Was 2012 a Dream?

November 8, 2012

When you read the title, you were probably thinking: "uh, Jim, there are nearly two months left in 2012." But actually, Adventure Cycling's fiscal year 2012 concluded on September 30 -- and it was a record setter in so many ways. Here are some of the highlights: 

• New Underground Railroad Alternate Route through Detroit, Toledo, and Canada
• Research complete on Bicycle Route 66
• Income up 17% despite a slow-growing economy
• Tour participants dramatically up (33%!)
• New U.S. Bicycle Routes in multiple states
• Substantially higher donations 
• More pages than ever in Adventure Cyclist magazine
• An expanded and renovated headquarters in Missoula, Montana
• More map and gear sales than ever

Topping it all off, we hit a new record of 45,225 wonderful members and supporters -- and that means Adventure Cycling continues to be North America's largest cycling membership non-profit.

At times, 2012 has felt dream-like, but a quick look at the numbers tells me it's real -- and another reflection of the boom in bike travel. Thanks to all our members and supporters for a phenomenal year --- and look for more exciting news as we ride further into fiscal 2013!

Photo by Gregg Bleakney. Caption: Adventure Cycling scaled some amazing heights in fiscal year 2012. Here Jim climbs into the Alps during a recent visit to Lucerne, Switzerland and the Adventure Travel World Summit.

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JIM SAYER is the executive director of Adventure Cycling Association.