I had the opportunity to participate in a week long tour of the URR Bicycle Route from Buffalo, NY to Owen Sound, Canada last summer. I have enjoyed many bicycle trips over the years but as this trip progressed it became more than just an enjoyable bicycle tour; it became inspirational. The trip attracted a group of 89 cyclists with more diversity in terms of age, race, and previous cycling experience than I had experienced on any other bicycle tour. We visited museums and churches with ties to the Underground Railroad and we were treated to speakers with knowledge of the history of the Underground Railroad in Buffalo, NY and Canada. This diverse group of cyclists bonded early in the week and cared for each other on the road. When the tour concluded it was difficult to say good bye to my fellow cyclists. I would like to thank The Adventure Cycling Association and the Center for Minority Health at The University of Pittsburgh for developing this remarkable route.

I cycled 400 miles of this route and learned so much about the history of slavery in America while enjoying sightseeing the countryside in a healthful way.

The Underground Railroad Bicycle Tour has brought together a variety of organizations with decidedly different missions, funding streams, and backgrounds to help aid the understanding of history and to encourage healthy living. This innovative program combines skills of public health professionals, cyclists, librarians, public officials, and interested citizens in a celebration of the strength of people past, and to build strength in the people of the present and the future. The Underground Railroad Bicycle Route is truly the embodiment of a changemaker!

To tell you waht a life changing adventure taking the UGRR trip was would take far too much time. I could not believe how enjoyable and educational a bike tour could be. I have sworn off resorts in favor of trying to make a difference in this world. I have through mu interaction with the ACA began on a small scale in my hometown, a youth cycling club that will be active come June 2008. In my area minorities especially do not take care of themselves the way they should. I feel that if we could get the youth involved, then we might foster an idea of health that will be life long. The ability to add a historical perspective and get the children to make the connection to their heritage is an added benefit to thier success. I think the the ACA commitment to eco tourism has and will continue to in spire people like me who desire to be a change agent in this world. Thank You.

The Underground Railroad Route and Adventure Cycling's programs help bridge cultural differences, historical perspectives, communities and people of varying ages and backgrounds. Traveling by bicycle is healthy for our environment and healthy for people - let's all work towards engaging minorities and groups that are not traditionally involved in bicycling.

Seldom do seven days change one's life, but I will guarantee these will. Last summer 89 of us accepted the challenge and rode the section of the Underground Railway from Buffalo, NY to Owen Sound, Ontario. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet people from different racial and cultural backgrounds who shared a common interest in cycling – a perfect mix. After long, hot days of cycling came cooler evenings with lots of opportunity to listen to a host of experts on the Underground Railway who Adventure Cycling had invited to speak. For most of them, the UGRR was a passion, and seeing so many wanting to share their passion was extremely heartwarming. Truly an adventure of a lifetime.

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Jack

This project has everything going for it! It is a win-win-win-win-win all the way around. No wonder it is so popular and making such an impact to transform individual lives, health, cultural education and cultural appreciation and understanding. Did I mention fun, too? In the world today we need more projects like this that bring people together in such a positive way. Keep up the good work.