Adventure Cycling Association

A Drop-in Ride is a self-supported, flexible way to experience Adventure Cycling’s long-distance routes. Ride as little or as much as you’d like; jump in for a day, a weekend, or more. There’s no set start or finish, just your adventure on your terms.

Nope! That’s the beauty of Drop-in Rides. Pick any section, distance, or timeframe that works for you.

No. All Drop-in Rides are self-supported. Riders are responsible for their own food, water, navigation, safety, and accommodations.

Drop-in Rides are part of Adventure Cycling’s 50th Anniversary. Just as Bikecentennial ’76 sparked a movement 50 years ago, these rides celebrate where we started, what we’ve accomplished, and where we’re going, inviting riders everywhere to share in the adventure.

The Drop-in Ride season runs as long as the 2026 riding season. The peak riding season for these routes is May through September 2026. We suggest you start your ride any time during the season, on any section of the route, but you’re welcome to complete your Drop-in Ride anytime in 2026.

Yes! Riders of all ages and abilities are welcome. Choose a section and pace that works for you.

No, anyone can participate. All registrants will be entered into the Drop-in Rides giveaways and receive route-specific informational emails and guidance. But members enjoy great benefits, like posting on Companions Wanted and access to gear deals like ExpertVoice, and your support helps us keep creating routes and programs like this. Memberships start at $25 a year or $2.50 a month. We hope you’ll support us by becoming a member.

Registration is free – yay!

You can still be part of the celebration! Follow along on the live tracking map, join the excitement as a dot-watcher, donate to support our mission, or purchase the route and ride it later.

Registration is free but required. Sign up to let us know you’re participating, and we’ll stay connected with updates, route resources, special perks, giveaways, and how-to articles.

If you are an Adventure Cycling member, please register using the same email address associated with your membership account. This helps us avoid sending you duplicate emails.

Either works! You can register as an individual or as part of a group. The first 50 registered groups will have the option to appear on our live GPS tracking map.

If you decide to form a group after you have already registered, no problem. Simply contact us with your group name and the names of the riders you want included, and we will update your registration.

When registering, each rider should sign up individually and enter the same group name. This ensures your group is linked together in the system.

If your group is one of the first 50 to register, you will also have the option to appear on our live GPS tracking map.

If you need to add riders later, just have them register under your existing group name. If anything needs to be updated, contact us and we will make sure your group information is correct.

Yes! Each rider still needs to register individually, but you can add new members to your group after registration. The easiest way is to have them register under your existing group name. If you need help linking riders or updating a group after everyone has registered, just contact us at ride50@adventurecycling.org and we will make sure your group is set up correctly.

Yes! If you need to make changes to your registration, you can log back into the registration platform to update your information. We understand plans can change, whether you want to shift dates to ride with an ambassador or for another reason. If you need additional help or want to make a change that the system does not allow, just reach out to us and we will be happy to assist.

For 2026, our ambassadors are:

• Lael Wilcox on the Golden Gravel Trail – bio

  Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Lael started commuting by bike in her 20s. Within a year, riding to work became riding across the country and then all over the world. She began ultra distance racing in 2015 and holds the women’s records in the Trans Am and the Guinness World Record for fastest circumnavigation. Lael is motivated to encourage more people, especially women, to ride. She organizes Tucson GRIT, women’s adventure scholarships and bikepacking challenges.

• Ryan Van Duzer on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route – bio

  Ryan is a born-and-bred mountain boy from the foothills of the Rockies who has always loved playing in the dirt and exploring the outdoors. Now based in Boulder, Colorado, his passion is getting people motivated to challenge themselves, all while making this world a kinder place, which he shares through his YouTube channel. Ryan’s adventures—from bikepacking and endurance running to spontaneous journeys—are fueled by his “ridiculous optimism”.

  Ryan says,

  Have gear or goodies riders would love? Get in touch to learn more about partnering on our giveaway, open through March 15, 2026.

  “My bicycle is a freedom machine, it’s my favorite way to explore this beautiful planet. Biking obviously takes me places physically, but it also takes me places emotionally. Adventure is anywhere there is an open sky and an open mind.”

You can follow their journeys in real time through our live GPS tracking map. Watching their “dot” is your window into where they are on the route and an open invitation to join the fun.

There are many ways to connect:

• Ride alongside them: Hop on for a few miles or the full route, matching your own pace and schedule.
• Cheer them on: Track their progress and meet them at key points along the route to clap, wave, and encourage them.
• Bring the celebration: Show up with snacks, water, or even a meal to share the spirit of the ride.
• Join the community energy: Meet them at gathering spots, swap stories, and take part in the festivities.

Participating alongside the ambassadors is about being part of the movement. They bring inspiration, enthusiasm, and community spirit to the 50th Anniversary, making these rides something everyone can share in.

Yes! Riders are welcome and encouraged to join our ambassadors, Lael Wilcox on the Golden Gravel Trail and Ryan Van Duzer on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, on portions of their journeys. We’ll share details about when and where they’ll be riding as the season gets closer.

RVD will start the GDMBR around the Summer Solstice June 21st or 22nd, 2026

Lael??

Visit our route overview pages to see descriptions, maps, and details to help you choose the ride that fits your goals. Discover the details of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route or the TransAmerica Trail right now. The Golden Gravel Trail overview page will launch with the route in early 2026 but you can find out more about it now here.

Adventure Cycling offers both paper maps and digital maps for purchase directly through our website:

• TransAmerica Trail
• Paper & Digital: TransAmerica Trail Maps
• Great Divide Mountain Bike Route
• Paper & Digital: Great Divide Maps

These maps include turn-by-turn directions, service listings, and detailed navigation notes. Once downloaded, digital maps can be used offline on your GPS device or phone.

• Golden Gravel Trail
• This brand-new 50th Anniversary route will be free to download starting early 2026.
• Why free? The TransAm and GDMBR are legacy routes with decades of service data that require ongoing updates supported by map sales. The Golden Gravel Trail is being offered free as a gift to the cycling community in celebration of ACA’s 50th Anniversary.

For more information about digital maps, visit our Digital Routes FAQ page

The best bike depends on the route you plan to ride. Review the detailed route information on riding conditions, terrain, and logistics to help determine what setup is right for you.

• Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR): Expect mostly dirt and gravel roads with stretches of rugged terrain. You’ve got options: a robust touring bike with panniers, a sturdy mountain bike with racks, or a dedicated bikepacking setup. The key is a durable, comfortable bike with wide tires and stable handling for long days on rough terrain. For more details, see the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route guide and Choosing a Bike for the Great Divide.
• TransAm: A touring bike, road bike, or other setup designed for long-distance pavement riding works best.
• Golden Gravel: Similar to the Great Divide, this route features gravel and dirt surfaces. A gravel or bikepacking setup will be the most versatile choice. 50th Anniversary Epic Route: Golden Gravel Trail – Adventure Cycling Association

Check out our Companions Wanted listings to connect with others planning to ride. Adventure Cycling members have access to posting on Companions Wanted (become a member at just $2.50 a month to post) but anyone can respond to a post seeking a companion or forming a group. Drop-in Rides have a special section on Companions Wanted in celebration of our 50th anniversary.

We’ve partnered with Follow My Challenge to offer live GPS tracking. The first 50 registered groups will have the option to appear on the live map on our website during the riding season. Once your ride begins, the dot-watching fun starts!