07/03/2026
As a child growing up in Hartville, Missouri, I always thought it was fascinating to watch the bicyclists ride through our small community. I was constantly curious about where they had started their journey and where they were headed.
I can still remember riding around with my dad, talking about the cyclists we would see passing through town. We would often stop and ask them where they were from, amazed by the distances they had already traveled. Even today, that same curiosity remains.
The TransAmerica Bike Route, stretching from Virginia to Oregon, has connected our little town to people from all over the world. Over the years, we’ve met cyclists from Switzerland, France, North Carolina, Chicago, and countless other places. It’s incredible to think that Hartville has been a small but memorable stop on such an unforgettable journey.
I hope this tradition continues for generations to come, bringing new faces, new stories, and new friendships through our community.
Happy 50th Anniversary to the TransAmerica Bike Route (1976–2026)! Thank you for inspiring adventure and reminding us that even the smallest towns can be part of something truly extraordinary.
