This article delves into the remarkable endeavor of preserving a unique historical archive: the National Bicycle Touring Portrait Collection. Initiated by Adventure Cycling co-founder Greg Siple, this collection encompasses nearly 5,000 photographs of touring cyclists who visited the organization's headquarters over three decades. These portraits, many originally captured in black and white, along with their accompanying handwritten stories, offer a profound glimpse into the lives and journeys of countless cycling enthusiasts. The ongoing digitization and archiving project, supported by numerous volunteers and donors, aims to make this invaluable resource accessible to the public, celebrating the rich history of bicycle travel as part of Adventure Cycling's 50th-anniversary festivities.
A Timeless Collection: Documenting Cyclists Through the Decades
The genesis of this extraordinary photographic series dates back to July 23, 1982, when Greg Siple, a co-founder of Adventure Cycling, immortalized Laura Orton, a touring cyclist from Albion, Michigan, in a black-and-white portrait. Orton's visit to the Missoula offices marked the inaugural entry into what would become the National Bicycle Touring Portrait Collection. This initial sitting was the first of 35 such portraits Siple would capture that cycling season, each telling a silent story of adventure.
Over three decades later, on October 28, 2016, Siple took his final portrait before his retirement. This last subject was Mike Ice, a Pennsylvanian embarked on a journey from Yorktown, Virginia, to Astoria, Oregon. In total, Siple meticulously documented 231 cyclists that year, bringing his personal contribution to the collection to nearly 5,000 distinct images of individuals who passed through the organization's doors.
Despite the advent of high-definition digital photography, Siple maintained a deep appreciation for the enduring power of black-and-white imagery, a sentiment that continues to resonate within the organization. While contemporary staff now capture portraits in color, a black-and-white version of each image is still created, preserving the aesthetic integrity of Siple's original vision.
The monumental task of digitizing and archiving this extensive collection, spearheaded by former staffer Eva Dunn-Froebig, has involved the dedicated efforts of approximately 100 volunteers. These volunteers have meticulously transcribed thousands of handwritten narratives accompanying the portraits, a testament to the historical significance of the project. With crucial backing from Brooks England and generous donors, the entire collection has been successfully digitized. Future support is now being sought to develop a dedicated online platform, ensuring that these invaluable stories and images can be shared with and enjoyed by cycling enthusiasts and historians for generations to come, commemorating the organization's half-century milestone.
The preservation of the National Bicycle Touring Portrait Collection offers a compelling reflection on the human element of adventure and community. It underscores the enduring power of a simple photograph to capture a moment in time and the stories it holds. This initiative not only celebrates the individual journeys of cyclists but also chronicles the evolution of bicycle touring itself, providing a rich tapestry of personal histories intertwined with the broader narrative of the Adventure Cycling Association. It serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the profound connections forged on the open road and the importance of documenting these experiences for future generations.