February 2025

A first look at the Alliance's 2025 and beyond events calendar. Save the date today!

Save the Date: Ride, Remember, and Connect on the 9/11 National Memorial Trail

An exciting season of events is ahead on the 9/11 National Memorial Trail, offering supporters opportunities to ride, reflect, and connect with history. While the 9/11 Trail Alliance is hosting several of these rides, others—organized by additional groups and supporters—these events will help bring awareness and support to the trail. Whether drawn towards a multi-day journey across state lines or a scenic ride to one of the three 9/11 National Memorial sites, there is something for everyone to experience.

The event season will kick off in Spring with the Gulf Coast Bike Tour (April 18–May 13), hosted by Bruce White, a 1,200-mile ride from New Orleans, LA, to Key West. Also in May, cyclists can enjoy the Spring Fling with Linda (May 16–18) in Hershey, PA, offering varied routes through the region's scenic landscapes.

In August, the 50–NJ 9/11 Memorial Tour (August 9–14) will cover 275 miles, exploring each of the 50 dedicated 9/11 Memorials in the state of New Jersey. This will be followed by the Alliance's 1st annual Tour de Trail: NYC (August 15), a 40-mile ride beginning at Liberty State Park to Ground Zero and back. Also in August, the Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey (BTCNJ) will host the Ramapo Rally (August 17), exploring Northern and Western New Jersey.

As always, September will bring even more opportunities to get out on the 9/11 National Memorial Trail. The 7th annual Tour de Trail: Flight 93 (September 6) features a 24-mile ride with significant climbing from Berlin, PA, to the Flight 93 National Memorial and back. The New York Cycle Club's Escape New York Plus (September 11–14) offers cyclists multiple distance options, along with a special tribute at Ground Zero. Later in the month, the Fredericksburg Cyclists will host the Cannonball Century (September 27) in Fredericksburg, VA, featuring ride options ranging from 34.8 to 100.4 miles. The Alliance will close out the month with the 3rd annual Tour de Trail: Pentagon Memorial Walk, which now offers a cycling component of a 25-mile ride near Arlington, VA.

The 2025 event season will wrap up with the Gettysburg Loop Tour (October 23–28), a 250-mile ride from Harrisburg, PA, to Gettysburg and back, featuring a two-day stop in Gettysburg where participants will be offered a variety of routes and rides to choose from, showcasing the Gettysburg Battlefield and other local attractions.

Looking ahead, 2026 will mark the 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001. The Alliance will commemorate this with the 2026 9/11 National Memorial Trail Tour (June 15–July 13), a 27-day, 1,250-mile journey along the entire 9/11 Trail alignment.

Mark your calendars, save the date, and start planning the next adventure on the 9/11 National Memorial Trail! Stay tuned for further details and registration information as it emerges.

A glance back at the NPS press conference on July 1, 2024 at Flight 93 National Memorial.

Path of the Flood Trail: Pennsylvania's 2025 Trail of the Year

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) recently named the Path of the Flood Trail Pennsylvania's 2025 Trail of the Year. The 14-mile trail offers a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty as the route traces the devastating path of the 1889 Johnstown Flood. Beginning near the remains of the South Fork Dam, where the floodwaters originated, to Johnstown, the route takes visitors past key landmarks, including the Johnstown Flood National Memorial and Staple Bend Tunnel–the first railroad tunnel in the United States.

The September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance is thrilled for the Path of the Flood Trail to receive this recognition and is honored to have the trail as a part of the 9/11 National Memorial Trail network. On July 1, 2024, the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance joined the National Park Service at Flight 93 National Memorial to announce new infrastructure updates, including bike racks, designated bicycle lanes, and updated signage. These enhancements will improve accessibility and further strengthen the ties between historic sites in Western Pennsylvania, including the Johnstown Flood National Memorial, Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, and Flight 93 National Memorial.

With a shared mission of remembrance and resilience, the Path of the Flood Trail and the 9/11 National Memorial Trail offer a meaningful way to experience history while enjoying the outdoors. Plan your visit to Pennsylvania’s 2025 Trail of the Year by exploring the Path of the Flood Trail via the 9/11 National Memorial Trail and be part of this inspiring journey.

Last Year at the 2024 PBE.The Alliance is back at the Philadelphia Bike Expo – keep your eyes peeled for the 9/11 National Memorial Trail tent!

Experience the Alliance at the 2025 Philly Bike Expo!

The Alliance is excited to promote the September 11th National Memorial Trail at the upcoming 2025 Philadelphia Bike Expo on March 8 and 9!

Now in its 14th year, the Expo is renowned for its diverse array of exhibits, workshops, demos, and seminars, providing inspiration and information for both seasoned cyclists and newcomers to the biking world. Held at the PA Convention Center, the event features artisans and manufacturers from around the globe, alongside spacious indoor test-ride areas, making it a perfect opportunity to explore the latest in biking innovation. Last year's sold-out show hosted nearly 200 exhibitors and 5,000 attendees. Don't miss out on this incredible weekend filled with rides, food, and parties – grab your tickets now at www.phillybikeexpo.com and join us as we pedal towards a brighter future!

As advocates for the September 11th National Memorial Trail, the Alliance will be at the Expo to share information about this historic trail, which spans over 1,500 miles honoring the victims of September 11, 2001, while representing unity and resilience. The Alliance will be sharing a large booth with Bike Tours by Linda, who will be promoting their upcoming Hershey Spring Cycling Weekend, May 16-18. Visit the booth to learn more about the trail's significance, how you can get involved in supporting its mission, and explore exciting cycling opportunities. The Alliance is looking forward to hopefully seeing you there!

The September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance in the News:

• (VA) "A New Path: A New Segment of the 1,500-mile September 11th National Memorial Trail," The Nature Conservancy Magazine
• (PA) "A win for everybody': Path of Flood Trail earns state's Trail of the Year award," The Tribune-Democrat
• (PA) "Trailblazing: Fitzpatrick Secures Over $3 Million for PA-1 Rail Trail Initiatives," U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick Press Release