April showers have been bringing out the green on the C&O Canal! |
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Spring Training: Pedal into Action for Tour de Trail Events!
As spring blossoms along the September 11th National Memorial Trail, it's time to dust off those bikes, get moving, and kickstart training for the upcoming 2024 Tour de Trail events. Embrace that warm weather, and don't miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of spring while gearing up for our fall events!
In September, the Alliance with host its 6th Annual Tour de Trail: Flight 93 bike ride on Saturday, September 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 24-mile ride showcases beautiful vistas of the Laurel Highlands in Somerset County, Pennsylvania as well as the Flight 93 National Memorial. In addition to a wonderful ride, an interpretive ranger from the National Park Service will greet riders at the memorial and tell "The Story of Flight 93"– a ranger program discussing how Flight 93 and the actions of the heroes onboard fit into the greater context of September 11, 2001. Don't delay, register today for the 2024 Tour de Trail: Berlin to Flight 93!
The Alliance is also hosting the 2nd annual Tour de Trail: Pentagon, a wonderful walk through the heart of Northern Virginia, featuring a loop along the waterfront to the grounds of the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. Participants will be greeted at the memorial by an esteemed list of guest speakers who will share stories from 9/11/2001 and explain the greater mission of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance. The event will be held on Saturday, October 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with breakfast, refreshments, and snacks provided. Registration for the event is open now, sign up today!
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A first look at the Jones Station Crossroads sign and Memorial to Arthur Carter Jr. Photo courtesy of Nigel Samaroo. |
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A New Addition – Jones Station Crossroads Sign
The September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance is thrilled to unveil the newest addition to the 9/11 Trail signage, situated along the B&A Trail and Jones Station Road in Severna Park, MD. This installation holds special significance as it honors the memory of Arthur Carter Jr., a passionate cyclist and member of Bicycle Advocates for Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (Bike AAA). Tragically, Arthur lost his life in March 2020 due to an impaired driver during a group ride, leaving a profound impact on those who knew him. The Jones Station Crossroads Sign serving as a living memorial to Arthur stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of unity and remembrance that defines the 9/11 National Memorial Trail.
As we celebrate this moving addition, we also recognize the significance of the B&A Trail and Jones Station Road intersection. While historically just one of many crossings, it now emerges as a vital point connecting local, regional, and national trail networks. The B&A Trail, spanning 13 miles from Glen Burnie near BWI Airport to Annapolis, plays a crucial role in the envisioned Anne Arundel County Trail Network and links to national networks such as the East Coast Greenway and our own 9/11 National Memorial Trail. Meanwhile, the ongoing construction of the Broadneck Trail promises to enhance this junction further, offering a seamless connection from Sandy Point State Park to the B&A Trail at Jones Station Road, ultimately becoming part of the extensive 4,750-mile American Discovery Trail.
Arthur Carter Jr.'s love for cycling and adventure resonated deeply with those who traverse the B&A Trail. His untimely passing serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety and shared pathways. In his honor, the Jones Station Crossroads Sign now stands as a beacon of remembrance, thanks to the collaborative efforts of BikeAAA, generous donors, and sign designer, Kathleen Hayes. This memorial not only honors Arthur's legacy but also serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safe driving and shared roadways. The Alliance encourages everyone to pause, reflect, and appreciate this addition to the trail in Severna Park, Maryland. Visit the Jones Station Road Crossroads Sign today and share your experience with the 9/11 National Memorial Trail!
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Milestones: Progress for the 9/11 Trail in Pennsylvania
The September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance, in partnership with PennDOT and Somerset County, is moving forward with the development of the 9/11 Trail between Garrett Borough and Berlin Borough. Somerset County and the Alliance were awarded a $600,000 Federal Lands Access Program Grant in 2023. PennDOT, which will manage the grant on behalf of the Alliance and Somerset County, will soon engage a consultant to initiate the preliminary design process.
The Alliance would like to extend a thank you to Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, an original cosponsor of the Trail's federal legislation, for aiding in securing a grant from the Housing and Urban Development Department. This $200,000 HUD grant will fund the installation of signage across Pennsylvania, directing users along the road portion of the route until further off-road trail development can occur.
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The September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance in the News:
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THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER
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"As a major employer, landowner and member of many communities across the Greater Mid-Atlantic region, WM continues to work for a more sustainable tomorrow. We are committed to making positive social impacts through environmental education and conservation. This allows us to dedicate resources to fund programs that make a difference in people’s lives," Chris Farley – WM Area Vice President.
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