By Diane Jenks
Diane Jenks is the host of the Outspoken Cyclist podcast. This guest editorial originally posted on Jenks' Substack newsletter.
For over 30 years, I have been a committed supporter of the Adventure Cycling Association. My particular support has come in the form of advertising for my business as well as referring many cyclists to the outstanding resources offered for the bicycle adventurer – from maps to apps. For many others, support has come in the form of membership and/or donations.
For those who aren’t familiar with Adventure Cycling, it began in 1973 and rolled into the broader bicycle consciousness in 1976 with a cross-country bike event called “BikeCentennial.” (You can read more about the history of the ACA here)
Recently, there have been rumblings that are shaking the underpinnings of the organization — declining membership, fewer monthly issues of the magazine, cuts in staff, and a revolving door of executive directors.
Of course, the issue is always about money in the end though; and all of these troubling concerns have led the board of directors to take what some are claiming is a draconian measure — putting the ACA headquarters building in Missoula up for sale.
In their most recent update, the board lays out its reasoning. But, I think it may be putting the cart in front of the proverbial horse.
In my mind, and I believe in the minds of staff, past, present, and future visitors, as well as thousands of members, this isn’t “just any building.” Over the decades, cyclists traveling cross-country as well as from all over the world have had the singular goal to stop in Missoula to “touch” this legendary place.
As one person put it, it’s a “bucket-list destination” housing the map makers, magazine editors, artists, writers, tour guides, and other service folks who were “in some way responsible for their journey.”
In addition to its extensive archives and working spaces, the building holds so many memories and dreams.
Traveling by bike is the type of adventure that, once begun, takes hold of you and doesn’t let you go until you experience the kindness of strangers, the beauty of the country, and that sense of satisfaction and excitement that comes with the final mile.
From a practical perspective, I am well aware of the changing demographic of the adventure cyclist. S/he may no longer ride a steel bike with loaded panniers for a self-supported 3-month cross-country journey. Younger folks don’t necessarily have that kind of time or even the desire for such a trip.
Today’s cyclist might prefer a trail over an open road and use gps instead of a paper map, but the adventure is still in the journey, and Missoula is still THE destination.
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of BikeCentennial and while I’m not certain what it will take to ride through the fire and come out the other side, I don’t believe that sacrificing what was and is the foundation of the organization – 150 East Pine Street in Missoula, Montana – is the answer.
Some things do need to change, and a new generation of cyclists need to be cultivated so that Adventure Cycling can once again thrive. In my opinion, THAT should be the goal.
Please contact the board of directors to let them know that the building, made possible through member supported funds, should NOT be sold. Write to: board@adventurecycling.org.
