I'm concerned about the direction of Adventure Cycling in the past few years.
There is only one organization in the U.S. devoted to long-distance bicycling touring - ACA.
Formerly known as Bikecentennial, it grew out of the desire of cyclists to commemorate the Bicentennial by cycling across the U.S.A.
But it seems that the organization is less and less invested in that mission.

ACA seems to be moving in the direction of Backroads or other touring companies -
Offering high-priced, van-supported, inn-to-inn packages - but that's not what Bikecentennial was, at all.
In fact, ACA no longer offers the original TransAmerica tours for the past two years.
If ACA simply wants to be another high-end touring company focusing on marketing to an affluent clientele they should say as much.
It simply may be that the older, low-cost, low-impact, holistic model doesn't work any more.
But I doubt it - especially given the younger people I meet.

Other things - -
The "Companions Wanted" section of the disappeared - recreated by a user in the forum. Why?
​Memberships have exploded in cost with the disappearance of student and senior membership options
I suspect that their goal of increasing revenue will have a net result in a loss of members.
Then there is the increased politicization of ACA and its webpages.
I think that most touring cyclists are on the liberal side of the political divide,
But I am sure that there are many conservatives, as well. I know quite a few.
When you have a single cycle touring organization, it should be apolitical.
Not only is it bad business, but many people don't want more political activism, they want less.

Look at the people in the Cookie Lady's photo albums. Say in August 1986.
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/...id=45949&v=13I
June Curry opened up her house and heart to thousands of cyclists.
Most of them were a far cry from people nowadays who drop $4000 on a two-week ACA tour.

Technology has advanced, traffic has increased, camping has become more difficult and expensive,
but I believe that there are many people - especially young people -
who want to explore the country on a bicycle on a dime
to make friends with other cyclists from around the world
and to meet people who they might otherwise never encounter.




Pic - June Curry in 2004 at the Cookie House
A Roadside Education on the TransAm Trail
By Carlyn Arteaga, Brandon Arteaga and Andrea Anderson
Legend of the Cookie Lady
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/...v=Kt#pic_53340