The Journey Comes Full Circle: Cyclists Complete the 2026 9/11 National Memorial Trail Tour

The 2026 9/11 National Memorial Trail Tour officially concluded on July 10 after 1,300+ miles of riding and 45,000+ feet of climbing, connecting the three national September 11 memorial sites by bicycle during the 25th anniversary year of 9/11. What began as a cycling tour became something much greater, bringing together communities, partners, volunteers, and supporters across six states and Washington, D.C., while showcasing the power of the September 11th National Memorial Trail as a living memorial.

Following their visit to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, the cyclists turned south for the final week of the Tour, traveling through New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., before returning to Arlington. Along the way, they rode through historic Philadelphia, completed the Tour's longest day with a 71-mile ride to Havre de Grace, crossed the Hatem Bridge under a police escort, and were welcomed at several hosted stops by Alliance community partner WM (opens in new window). Those moments, along with the support of countless volunteers, Trail partners, first responders, elected officials, businesses, and community members, reflected the spirit of collaboration that carried the Tour from beginning to end.

Over the course of four weeks, the cyclists persevered through relentless summer conditions, including multiple days of temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, intense humidity, and torrential downpours that transformed portions of the route into muddy obstacle courses. They navigated flooded trail sections, maneuvered around fallen trees left behind by powerful storms, climbed steep grades reaching 13 percent, and adapted to changing conditions day after day. Whether facing soaring temperatures, heavy rain, or nearly 50,000 feet of elevation gain, the group continued forward with resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to honoring the heroes and stories the 9/11 National Memorial Trail represents.

On July 10, Alliance Board Member Eric Brenner and Founder and President Emeritus David Brickley joined the cyclists for the final miles back to the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. Returning to where the journey had begun 28 days earlier, the group paused for one final photograph before gathering for lunch and sharing stories from the road. It was a fitting close to four unforgettable weeks spent riding together, overcoming every challenge the journey presented, and honoring the heroes of September 11 with every mile. They returned with tired legs, lasting friendships, unforgettable memories, and a deeper appreciation for the people, places, and stories that make the September 11th National Memorial Trail unlike any other memorial in the nation.

By the Numbers

The 2026 9/11 National Memorial Trail Tour included:

• 28 days on the road

• 1,322 miles ridden

• 49,525 feet of climbing

• Three national 9/11 memorial sites connected by bicycle

• Cyclists participating from eight states and the District of Columbia

• The Tour's longest ride of 71 miles

• Multiple days with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees

• Countless volunteers, Trail partners, first responders, businesses, and supporters who welcomed the cyclists every step of the way

Although the Tour has concluded, the work of the September 11th National Memorial Trail continues every day. Along its 1,500-mile route, communities continue to expand trail connections, install wayfinding signage, preserve local history, and welcome visitors to experience this living tribute for themselves.

Twenty-eight days earlier, the cyclists departed the Pentagon Memorial with a shared purpose. They returned having connected three national memorials, experienced the remarkable communities that define the Trail, and demonstrated that remembrance is not confined to a single place. It lives on in every mile traveled, every partnership formed, and every person committed to ensuring we never forget.