I've just had a quick glance at the ACA website- or as quick as it could be as it's very slow to load. What do you get for the cost of membership? Access to some routes and a magazine? I think in this day and age there are so many other free/cheap options due to online communities such as this one, bikepacking.com, bearbonesbikepacking, Komoot, Strava, Ride with GPS, etc where people openly share their knowledge about different routes around the world, places to stay, places to avoid, must see areas, etc that it isn't necessary. Also, I looked at the cost of some of their organised tours- $1299 for a 6 day self-supported tour? That's insane, and one of the cheaper ones. I spent less than £150 for 5 days away including the train to get me to the start and back. And the UK isn't notorious for cheap trains or campsites.

In the UK, we have a few different cycling organisations- British Cycling which is more race focused, but membership provides 3rd party liability insurance and some other things. Cycling UK is a charity that aims to promote all things cycling in the UK- everything from advocating for safer infrastructure, getting families and beginners cycling, touring, bikepacking, creating routes, etc. They've been putting out new long distance, off-road focused routes for the past several years and they're free. You can purchase a route guide, but the GPXs are readily available on their site. You can become a supporting member for about £4.50/month for an individual and £7.50/month for a family. This includes third party liability, a magazine, discounts places, and some other things.

I don't think the decline in membership is due to companies going woke (because god forbid you celebrate diversity and embrace empathy). I think the way we get information about destinations, routes, etc has changed first and foremost. There are so many resources these days. I mostly use Komoot. The community aspect of it is brilliant as other members can make notes on certain bits of trail (avoid this field when it's been wet or suitable for gravel and mtb, for example) that makes planning routes easy. Google is a great source to find campsites or other accommodation.

Another is that millenials and older Gen Z have less disposable income, less time off (either because they live in the US and there is no guaranteed paid holiday or are having children older so can't go off for as long- I get a cheeky overnight micro-adventure, a long bikepacking weekend with friends, and a long bikepacking weekend with my son for bike related adventures- the rest of my holiday is off the bike or limited to day family rides), and different priorities. I would love to be able to get away for a several week-long trip, it's just not the right time in my life for it.