Bikecentennial

Fifty years ago, it seemed like the Bicentennial was everywhere, all the time. I was a cynical high schooler, post-Watergate, so it all seemed a bit much to me. Constant moments in history on television and red white and blue everywhere for a year or more… it was just a lot of sameness for a young person who lacked perspective. 

I don't remember that there were permanent infrastructure projects completed as part of the Bicentennial, but I've recently been reminded that all of these were timed to mark the anniversary:

• Opening of the first line of the Washington Metro system
• The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
• Installation of Marc Chagall's America Windows at the Art Institute of Chicago
• The renovation of the building that became Landmark Center in St. Paul

I'm sure there are a number of other local projects around the country, similar to St. Paul's Landmark Center or the America Windows, that I don't know about. All of these were permanent gifts to the country or states where they're located. Investments in the future, not just temporary celebrations.

One event that happened that year that I never heard about at the time — different from the usual fireworks or dress-up recreations — was the Bikecentennial.

From CoolBikeArt: 

As the USA commemorates its semiquincentennial, the question arises: What's the best way to celebrate a country's birthday? Fifty years ago, over 4,000 riders embraced the Spirit of '76 by cycling from sea to shining sea. It was known as Bikecentennial.


The main route, called the TransAmerica Trail, wound 4,250 miles (6,840 km) through small towns and less traveled roads from Astoria, Oregon to Yorktown, Virginia. Cyclists could participate in smaller sections of the route, but about 1,750 riders signed up for the entire length of the ride.

The riders were self-contained, carrying all their gear on their bikes. They either camped or stayed in community centers, church basements, and school gymnasiums.

"Two months with everything I needed on the bike made me realize that people, including me, have so much unnecessary stuff. All we really need is enough food, a warm and dry place to sleep, enough clothing to survive, something to interest your mind, and a few friends." –Walter Johnson

"Many cyclists who took part in 1976 (and those who take TransAmerica trips today) say essentially the same thing about the experience: 'I learned more about this country in 90 days than most people learn in a lifetime'." –Dan D’Ambrosio

Bike Centennial continues today as the organization Adventure Cycling, so that has also become a permanent gift. This is their write-up about the 1976 ride.

Of course, there's nothing like Bikecentennial for this year's 250th anniversary, and as far as I know, no lasting physical infrastructure projects, either.