Touring - Adventure cyclist?

Does anyone have a subscription/membership, is it worth the money?

Yes, but probably not in the sense that you are thinking. Having an AC membership supports significant bicycle advocacy efforts, such as the US Bicycle Route System. The magazine is just a nice little bonus and it is, in fact, a great read.

Lastr month's version:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?694029-Adventure-Cycling...-Does-anyone-subscribe

Yes, but probably not in the sense that you are thinking. Having an AC membership supports significant bicycle advocacy efforts, such as the US Bicycle Route System. The magazine is just a nice little bonus and it is, in fact, a great read.

that answers my questions, thank you.

Lastr month's version:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?694029-Adventure-Cycling...-Does-anyone-subscribe

thanks, i should have used the search function.

I agree that the Adventure Cycling organization does great things for touring cyclists. First and foremost is exploring routes and making maps. Each time they come up with a new one I'm amazed. Their list of accomplishments is already so long. I'd pay the membership just to support them and to get the member's discount on maps. But the magazine is a great bonus. I enjoy every issue. My only complaint is that they're too short. I usually have them read in two days.

And I'm of the opposite camp. I see little value in it. I have asked and received their membership packet and found that they basically sell maps and push very hard to do that. I too support the Bicycle Route program and countless other bicycle related activities - ones that ACA seems only to happy to take credit for. Funny, I can donate and support to my hearts content without interaction with the ACA but they would have you believe otherwise.

I check back frequently to see what they are up to, hoping that they do become the organization they claim to be but so far, in my opinion they just aren't. i'll continue to support the other programs I do instead.

And I'm of the opposite camp. I see little value in it. I have asked and received their membership packet and found that they basically sell maps and push very hard to do that. I too support the Bicycle Route program and countless other bicycle related activities - ones that ACA seems only to happy to take credit for. Funny, I can donate and support to my hearts content without interaction with the ACA but they would have you believe otherwise.

I check back frequently to see what they are up to, hoping that they do become the organization they claim to be but so far, in my opinion they just aren't. i'll continue to support the other programs I do instead.

What are the other programs/organizations that you support?

Everyone has a right to his or her opinion. I've toured without the ACA maps and with them, and had success and enjoyment both ways. But following an ACA route and using their maps has distinct advantages. All the services have been scouted out. I know where I can expect to find food, lodging, etc. To me, a huge advantage is their routing. When I tour without their maps - just using a road map and what I can glean from other sources - I tend to ride on main roads - two lane highways usually. The ACA routes take you on quiet backroads, often some of the most peaceful and scenic stretches along the route. I'd say about 95% of the time their routing is superior to what I'd come up with on my own. I'll continue to be a member and support them. However, with all the routes they've come up with, my bucket list keeps getting longer.

I agree with ocho. I don't see much value in ACA. The places where my experience overlaps their maps shows me that they really don't put much time or effort into their route choices. When there are desolate, totally untraveled roads available, they always seem to assume that everyone needs to be in some sort of settlement every forty miles and choose routes that often add too much unnecessary risk for my tastes. I suppose one could use their stuff as a jumping off point and as one of several sources of information. However, there really are a lot of information sources out there, including the lowly paper map. I suppose they are better than a pig in a poke, but not by much.