Relay Connects Coast to Coast Through the Comstock

In honor of America's 250th anniversary, the American Discovery 250 Relay will journey across the nation for 21 weeks, following the American Discovery Trail—the first and only coast-to-coast trail in the U.S.—and inviting communities along the way to join in the celebration.

On Saturday, July 18, the relay arrived in Virginia City, bringing a wave of red, white, and, blue pride to the Comstock. Although organizers had to reroute around the Ophir Grade section from Washoe Lake State Park because of the Gold Hill 2 Fire, the celebration continued without missing a beat.

"All told, we're at about 450 miles so far – I've probably put in about 80-90 miles on foot," said Dave, a relay support volunteer traveling with the batons from California to Colorado.

Virginia City Outlaws member Kyle Blanchard led the way aboard his penny-farthing bicycle, joined by horseback riders, local residents, and visitors from across the region. Together, they proudly carried the relay batons along historic C Street, sharing a small piece of a nationwide celebration with spectators. Against the backdrop of Virginia City's storied streets, the relay was a reminder that communities large and small have helped shape the American story over the past 250 years.

"We were so happy and proud to be part of this event – it is a memorable experience our whole country should want to be part of," said one participant.

The relay continued Sunday, July 19, when a cyclist descended Mill Street, winding through scenic Six Mile Canyon and down Old Fort Churchill Road, where National Pony Express riders were waiting to continue the journey. Following the historic Pony Express Route, the riders carried the batons past the remains of Hooten Wells Pony Express Station and current Fort Churchill State Historic Park, connecting the spirit of America's past with the celebrations of today. Few places are better suited to honor the nation's semiquincentennial than Nevada's historic trails, where pioneers, prospectors, and Pony Express riders once helped connect a growing country.

The American Discovery 250 Relay began on July 1 at Point Reyes National Seashore in California and follows the American Discovery Trail – a 6,800-mile route that winds through 15 states and more than 325 communities. As the nation's first coast-to-coast recreational trail, it provides a fitting path for a relay celebrating 250 years of American history, perseverance, and opportunity.

During this special relay, participants will carry a copy of the Declaration of Independence rolled into three ceremonial batons that will pass from hand to hand "from sea to shining sea." ADT 250 Relay invites walkers, runners, cyclists, horseback riders, and patriotic Americans of all ages to take part in the event.

The relay is scheduled to conclude on Thanksgiving Day in Cape Henlopen, Delaware, completing a cross-country journey that honors our country and reminds participants that the story of our nation continues to be written one community at a time.

ADT 250 Relay Schedule: discoverytrail.org/adt-relay-calendar

Learn about the ADT: discoverytrail.org

Cycling West article about ADT 250 Relay: www.cyclingwest.com/rides-and-trails/mtb-trails/the-american-discovery-trail-relay-will-traverse-the-continental-united-states-this-summer