A new, long-distance bicycle route that follows the historic path of the Underground Railroad saw a number of cyclists travel from Buffalo to Owen Sound, while making a stop in Primrose last Thursday.

The cyclists began their tour in Buffalo on July 30 and pushed to make the finishing location by August 4 for Owen Sound's emancipation ceremony. In their last few days, the cyclists traveled from Milton to Primrose to Collingwood and then Owen Sound.

The route was created after three years of research and planning by the Adventure Cycling Association and travels about 3,312 kilometres from Mobile, Alabama, to Owen Sound, Ontario.

"Cyclists can ride from the Deep South all the way to Ontario," said Carla Majernik, director of routes and mapping. "Or they can take short rides on any portion of the route, which is filled with historic Underground Railroad stops and lots of excellent cycling through beautiful scenery."

Virginia Sullivan, new routes co-ordinator, said the stop in Primrose was a great place to camp for the night. Local speakers Patricia Mestern and Peter Meyler gave a presentation to the cyclists about the Richard Pierpoint settlement in Fergus.

She said the cyclists had one of their toughest days before reaching Primrose in trying to cope with rolling hills and elevation.

"It was a struggle. When we reached Primrose it was really nice, especially with the beautiful scenery." She added the cyclists enjoyed pushing through the hills to find a nice place to camp.

"The Underground Railroad Route has to be one of the most historically important bicycle journeys ever created - plus it's fantastic riding," said Jim Sayer, executive director.

Every year, thousands of cyclists use Adventure Cycling's TransAm Trail, the organization's first and most popular cross-country route. The organization says communities along any new route can expect a significant increase in the number of traveling cyclists passing through each summer. The Underground Railroad Route (UGRR) is the second "heritage route" for Adventure Cycling (the first was the Lewis & Clark Trail) and they hope to do more historically infused routes in the future.

"It adds a rich layer of depth to the experience of bicycle travel," said Mr. Sayer.

The UGRR follows the trek to freedom in American history and honours the bravery of freedom seekers and those that provided shelter. According to Adventure Cycling, whose membership has surpassed 42,000 members, more people than ever are traveling by bicycle and the UGRR, with its poignant stories and vibrant historical sites, should appeal to a variety of people.

Adventure Cycling's maps for the route steer cyclists along cyclingfriendly, low-traffic roads, and feature elevation profiles, historical notes, and information on camping, lodging, and worthwhile historical sites along the way.

Starting in Mobile, Alabama, the route winds north through river valleys and wildlife refuges to Kentucky and Ohio, before reaching Lake Erie, Niagara Falls, and its end-point in Owen Sound, the final destination for many freedom seekers. Besides the lush green scenery and the many small towns the route passes through, a host of museums, historic parks, and visitor centers bring the history of this remarkable period alive.

"We've all heard the story of slaves who escaped to freedom," says Dennis Coello, a veteran photographer and writer who recently rode and photographed the route for Adventure Cycling. "But here's a chance to feel that story - and to experience a continent along the way."

Adventure Cycling partnered with the Center for Minority Health at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health (CMH) on the UGRR after seeing its potential to strengthen cross-cultural ties and promote lifelong health through cycling.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, African Americans are disproportionately affected by heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke and obesity. Bicycling is a fun, healthy activity that can help offset these potentially deadly health conditions.

To learn more about the route, visit www.adventure cycling.org/ugrr.