leader Spotlight

Brielle Wacker

Greetings from the Southern Tier! This is my first year leading tours with Adventure Cycling and it’s been an eventful one, starting with the 75-day TransAm Express and now the 59-day Southern Tier. So many days on my bike and so many nights in my tent! 

When I first started road biking in 2015 and found out about Adventure Cycling, I could not believe how many fabulous tours were offered. After a week-long tour in Utah, I was hooked. Cycling became an important part of my vacation planning and soon I had a whole network of bike touring friends because of Adventure Cycling. In 2022, on a month-long tour in Alaska, I started to seriously consider how I could make bicycle touring an even bigger part of my life. I spent a good number of fulfilling years working in healthcare, but I felt like I couldn’t spend as much time outdoors being active as I wanted to. It was time for a “detour,” and I knew that leading tours for Adventure Cycling would allow me to do mission-driven work that makes a difference, while also nourishing my own body and spirit. 

There are so many things I love about this job, but I always circle back to the mission of inspiring, empowering and connecting people to travel by bike. Each of these elements happens every day on tour, often with the participants but also with the folks we come across on the road and in the communities. Bicycle travel is transformative, and it’s a joy and an honor to help others have these experiences. Hope to see you out on a tour in 2025!

Letter from the Board Chair

Serving on Adventure Cycling’s Board is a volunteer commitment shared by individuals passionate about the mission of bringing the benefits of bicycle travel to as many people as possible. Each board member contributes unique skills and perspectives. Some of us work in the cycling and travel industry, while others have backgrounds in business strategy, nonprofit leadership, government, and health systems. We are united by our commitment to making bicycle travel accessible and empowering to all.

One board member who has committed many years to empowering others to travel by bike is Joyce Casey. A Tour Leader since 2008, Joyce played an instrumental role in revamping the Leadership Development Course, equipping new leaders to bring the joy and challenge of bicycle travel to others. During her nine years on the Board of Directors, serving intervals as Vice-chair and then Chair, she provided steadfast and thoughtful leadership. As this is her last year on the Board, Joyce’s contributions and dedication will be greatly missed. Thank you, Joyce, for your outstanding service to Adventure Cycling. We’re glad to continue to have you as an active Tour Leader.

We are thrilled to welcome Lael Wilcox to the Board. Lael’s passion for cycling is unmatched. She embodies the spirit of bicycle travel, bringing positivity and enthusiasm to everything she does. Her advocacy work focuses on building community, workshops, and events that empower women and girls to travel by bike — highlighting the health and connection benefits of cycling. All of which aligns perfectly with our mission. Lael is currently leading a fundraiser to support our mission, and her efforts inspire us all to contribute in our own ways — even if that’s leading a small group on a short, local bike overnight. We are excited to see what Lael will accomplish as she helps steer Adventure Cycling toward new horizons.

As we wrap up the year and look ahead to the next, I ask for your continued support of our Year End Appeal. Your donations fuel the work we do to inspire, empower, and connect a growing community of bicycle travelers. Together, we can reach more people and create opportunities for adventure through our routes, tours, and programs.

Thank you for being a vital part of this community.

Sincerely,

Maria Elena Price
Board Chair, Adventure Cycling Association