I've always wanted to travel the world, so in March 2007, after 30 years and much delay, I finally applied for my passport. In July I still hadn’t received it, but my horizons were broadened wider than 10 trips around the globe.One trek, 400+ miles, sixteen days; starting in New York City—perhaps the most ubiquitously American city—and culminating in Montreal—perhaps the most internationally flavored city in North America— is all it really took. It wasn’t the challenge of a formidable distance or the spiritually satisfying wonder of bicycling. Instead, eight teenagers and two team leaders are the key mathematic figures here. Well, that our thirteen rain days to zero complaints ratio, a testament to one of the most remarkable groups of 15-17 years olds I’ve ever met. More numbers? How about more than fifteen flat tires, two broken spokes, thirty mph winds, and seven crossings of the Hudson River? It all summed up to quite an experience to say the least.
Trailblazers, that’s what we were. I let the team know from day one in NYC: we were the first Teen Treks group to take this specific route; we would be setting the stage for every team that followed. It was a long distance, some city riding, some rural riding, and we definitely would be hitting some mountains in upstate NY and Vermont. I think they enjoyed this sort of responsibility; it let them know upfront to expect a challenge. And this is indeed what we got. On the fourth day the rain came, and oddly enough, the only days it didn’t rain where the days we were in hotels or hostels.
Enjoying our rides in the rain made the sunshine—when it was out—seem that much brighter. It made the green plant life that much greener. It made finding a place to eat and camp that much more of an adventure; and an adventure was what we promised. It meant taking breaks no longer relied upon distance or location, but instead meteorological conditions. We spent two hours at a gas station 20 miles outside of Burlington Vermont because of downpours, wind, and lightning. Then suddenly the weather let up, the sunshine emerged and led us into one of the most bike friendly cities in the US.
The bus ride back to NYC allowed me to really reflect on the experience. Undoubtedly it had a positive effect on my life. I hope my co-leader and I were able to positively affect the lives of the 8 young adults we accompanied on our journey. I’ve stayed in touch with several of them and I look forward to leading another trek in the future.
~ Tony Caferro, Teen Treks Leader
