Adventure Cycling Association will formally unveil its newly renovated and remodeled headquarters with a community block party celebration for its members, donors, and supporters Friday July 6 at 150 E. Pine Street in Missoula, MT, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
 
“Adventure Cycling's expansion is a sign of the times,” said Jim Sayer, executive director of Adventure Cycling Association. “Bike travel is growing and we expanded our facility so we can better serve Adventure Cycling members and other cyclists nationwide.” 

 

In the last decade, Adventure Cycling and its programs have grown substantially with its membership up 19%, currently at nearly 45,000 total members, and cycling map sales up 48%. Adventure Cycling now sells an average of more than 30,000 maps each year. It also provides more than 50 tours and instructional courses annually, and puts out perhaps the best English-language magazine on bicycle travel (Adventure Cyclist).
 
Adventure Cycling Association is a 36-year mainstay of downtown Missoula, where it was originally established as Bikecentennial '76. Despite the recent challenging economic climate, it paid off the mortgage on its headquarters in December 2011. The $640,000 renovation and expansion was funded in part by Adventure Cycling's Life Member Fund, which is dedicated to long-term investments in the organization. (Adventure Cycling's Life Member Fund has grown as well in the last decade, up 62%.)
 
Individual donors also supported the project to help bridge the gap between the amount of money drawn out of the Life Member Fund (based on guidelines from Adventure Cycling's Board of Directors) and the total cost of the project. The organization reached out to its membership and saw an outpouring of support.

 

“We raised enough money to almost completely cover the gap and did not have to take on any debt to complete the project,” said Amanda Lipsey, development director of Adventure Cycling. “That's nothing short of a miracle in these economic times, and we are incredibly thankful for our dedicated and supportive members who believe in the organization enough to want to see us grow.”
 
In the construction of its new space, Adventure Cycling embraced many sustainable design techniques such as salvaging and recycling materials from the initial demolition, utilizing recycled-content materials when feasible, and choosing low VOC adhesives, paints, and coatings. Lo-flow plumbing fixtures were installed and the new wall and roof panels offer a high level of thermal insulation. Warren Hampton led the project as architect working with Missoula contractors, Edgell Building and Development, and Project Manager Bruce Allen.
 
“We are very pleased with the team that brought this project to fruition,” said Chief Operations Officer Sheila Snyder. “We look forward to unveiling the beautiful new space that they created and hope that everyone will join us to celebrate the building, and learn more about the fun work we do to get more people traveling by bicycle.”
 
 


 


  • What: Adventure Cycling's Community Block Party Celebration

  • When: Friday, July 6, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Where: 150 East Pine Street, Missoula, MT. Corner of Pattee and Pine, 1 block off Higgins.

  • More info: Call 406-721-1776