A fantastic shot of cyclists on the 9/11 Trail from the PA Statewide Tour. Happy Bike Month! |
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Wrapping Up National Bike Month with the Alliance
First established in 1956, National Bike Month is promoted by the League of American Bicyclists. Cycling provides an abundance of health benefits and brings together enthusiasts from all walks of life. The September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance invites everyone to embrace the joy of bicycling and the positive energy it creates to help bring communities together.
Globally, biking is recognized as a mode of transportation, recreation, and therapy—an effective fitness tool essential to our well-being and everyday lives. Whether you’re riding for exercise, the environment, family fun, or getting to and from work, biking plays a pivotal role in the universal movement for a healthier planet and happier humans.
As National Bike Month comes to a close, the Alliance is here to remind everyone that the ride never stops. We encourage all to keep the wheels turning—get the bike out, put on a helmet, and discover the fun and benefits of cycling. Together, let's continue riding towards a future of health, remembrance, and togetherness.
Happy cycling!
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Jacob Moss and Ray Dunton of Warrior Expeditions smile at the Pentagon Memorial before beginning their journey. |
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Honoring Our Heroes: Warrior Expeditions on the 9/11 Trail
We are proud to announce that Warrior Expeditions is partnering again with the Alliance to have two veterans, Ray Dunton (United States Army) and Jacob Moss (United States Marine Corps), hike the entirety of the 9/11 National Memorial Trail. Warrior Expeditions is a veteran nonprofit outdoor therapy program that helps veterans transition from their wartime experiences through long-distance outdoor expeditions. The duo began their journey on the morning of May 13, starting at the Pentagon Memorial, and heading northwest to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA. Follow along their journey through our social media sites—Instagram and Facebook.
In 2022, Army veteran Kevin Wilson and his service dog Calvin became the first to complete the Warrior Hike of the 9/11 Trail. Additionally, U.S. Marines Kevin and Kristi Black completed the first-ever Warrior Bike of the Trail in 2023. Both journeys brought wonderful interactions with communities and people along the way, making the experience of traversing the entire Trail a positive, life-changing experience for all. The Alliance is hopeful that this year's veterans will have similarly transformative experiences as they undertake the second-ever Warrior Hike of the 9/11 Trail.
As we reflect on the significance of May being Military Appreciation Month in addition to Memorial Day on May 27, it is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women. The Alliance is honored to partner with Warrior Expeditions once again, offering the 9/11 Trail as an official expedition route for their organization. Through these journeys, we continue to honor the memory of those lost on September 11, 2001, and support the healing and resilience of our veterans.
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Members of the 2022 9/11 National Memorial Trail Tour smile for a photo near the Flight 93 Memorial. |
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Support the 9/11 National Memorial Trail Tour!
The September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance is eagerly preparing for the upcoming 2024 9/11 National Memorial Trail Bike Tour, set to take place from June 5 to July 1, 2024. This meaningful journey spans 1,200 miles over 27 days, traversing through scenic landscapes and paying tribute to the memory of those affected by the events of September 11, 2001.
Beginning in Arlington, Virginia, at the Pentagon Memorial on June 5, the tour will follow a clockwise route along the poignant 9/11 Trail, visiting each 9/11 memorial site before culminating back in Arlington, Virginia, on July 1. This event is more than just a bike tour; it is a powerful symbol of unity, remembrance, and resilience.
While it is unfortunately too late to register for the 2024 bike tour, there are still impactful ways to participate and support the cause. The Alliance is excited to share a unique fundraising opportunity intricately tied to this cycling tour. Every dollar raised by participants will be generously matched up to $10,000. This means contributions will go twice as far in supporting the ongoing maintenance and development of the 9/11 National Memorial Trail. We encourage everyone to rally their communities, contribute to the fundraising efforts, and help the Alliance reach this matching goal. Donations will ensure the trail's significance endures for future generations, providing a lasting tribute to those we lost and a path of reflection and healing for all who walk or ride it.
If you missed the registration for this year’s tour, mark your calendars for 2026, when the 9/11 National Memorial Trail Bike Tour will take place again to commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. This milestone event promises to be even more significant, and we hope to see even greater participation and support.
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The September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance in the News:
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THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER
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"As a major employer, landowner and member of many communities across the Greater Mid-Atlantic region, WM continues to work for a more sustainable tomorrow. We are committed to making positive social impacts through environmental education and conservation. This allows us to dedicate resources to fund programs that make a difference in people’s lives," Chris Farley – WM Area Vice President.
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