A Journey to Ground Zero: Cyclists Reach the National September 11 Memorial & Museum During the 2026 9/11 National Memorial Trail Tour

The 28-day, 1,250-mile Tour began on June 13 at the Pentagon Memorial (opens in new window), where participants gathered before setting out to cycle to all three 9/11 national memorial sites during the 25th anniversary year of September 11, 2001. After visiting the Flight 93 National Memorial (opens in new window) during the first week of the Tour, the cyclists spent nearly two more weeks traveling across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, experiencing the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and welcoming communities that line the September 11th National Memorial Trail before ultimately arriving at Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan.

On July 2, the group traveled from Mahwah, New Jersey, to New York City for a deeply personal visit to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. With their arrival at Ground Zero, the cyclists have reached all three national September 11 memorial sites connected by the 9/11 National Memorial Trail while experiencing firsthand the people, places and stories the Trail was created to preserve.

Alliance Board Member Tim Brown, a retired FDNY firefighter and 9/11 survivor, personally guided the cyclists through the Memorial and Museum. Drawing from his own experiences, Brown shared the story of September 11, helping participants better understand the courage, sacrifice, and resilience remembered at the site. For many cyclists, standing beside the Memorial pools after hundreds of miles on the road brought renewed meaning to every mile they had ridden.

Following the museum tour, the cyclists gathered for lunch at O'Hara's Restaurant & Pub, where patches, memorabilia, and stories from first responders around the world serve as a lasting reminder of the unity and resilience that emerged in the aftermath of September 11. The gathering provided another meaningful opportunity to reflect on the day's experiences before continuing the journey.

While reaching Ground Zero served as the emotional centerpiece of this stage of the Tour, the journey there was equally unforgettable. Leaving western Pennsylvania behind, the cyclists pedaled through coal country, historic Trail Towns, scenic river valleys, vibrant downtowns, and some of the region's most iconic destinations. Each day offered a new adventure, reinforcing that the September 11th National Memorial Trail is more than a route connecting three memorials. It is a living tribute that connects the people, places, and stories that define America.

During the two-week journey from Flight 93 to Ground Zero, cyclists experienced:

• Descending 900 feet underground to explore Pennsylvania's historic No. 9 Coal Mine (opens in new window) in Lansford.

• Visiting America's Oldest Brewery, the Yuengling Brewery (opens in new window), in Pottsville.

• Riding the historic Switchback Railroad Trail, recognized as the birthplace of American mountain biking.

• Touring the Valley Preferred Cycling Center and participating in the Rodale 12-Hour Cycling Challenge.

• Cycling through the scenic Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor while traveling miles of rail trails, canal towpaths, and picturesque roadways across eastern Pennsylvania.

• Tackling steep climbs, changing terrain, summer heat, and long days in the saddle while steadily making their way toward New York City.

• Being welcomed by local cyclists, Trail partners, elected officials, volunteers, first responders, and community members who supported the Tour along the way.

• Visiting both the Empty Sky Memorial in Jersey City and the Tear Drop Memorial in Bayonne before entering Lower Manhattan.

• Gathering at O'Hara's Pub (opens in new window), a longtime symbol of resilience for the Lower Manhattan community and first responders.

Having now reached all three national memorial sites, the cyclists carried with them a renewed appreciation for the stories they were honoring and the communities helping preserve the legacy of September 11.

Follow the cyclists' journey through daily updates, photos, and stories as they continue honoring heroes with every mile.