Discover America’s Civil War History
Welcome to Civil War Cycling, where we blend the thrill of cycling with the rich tapestry of American Civil War history. We value outdoor education because it is healthy, fun, and meaningful. Our mission is to guide enthusiasts on scenic bike rides through significant battlefields in a way that makes learning easy. We publish Civil War cycling tours for people who want to ride and learn at their own pace.
Our Journey
Founded by a passionate cyclist and history aficionado, Civil War Cycling was born from the desire to make history accessible and engaging. Recognizing that many historic sites are best experienced up close, we provide resources that encourage exploration beyond traditional tours. We serve cyclists who want good maps and historical guidance to support their own ride through a national military park.
What We Offer
- Detailed Cycling Guides: Our guides combine route maps with historical insights, ensuring a comprehensive experience.
- Educational Resources: Learn about key events, figures, and locations of the Civil War through curated content.
- Community Engagement: Join a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for cycling and history.*
*Civil War Cycling tours are printed guidebooks and digital maps. We do not give on-site tours or rent bikes.
Our Philosophy
We believe that understanding history enriches our present. For bicycling historians, that enrichment begins on two wheels when exercise, learning, and reflection converge. By cycling through historic sites, we improve our physical well-being and foster a deeper appreciation for the events that shaped our nation.
We believe in self-directed, experiential learning on a bicycle. And we make that happen by exploring “outdoor classrooms” at our own pace, in our own way, and prompted by our own educational interests.
Reflections of a Bicycling Historian
I’ll never forget the moment I pedaled down Gettysburg’s West Confederate Avenue, glancing to my left as the landscape shifted with every rotation of the wheel. The barns appeared to move, the contours of the land rose and fell. Suddenly, I saw the battlefield not just as a place frozen in history, but as a dynamic space shaped by terrain, landmarks, and memory. In that instant, I realized how roads, barns, and towering monuments could serve as anchors for understanding where I was—and what had happened there. That summer ride became a turning point for me. It sparked a deeper curiosity about Gettysburg’s geography, its farming families, and the strategies that shaped the outcome of the Civil War’s most iconic battle.
Some might say I approach history like a scholar, deeply invested and methodical. But for me, learning while cycling doesn’t feel “serious”—at least not in the usual sense. It’s an adventure that blends discovery with delight, combining a thirst for historical insight with the pure joy of motion. On two wheels, the past becomes vivid, tangible, and—above all—fun.
Explore America’s Civil War history on a self-directed bike tour. Our Civil War cycling tours free you to ride and learn at your own pace.
Connect With Us
Have questions or want to share your experience with Civil War cycling tours? Connect with us on Facebook: Civil War Cycling @TheBicyclingHistorian. Let’s ride through history together!