The Underground Railroad Bicycle Route
Pioneering route blazes new trails for cyclists and encourages better health for all americans.
After three years of research and planning, Adventure Cycling Association, North America's largest bicycling organization, and the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Minority Health are pleased to unveil the newly completed 2,058-mile Underground Railroad Bicycle Route. A breakthrough in both historically-infused adventure travel and active-living outreach to the African-American community, the UGRR promises to introduce people of all cultural backgrounds to the adventure and health benefits of cycling and bicycle travel.
Adventure Cycling's maps for the route steer cyclists along cycling-friendly, low-traffic roads, and feature elevation profiles, historical notes, and information on camping, lodging, and worthwhile historical sites along the way.
Starting in Mobile, Alabama, the route winds north through river valleys and wildlife refuges to Kentucky and Ohio, before reaching Lake Erie, Niagara Falls, and its end-point in Owen Sound, Ontario on Lake Huron's Georgian Bay, the final destination for many freedom seekers. Besides the lush green scenery and the many small towns the route passes through, a host of museums, historic parks, and visitor centers bring the history of this remarkable period alive. Whether you embark on a day ride or the entire 2,058-mile trek, you're sure to enjoy a treat for both the mind and the senses.
"We've all heard the story of slaves who escaped to freedom," says Dennis Coello, a veteran photographer and writer who recently rode and photographed the route for Adventure Cycling, "but here's a chance to feel that story - and to experience a continent along the way."
The Adventure Cycling Association Page »
Other News Sources...
Pedal pushers | Athens native, mother travel the nation and beyond by bike
The Athens Messenger
June 24, 2007
Bicyclist's journey rolls into an adventure in heritage and health
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
June 13, 2007
Cyclists reach the end of the line; Group follows Underground Railroad route from Alabama to Owen Sound
Local News
May 30, 2007
Biking the Trail of the Underground Railroad
All Things Considered
May 20, 2007
Riding the Underground: Cyclists pass through Southern Indiana on 2,100 mile trek
The Evening News & The Tribune
May 05, 2007
Underground Railroad Bicycle Route stops in Grove Hill
The Clarke County Democrat
April 19, 2007
Cyclists following historic route of the Underground Railroad
The South Alabamian
April 19, 2007
Biking to health on the Underground Railroad Trail
University Times - University of Pittsburgh
April 19, 2007
Bikers follow Underground Railroad
Press-Register
April 15, 2007
A Historical Ride - Jet Magazine
Jet Magazine
April 2, 2007
The Northern Underground - Bicycling from Kentucky to Canada
Adventure Cyclist
April 2007
Adventure Cyclist - Go the Distance
Adventure Cyclist
April 2007
Underlying the Underground
"Letter from the Director"
Adventure Cyclist
March 2007
Historical Information In Support of the Adventure Cycling 2007 Bicycle Tour Along the Underground Railroad
Research completed by Group 505 at Purdue University
March 2007
Comings and Goings
The New York Times
March 18, 2007
New bicycle routes trace Underground Railroad
USA TODAY
March 9, 2007
Freedom route mixes cycling, history lesson Riding 2,100 miles in slaves' footsteps
Courier-Journal.com
March 4, 2007
Maps aim to connect cyclists with Underground Railroad history
Associated Press
March 3, 2007
Project helps cyclists travel Underground Railroad from Kentucky to Owen Sound
The Canadian Press
March 3, 2007
The Underground Railroad Bicycle Route : Alabama to Kentucky
Adventure Cyclist
November/December 2006
Breaking Away to Freedom
Adventure Cyclist
June 2006
Riding to Better Health
"A Look at the Center for Minority Health?s Innovative Partnership with Adventure Cycling."
Adventure Cyclist
April 2006
If you go... Underground Railroad Bicycle Route
Pittsburgh Post Gazette
April 1, 2006
Cycling trip follows trail from slavery to freedom
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
April 1, 2006
