1,250-Mile 9/11 National Memorial Trail Bike Tour Launches at the Pentagon, Marking the 25th Anniv of 9/11

A dedicated group of cyclists officially began an epic 1,250-mile journey, launching the 2026 9/11 National Memorial Trail Bike Tour from the Pentagon Memorial. Organized by the non-profit, the Sept. 11 National Memorial Trail Alliance, this special 29-day cycling event commemorates the 25th anniversary of 9/11. The Sept. 11 National Trail physically connects the three 9/11 national memorial sites and goes through six states. Go to www.911trail.org.

The riders gathered for the official tour launch and departure, setting off on a clockwise loop that will take them through Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, before returning to Arlington on July 11. Riders came from California, DC, Florida, Nebraska, New Mexico, Virginia, and Maryland.

“This 1,250-mile tour is more than a physical challenge; it is a moving tribute to resilience, unity, and the enduring American spirit,” said Jeff McCauley, president of the 9/11 National Memorial Trail Alliance. “As our riders cycle through many towns, they aren't just connecting three deeply sacred national memorial sites—they are connecting communities. We are incredibly grateful to the cyclists, volunteers, and local advocates who are helping us preserve this history and build a lasting trail network that honors our heroes and promotes health, healing, and reflection for generations to come.”

This year’s tour holds double the historic weight. As cyclists traverse the 9/11 National Memorial Trail, their journey will coincide with America’s 250th birthday on July 4th. This milestone provides a profound backdrop for reflection on national history and resilience as the riders pass through landmark American locations like Valley Forge, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

All proceeds and fundraising efforts from the tour will directly support the ongoing maintenance and development of the 1,500-mile 9/11 National Memorial Trail, which spans six states and Washington, D.C.

More than 50 percent of the 9/11 Trail is safely off-road. The Alliance has partnered with federal, state, county, and municipal officials across 14 projects to connect more than 30 existing trails, bringing communities together through active remembrance.

As the tour advances, local communities and media are invited to join, interview participants, and capture visuals of the journey. Keep an eye out for these key upcoming dates:

• June 16 (Day 4): Cumberland, MD to Somerset, PA (Proximity to the Flight 93 National Memorial)
• June 27 (Day 15): Rodale Park 12-Hour Challenge – Trexlertown, PA
• July 2–3 (Days 20–21): Route approaching the New York City metropolitan area – Haskell, NJ to Elizabeth, NJ
• July 4 (Day 22): America’s 250th Birthday Rest Day – New Brunswick, NJ
• July 6 (Day 24): Historic Route Crossing – Philadelphia, PA
• July 10 (Day 28): Final Leg & Closing – Annapolis, MD to Arlington, VA

ABOUT September 11th (9/11) National Memorial Trail Alliance:
The 9/11 National Memorial Trail Alliance is a 501c3- leading the development of a 1,500-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail connecting the three 9/11 memorial sites with communities in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C.; established in 2002 by its founder and President Emeritus, David Brickley. More than 50 percent of the 9/11 Trail is off-road, and the Alliance has been partnering with federal, state, county and municipal officials on 14 projects to connect more than 30 trails. The route includes New York City’s National September 11^th Memorial, the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Va., and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pa. Go to www.911trail.org/our-history.html, or Facebook at 911Memorial Trail, Instagram @911trail and YouTube @911trail.