Originally Posted by
dreamy
But moving on, times have changed and I just don't think there is as much need for an organisation like this anymore.
When I cycled across the USA pre Internet I bought their maps as it was the easiest way
Nowadays there are so many free mapping apps and online resources and ways to connect with other travellers that you can easily do it all yourself
I don't have a dog in this fight, but...
Online resources: Beat me to it. I had thoughts of that too, don't know if a factor.
Did ACA reach out to recent-past members, asking why they left? That's critical, because some things are within their control, and some things not.
REI: Yeah I hardly shop there any more, just Shoe Goo for my shoes. A sale price on something expensive is still expensive. I don't like buying a quart of MSR white gas for 65% the price of a gallon (4 quarts) of Coleman fuel. What customers would like is if you could walk into an REI on a tour and get their fuel bottle filled from bulk or a gallon can, and be charged accordingly, without buying a gallon can which isn't going to fit in panniers; Easier I suppose if a group tour and everyone splits one or multiple gallon cans. On the good side, outside the store they have a bike repair station with a bike hanger and stocked with Park tools on cable lanyards, at least at their flagship Seattle store. Last I checked, no one had yet cut the cables and stole the tools, would be typical, but perhaps they have good security at night.