Epic Route Researcher

Reports To: Cartography Program Manager
Contract Dates: June – October 2025
Status: Contract
Compensation: flat-rate stipend of $5,000 per regional segment to cover expenses

Are you a passionate cyclist with a love for exploration and off-the-beaten-path adventures? Do you want to play a key role in creating Adventure Cycling’s next iconic long-distance route?

The Adventure Cycling Routes Team is seeking experienced cyclists to conduct vehicle-based fieldwork and documentation of a new 3,000+ mile gravel route, spanning from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of one of Adventure Cycling’s most exciting route development projects — traveling across the country, collecting critical data, and engaging with the people and landscapes that make bike travel so meaningful.

This new digital-only route will be part of a landmark release celebrating Adventure Cycling Association’s 50th anniversary in 2026. As a Route Researcher, you’ll play a key role in bringing it to life.

PROJECT:

This project focuses on validating, refining, and documenting a preliminary gravel route designed by ACA’s Routes Team, ensuring it meets standards for rideability, safety, and overall experience.

LOCATION:

To make this ambitious project more manageable, the route has been divided into three regional segments:

  1. Missouri/Oklahoma (~1,100 miles, section already covered but accepting backups)
  2. Colorado/Utah (~1,250 miles)
  3. Idaho/Oregon (~1,250 miles)

Researchers may choose to take on one or more sections, depending on interest, availability, and experience.

DURATION:

Based on terrain and road conditions, we estimate that researchers will be able to thoroughly cover approximately 100–200 miles per day by vehicle. The fieldwork and documentation will take place between June and October 2025.

COMPENSATION:

Researchers will receive a flat-rate stipend of $5,000 per regional segment, which is intended to cover all expenses, including travel, food, fuel, and lodging.

Key Responsibilities, Required Qualifications, and Preferred Skills/Experience

  • Experience in Long-Distance Cycling / Bikepacking
    • Ideally someone who’s done multi-day rides, especially in remote or backcountry areas.
    • Familiarity with the demands and limitations of self-supported rides
      • Availability of food, water, and overnight accommodations
  • 4WD or AWD Vehicle Access
    • Must have access to and experience operating a reliable high-clearance 4WD or AWD vehicle suitable for rough, remote terrain.
    • Comfortable navigating unpaved roads, forest service roads, and potentially overlanding conditions.
  • Strong Navigation & Mapping Skills
    • Proficiency with GPS tools (e.g. Gaia GPS, Ride with GPS, Garmin).
    • Ability to read topographic maps and satellite imagery.
    • Experience plotting, analyzing, and refining GPX tracks (Ride with GPS)
  • Outdoor & Wilderness Experience
    • Comfort with remote travel and wilderness survival basics.
    • Ability to assess water sources, resupply points, and potential hazards.
  • Route Planning
    • Skilled at identifying legal and rideable trails, roads, or paths (e.g. avoiding private land, protected areas, or overly technical terrain).
    • Ability to do virtual scouting via mapping platforms if necessary
  • Technical Writing & Documentation
    • Can document routes clearly, noting distances, elevation gain, difficulty, hazards, points of interest, and resupply options.
    • Ability to create route guides and rider notes.
  • Problem-Solving & Flexibility
    • Comfortable adapting plans on the fly due to weather, road closures, unexpected obstacles, or local conditions.
    • Able to creatively troubleshoot and reroute when needed while maintaining the integrity and safety of the overall route.
    • Open to feedback and iteration during the research and development process.
  • Community Engagement & Local Research
    • Comfortable initiating conversations with residents, landowners, cyclists, and business owners to gather route insights and community perspectives.
    • Ability to identify and incorporate local recommendations, alternative routes, and historical or cultural context that may enhance or affect the route.
    • Capable of building trust and representing the route project professionally and respectfully in diverse settings.

Fill out application here: https://forms.office.com/r/GuyDGi66Ve

Send any questions to Amy at info@adventurecycling.org

Please apply by May 9th to be considered.