The organisers of the Trans Am Trail 1976 known then as "BIKECENTENNIAL 76" still exist but named Adventure Cycling Assoc who carry out a annual programme of cycling adventure tours. In 2001 their Cycle Montana tour was to be a 25th anniversary celebration of the 1976 Trans Am ride. As one of the successful riders in 1976 I was invited to take part in the 312 mile one week Cycle Montana Tour which started in Missoula Montana with a three day Reunion weekend (July20-22nd), the ride commencing July 23rd from Missoula arriving Bozeman Montana July 30th You will see the Cycle Montana ride is 312 miles of the 1976 Trans Am Trail. I celebrated my 50th birthday in 1976 just before the Trans Am ride so just before the Reunion ride in 2001 I was 75.

Bike riders old enough to cast their mind back 25yrs might well remember that in 1976  America were celebrating their Bicentennial. Arising from that sprung "BIKECENTENNIAL 76" who founded the Trans Am Trail a 4,250 mile bike ride starting in Reedsport Oregon and passing through 10 States of rural America to Yorktown Virginia.  Shortly after that inaugural ride and many others that evolved from it Bikecentennial 76  became Adventure Cycling Association  and now promote group bicycle tours through most States of the USA. one of which is Cycle MONTANA, starting in Missoula the Trailhead (HO) Adventure Cycling Assoc.

Imagine my surprise when recently 1 received an invitation telling me that a 25th anniversary Reunion was being held in Missoula and at the same time Cycle Montana 20001 would take place which covers 318 miles of the 1976 Trans Am route and veteran Trans Am riders were cordially invited. It was an invitation I could not refuse but at my age (75) was it wise to make the attempt ? They were however catering for 300 riders and a SAG wagon was also mentioned  so I decided to try.

The ride attracted 200 riders of which I was the only one from Britain  of just 20 or so veteran Trans Am 76 riders. The route covered the same ground through MONTANA as the Trans Am 76. That year it took me 3days this year it took me 5days (with a little help from the SAG Wagon on two days !).

Diary

Cycle Montana 2001 started in Missoula to DARBY a distance of 67.2miles 

The second day to Jackson Hot Springs was 7 5miles with several mountain passes to be climbed (I managed that but the last 20miles my climbing was into the SAG Wagon!) 

The 3rd day to DILLON was 55.6miles and one rest day following it. 

The fifth day to ENNIS was 70.2miles and the last 20miles I was forced to use the SAG Wagon again (I'd been having trouble with  my eyes most of the day because sun bloc I was using was being washed into my eyes with the perspiration from my forehead). 

The sixth day to BOZEMAN close by Yellowstone Nat Park 53.2miles and the "END"  I got the shuttle bus provided back to Missoula spending 3 days there before flying home

The organisers took great care in ensuring that every participant was cared for. Ovenights were on campgrounds (with motel options if required) Breakfast & Dinner were available on the campground and water stops & picnic lunch stops were spaced at regular intervals along each days ride

I have nothing but praise to all those that were responsible for the promotion and who gave me the opportunity to revisit those places of "76" on yet again another adventurous bike ride.

To those of you who desire to discover rural America I recommend this way. MONTANA and many other States are included in Adventure Cycling Assoc programme available on request.  But beware!! it might lead you - as it did me - to discover other adventurous parts of the world in the same manner, but having to organise it alone or with a companion !!   Water stops, lunch stops, campgrounds, & breakfast and dinner stops are not readily available in the ANDES or the HIMALAYA'S   I refer to the article appearing in Jan 1999  C T C magazine.