Southern Tier 2027

Our 2027 adventure kicks off with one of the most geographically diverse and breathtaking segments of our entire cross-country route. We will dip our tires in the Pacific Ocean at the stunning cliffs of La Jolla, CA, before climbing out of the coastal basin.

Once over the crest, we will descend into the dramatic Anza-Borrego Desert and cross the Colorado River into Arizona.

Our route snakes eastward through historic mining towns and rugged canyon country before we wrap up this segment in the historic foothills of Globe, AZ.

Arrival Airport: (SAN) San Diego International Airport

Departure Airport: (PHX) Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Hello, Segment 2! After a much-deserved day of rest on Sunday, we will depart Globe and dive straight into some of the most striking landscapes of the Southwest. As we push toward the New Mexico border, we find ourselves riding through the high-desert plains, surrounded by the dramatic silhouettes of isolated mountain ranges called “Sky Islands” that pierce the desert floor.

Crossing into New Mexico, we’ll pedal through historic frontier country and quiet ranching towns, enjoying fast-rolling flats and the peaceful solitude of the open road. For the final stretch, we join the path of the historic Rio Grande, following the river valley south until the segment culminates with a triumphant arrival in the vibrant border city of El Paso, TX.

Arrival: (PHX) Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Departure: (ELP) El Paso International Airport

Upon leaving our El Paso host, we will tackle the longest and perhaps most awe-inspiring segment of our tour as we plunge into the Lone Star State. We start by climbing out of the Rio Grande Valley into the Chihuahuan Desert. We’ll pedal past the Davis Mountains foothills and cruise through artsy desert outposts.

As we push further east, the rugged desert landscape begins its beautiful, slow transition to the legendary Permian Basin and the rolling, mesquite-dotted ranch lands of West Texas.

Our epic crossing of the state’s western half comes to a triumphant close in Abilene, where the frontier spirit and deep cowboy heritage officially welcome us to the Texas Hill Country’s doorstep.

Arrival: (ELP) El Paso International Airport

Departure: (ABI) Abilene Regional Airport

This segment brings a welcome and beautiful shift in scenery. We’ll leave the windswept plains of West Texas behind as we roll through the heart of the Texas Hill Country’s northern edge, pedaling past historic farming communities, limestone creeks, and fields bursting with spring wildflowers.

Our destination is Tyler, the “Rose Capital of America,” but this stop is about much more than just completing another segment. We are parking our bikes for the weekend to build community and connect. On Saturday, we’ll dive into our first volunteer day, partnering with the local Fuller Center. Then on Sunday, we’ll gather together to rest, recover, and celebrate Easter before we gear up for the next leg of our journey.

Arrivals: (ABI) Abilene Regional Airport

Departures: (TYR) Tyler Pounds Regional Airport 

As we roll out from Tyler we will wind through the steep, roller-coaster hills and towering canopies of the East Texas Pineywoods.

Once we cross the state line into northern Louisiana, the landscape beautifully transitions to wide-open agricultural fields, historic rural communities, and Southern bayous lined with bald cypress trees. Once we hit Shreveport we will stop for two more volunteer days before heading back out on the road towards Monroe.

Arrivals: (TYR) Tyler Pounds Regional Airport

Departure: (MLU) Monroe Regional Airport

Picking up from the scenic banks of the Ouachita River in Monroe, Louisiana, we will head east, cutting through the heart of the fertile Mississippi Delta country. This initial stretch offers long, flat, fast-rolling miles passing quiet farmlands, remote bayous, and historic river towns.

A highlight of the journey comes as we cross the mighty Mississippi River, transitioning into the backcountry of central Mississippi. Our 4th volunteer day of the trip comes when we arrive to Leland, MS.

After crossing into western Alabama, our route weaves through quiet country roads before we ride into the vibrant, historic city of Tuscaloosa.

Arrival: (MLU) Monroe Regional Airport

Departure: (BHM) Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport 

We start this week by winding through the rolling hills and pine-crested ridges of central Alabama, which offer dynamic terrain and beautiful, sweeping views of the rural countryside. Our 5th volunteer day will take place in Lanett, AL – which happens to be the birthplace of Millard Fuller.

As we push eastward from Lanett, the hills begin to soften into long, rhythmic rollers. We’ll cross the Chattahoochee River into Georgia where the landscape opens up into pecan orchards and cotton fields. The week’s riding will finish in the historic architectural gem of Americus, where the Fuller Center originated and is still headquartered today. 

Arrival: (BHM) Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport 

Departure: (ATL) Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Our 8th and final segment will start with a bang as we commemorate 20 years of the Bike Adventure with a celebration at Koinonia Farm, just outside of Americus. We will continue to honor our roots by two separate days of volunteering – one in Americus and the other in Fitzgerald, GA.

Then begins our final push to the ocean! We will spend the first half of this segment cruising through the quintessential heart of South Georgia. As we draw closer to the coast, you will feel the air change as agricultural plains give way to stunning, expansive salt marshes.

After skirting past the historic streets of Savannah, our group will tackle the final, triumphant stretch across the palm-lined causeways to Tybee Island as our journey officially ends with tires in the sand on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean!

Arrival: (ATL) Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Departure: (SAV) Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport