Pacific Northwest Trek is Having a Great Time!

"We spent all of today exploring the city of Victoria, BC. The buildings share elements of victorian and modern architecture. There is a stone building which looks like a miniture british parliment and touristy shops all on the same block. We went to the BC natural history museum. We all wondered what the difference was between natural history and regular history. There were exhibits on indians native to the island. The teens saw an imax movie about elephants and monkeys raised by humans. The rest of the day was spent looking at shops and watching street performers." - Jacob, Trip Leader

New York - Montreal Trek Starts Crusing

A few days into the trip, those leg muscles are starting to grow and the group is kicking it into high gear. Heading for Albany, the teens are really looking forward to staying in a hotel for the next two nights. The group spirits are at an all time high!

Follow the trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a664e7aa8c643e9d5

Pacific Northwest Trek is in Vancouver!

"Yesterday we arrived in beautiful Vancouver BC! This is our first hostel since Seattle so everyone was eager to do laundry and go to a restaurant. It was rather strange not seeing raccoons at dinner like usual! But the truth is we missed the wildlife and hope to see more wildlife in Olympia National Forest later in the trip.We entered the south end of the city and decided to take the Skytrain to get the best view. We walked around today because there was so much to do right next to the hostel. We went to a park for lunch and decided to see Harry Potter. Tomorrow we will go to the city of Victoria on Vancouver Island!" - Jacob, Trek Leader.

Maine Coast Trek Puts Miles Behind Them With Ease!

"We rode really well from our last campsite which was just out side Portland. Our ride into to Portland was done pretty quickly, so we were able to check into the hotel around 2pm. We cooked dinner by the water but unfortunately we did get a little rained on but we found some shelter so that was good. The next day we checked out a lighthouse that was an old military fort. We got to climb around all of the field structures and hang out a little. After lunch we took short ride on a bike path to the beach. After that we came back to the hotel and watched some movies we got up early this morning and are riding really great towards the LL Bean Headquarters." Mark, Trip Leader.

Follow the Trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=3&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a664a1d16b6cbfdda

New York Montreal Trek Bikes the Hudson Valley

The 12 Trekkers of the NYM-J25 headed through Croton on Hudson, Peekskill, and Cold Spring, and are approaching Poughkeepsie. The days have been long and fairly hot, interspersed with rain showers. Last night the group gladly rewarded themselves with a pizza dinner in Cold Spring and then camped on the shore of the Hudson just north of town. Today the group will visit the Walkway over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie and FDR's home in Hyde Park.

Follow the trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a664e7aa8c643e9d5

Maine Coast Trek Escapes The Heat!

"We were worried about the heat again, but we got all of the rain in the morning so we got a little break. It was a nice ride, we had the ocean next to us the whole way. We stopped at Hampton beach and did some swimming, some playing around, throwing balls around, and reading books." -Mark, Trip Leader

Follow the Trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=3&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a664a1d16b6cbfdda

Across America Trek Is Halfway!!!

"Greetings, web-surfers, touring enthusiasts, intrigued friends, and anxious parental units! (Yes Mom and Dad, that means you..)

We're officially over halfway across the country, and over halfway through our trip! Today, (day 31), we hit the 2,000 mile mark. A celebratory carton of chocolate ice cream was promptly ravaged. Just yesterday we crossed into our seventh state of the trip--Minnesota.

The heat wave we faced last week has finally passed, and it is now possible to ride without the inherent fear of spontaneously combusting. As soon as the temperature dropped, though, the winds picked up. The one day they were blowing in our favor we were able to whiz through our first century of the trip! Since that glorious day, we've unfortunately found ourselves battling some gnarly headwinds as we venture East. If only I'd brought some sails to rig to my bike.... Luckily, we're all in super-rad shape by now, (seriously...I have muscles growing on my muscles!) so we've been able to put up a valiant fight against the gusts.

Highlights of this past week have included watching breathtakingly beautiful sunrises whilst riding at dawn, buying ten bags of Chex Mix at one time (it was one of those 10 for $10 deals... we just couldn't resist!), and sleeping in past 7:00 A.M. for the first time so far this trip. We also cycled through Little House on the Prairie territory and watched part of a pow-wow....so cool!

We've been having a BLAST out here as we trek across the U. S. of A., and we hope y'all are having at least half as much fun as we are!

Peace, and good vibes to all!"- Jenna Hill, Teen Trekker

Follow the trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a66235ae4e48d4ce7

Pacific Northwest Trek Makes It To The Top!

"We stayed in Moran State Park today. We decided to hike up Mt. Constitution. A sign said three and a half miles to the top and we felt like we walked that far vertically! Once at the top we were stunned by the beauty of the view. We could see Mt. Ranier and Mt. Baker plus some jagged mountains on Vancouver Island. Many of the teens said it was the most amazing view they had ever seen. You could spend a lifetime exploring the San Juans. Orcas is only the tip of the iceberg. Ironically Mt. Constitution used to be at the tip of an iceberg because the whole area was carved out of glaciers many years ago." -Jacob, Trip Leader

European Phantom Trek Hits England

"Partying London, peeping the big ben (which is actually just the bell of the tower) from the skyline as we swerve on the left side of the road. Enjoying all the ethnic meals, and excited to go to the Tate modern tomorrow. The hostel is brick, wooden and beautiful. Just a few blocks away we walked in the Beatles footsteps, walking with swag." - Tyler, Trip Leader

Follow the trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a66409c08d24d426d

New England Coast Trek Takes a Look Back

"I am having an awesome time with Teen Treks. Biking along the coast has been a blast because as we're biking we can look for cool places to swim along the way. I loved going to Block Island, RI it was small, but busy. We had a great little camping spot up in the woods. I thought Providence was really fun because we were in a fancy hotel in the middle of the city, right next to a mall, which was like, the biggest building had ever seen! On the cape we stopped at this really cool store and I saw this old Mexican skeleton from the day of the dead festival, when I asked the lady at the front of the store how much it was... I expected it to be about sixty bucks... but it was only twelve dollars! I'm having a fantastic time" -Henry Danielson, Teen Trekker

Follow the Trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a664be5340c56cbca

Maine Coast Sets Out In Boston, MA

On an amazingly hot and humid day, the group met up in Boston, MA. Lucky for the group, there wasn't much biking planned for this first day. They spent the afternoon exploring downtown Boston, and really enjoyed Boston Commons. Tonight they will stay in a hotel and wake up early ready to ride!

Follow the Trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=3&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a664a1d16b6cbfdda

European Phantom Trek is Back in England!

"On Tuesday night we left the Netherlands by way of ferry from Hoek van Holland. The overnight ferry had comfortable (but compact) cabins, giving us a good nights rest for our first day back in England. It was back to riding on the left side of the road for our two days ride to Cambridge, where we currently find ourselves. Although Cambridge does not have nearly as many bikes as Amsterdam or The Hague there are many bicycles in Cambridge. Today we are going to explore Cambridge University and go punting on the River Cam. And tonight we plan to enjoy Sheaksphere performances in the university." - EP Teen Trekkers

Follow the trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a66409c08d24d426d

European Phantom Trek Bikes The Netherlands

The European Phantom bikers left Amsterdam for Harlaam to tour a working, reconstructed windmill. The group then biked south on a damp day on the windy dune bike paths to Den Haag where they spent the night in a youth hostel to avoid the torrential rains. A fun stop in that city was the MC Escher Museum before biking on to Hoek van Holland to catch their overnight ferry across the Channel to Harwich, England for the final leg of their adventure.

Follow the trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a66409c08d24d426d

Pacific Northwest Trek Starts Out on Foot

"The Pacific Northwest group arrived in Seattle yesterday and has been enjoying the city by foot while waiting for bikes to arrive. Today we visited the Fish Market, the EMP museum, the SciFi museum, and took a look at the space needle! The Fish Market had tons of fresh fish and vibrantly colored flowers. In the museums, we learned a lot about the history of the Seattle music scene (Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix) and also saw an exhibit about the making of Avatar. In the Avatar exhibit we were even able to use virtual reality to see how we would look as a Na'vi. We almost have all the bicycles and we are excited to start biking tomorrow to our first campsite in South Whidbey Island State Park!" -Kirsten, Trek Leader

New England Coast Trek Leaves Providence, RI

"Providence was very fun. We stayed at a hotel and after diner walked around and kind of got lost but it was hilarious. We saw the last Harry Potter movie at the mall, which was huge. We went shopping, it was awesome. Today we biked and 30 miles from Providence to Massachusetts and we're staying at this old campground. There is a vending machine that is from the 70's, probably not but it only cost 40 cents! My legs are starting to get used to the biking. It was really hard in the beginning. At the campground there is a nice guy who gave us firewood and everything. We've been meeting a lot of nice people lately. Not at all like in my town so I found it surprising. Well that about sums it up. Since I'm writing this on the 10th day, see you in 6 days peoples." -Giovanni Asperti, Teen Trekker

Follow the Trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a664be5340c56cbca

Across America Trek is in South Dakota!

"Here we are in south Dakota! Riding out the heat wave with afternoon
naps and sunrise pedeling. For this we have re-named our crew the
"camels of dawn."

Highlights of the past week:
Left big sky country (Montana)
Cut through the black hills to see Devils Tower
Crossed into our 6th state - South Dakota
Walked around Spearfish during their annual art fair...got some free lemonaid
Caught some zzzs in front of a bike shop before they opened
Saw the final installment of the Harry Potter series
Met a guy whose biked in nearly 50 countries
Roadthrough the Badlands National ParkAnd now we are eating lunch outside on an 1880s replica town

Tomorrow well be crossing the Misouri and treading on through Minnesota!

So long for now!" - Max, Trip Leader

Follow the trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a66235ae4e48d4ce7

Lake Ontario Trek peddles past Oswego, NY

The group is peddling its way trough central New York and loving it. With the heat and humidity reaching near record levels, the group is starting the day a little earlier than normal to avoid that mid-day sun. They also have been stopping often at the many parks that dot the path, including several stops at the beach. The teens are about 70 miles from finishing their loop around the lake. Keep it up!

Follow the trip :

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=3&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a66489b5b30f5ae75

New England Coast Trek Gets a Taste of Providence.

"Yesterday we had a lovely day in Newport and got to see the Breaker mansion, which I learned was built by the Vanderbilt's as a summer home. It was really cool looking back into the gilded age and hearing stories via audio tour of both the lavishly wealthy and the servents of the mansion.

Today we made it to Providence and found some great food and the Waterfire festival. We found a Chinese culture festival and right next to it were two food trucks. The teens either ate Korean or gyros and they were delicious. After that we ate ice cream and cannoli . Because it was a neat local thing I think everyone had a good time. It was also right next to the Waterfire festival which was great. The girls are already excited about all the shopping that awaits them tomorrow. Joe, Henry and Gabe are really into the festival right now and Alex is just happy to have eaten fried dough. Giovanni is down for anything. I didn't know a trip could go this well before tonight. Everyone here is having a blast and I am excited for the trip to continue and for the adventure that awaits us." - Colin, Trip Leader

Follow the Trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a664be5340c56cbca

Maine Coast Trek Finishes Strong!

The first Maine Coast Trek finished the adventure with great success! Congratulations on behalf of the Teen Treks staff. Your journey of just over 350 miles is one we're sure you will never forget.

Here is the group atop Dorr Mountain... a fitting final photo.

Follow the Trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&doflg=ptm&ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a6649835860c2921a

European Phantom Gets Poetic in Amsterdam

"Amsterdam is great, the people are nice with good English accents too. Everyone bikes and the sights are breathtaking. We're having a great time and enjoying europe to the max.

AMSTERDAM (an acrostic)
Always fun
Many canals
Stoners
Tulips
Everyone bikes
Red Light District
Dam Square

Anne Frank House

Multatuli"

- The Whole EP Group

Follow the trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a66409c08d24d426d

Lake Ontario Trek Crosses back into the USA!

The group said good bye to the great country of Canada and a big hello to the United States when they crossed back into the states earlier today. Last night they stayed in Cape Vincent - Tibbetts Point Lighthouse Hostel. The great hostel and the triumph of the boarder crossing has the group spirit at an all time high!

Follow the trip :

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=3&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a66489b5b30f5ae75

New York - Montreal Trek in Northern New York and Vermont

"Once we left Albany, we rode to Schuylerville. It was an easy ride except for the heat, but luckily we found a rope swing on the Hudson where we cooled off. That night we slept in a Yacht basin, where we cooked pancakes as "Brinner", and enjoyed a gallon of Arnold Palmer.The next day, we rode into Lake George. We were very early, so we stopped to play mini golf, where we sat and relaxed under misters. Then, we swam in Lake George to cool off again before biking to our campsite where we cooked burritos, swam, and went to sleep.

We woke up early the next morning, excited to take the Discovery Cruise across Lake George and eat a big breakfast buffet on the boat. We relaxed on the deck of the boat and played card games, before getting off and riding. Along our ride, we saw tons of cows. Then, we had to take a ferry into Vermont because a bridge was still being built. We ate S'mores and told ghost stories before retiring to our tents.

We were awoken by crows the next morning, one of which crashed into our tent. We saw more cows and farmland along

our ride, and a lot of maple syrup. The ride that day was the hardest yet, with tons of hills and a lot of heat. We were relieved when we arrived in Burlington, where we visited the original Ben & Jerry's and, of course, ate some delicious ice cream. Unfortunately, when we rode back to our campsite it was pouring rain, but we trooped through it, setting up our tents and wal

king into Burlington for a great dinner out. Today we started out on a ferry back to New York. It was an hour long, with a snack bar that sold yummy maple syrup candies. The ride after the ferry was easy except for a few brutal hills, but we arrived in Plattsburgh and ate lunch and took a nap near the boardwalk. Now we are going to our campsite and resting up for tomorrow, when we cross the border into Quebec." - Khaya Cohen, Teen Trekker, with contributions from all of the trekkers on the trip!

Follow the trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a664f85ac1f256511

New England Coast Trek Stops in Mystic, CT

"Got to Mystic today aftera long day of bikng filled with yummy treats. We got free Slurpees from 7-11, mystic pizza and ice cream by the quart. Here's what some of our Trekkers had to say:

"This is my first time biking like this. The people on the trip are friendly and nice, it is adventure I had never thought of doing but I am glad I havehad the chance to go. This is a trip I will never forget!" - Gabby Smith, Teen Trekker

"This bike trip is a continuous adventure. It connects you with frinds, and gives you chances to become a stronger person. I am having fun and I hope that will continue." - Maya Blumenberg-Taylor, Teen Trekker "

We can't wait to get to Block Island, we hear the beaches are great! " - Lauren, Trip Leader

Follow the Trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a664be5340c56cbca

European Phantom is in Belgium!

"After a tedious day of traveling by trains with our bikes we arrived in beautiful, medieval Ghent. After dropping our bikes at the hostel, we walked around in the rain in search of a good snack. And what better to have in Belgium but, waffles! We then climbed to the top of the belfory, the historic watch tower in the center of the city. All in all, despite the rain, a nice first day in Belgium." - Tyler, Trek Leader

Follow the trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a66409c08d24d426d

Lake Ontario Trek is about halfway around the Lake!

The group is having an amazing time skipping from one small beach town to another. Now in Sandbanks Provincial Park, the teens are about halfway around the Lake Ontario! Way to go! The teens have completed around 250 miles and they have another 250 to go. Good Luck! Here is the teens taking a time out for a well earned lunch.

Follow the trip :

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=3&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a66489b5b30f5ae75

Maine Coast Trek is in Orland, ME

The Group has pulled into Orland, ME. They decided to go a little off of our suggested route at the advice of a local. He insisted that the alternative route was far better for biking, and he was right! While it did add a few miles to the daily ride the groups efforts paid off with stunning views like this light house! The teens ate dinner a restaurant called Old World Potato, where they specializes in, you guessed it, baked potatoes. The group loved it!

Follow the Trip

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&doflg=ptm&ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a6649835860c2921a

New York - Montreal Trek is making a splash in Lake George!

The group has made it to Lake George, NY, named for the huge lake of course. With the hot 90 degree days this rope swing looked far to tempting to pass by. Nearly every teen took a turn splashing into the cool Lake George waters. After a few hours swimming the group went to play a round or two of mini golf. This trip is really falling into the daily cycle of riding. Amazingly they cut 40 minutes off the expected time during today's ride!

Follow the trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a664f85ac1f256511

European Phantom is enjoying Paris!

"After seeing Versailles, we became acquainted with Paris by taking a walking tour. As our guide lead us through many of the famous sights he told us not only general information about the buildings and gardens but also funny stories about the history of the sights. After a bit of rest in the afternoon, we headed out to spend our evening at the Eiffel Tower. After climbing many stairs and taking a couple elevator rides, we finally made it to the top. We spent half an hour at the top appreciating the spectacular views and taking many selfies to document our visit. Later that night we biked around Paris and looked for a good place to get some crêpes; they brought a sweet ending to a great day in Paris." - Rachel Eisenberg and Penelope Duus , Teen Trekkers

Follow the trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a66409c08d24d426d

Across America Trek Rides Over the Continental Divide

"Montana has been very good to the Across America Trekkers so far. After some rest and Chinese food in Misoula, we returned to the road. Two solid riding days brought us to Butte, where we waited out a storm over french fries at a local diner. The next morning we rode over the Continental Divide, and then enjoyed coasting downhill for most of the rest of the day. We stopped off in Three Forks for lunch, where we visited the town's historical museum, which exhibited a 65 pound taxidermied beaver, a barbed wire collection, and a 19th century tools and clothes. After another night of camping, we rode into Bozeman on Saturday morning. While the leaders took care of some bike repairs, the trekkers explored the town's downtown. When we heard that Main Street would be closed to traffic that evening for the Tour de Bozeman bike races, we decided to stick around and watch. Afterwards we made root beer floats and took a dip in our motel's hot tub. We got out early the next morning, and according to our odometers, reached the 1,000 mile point of our trip. Two more full biking days has brought us out of the mountains and into Billings, where we're preparing for the next leg of our journey." - Taylor, Trip Leader

Follow the Trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a66235ae4e48d4ce7

New England Coast Trek Crossing Connecticut

We just came into Rocky Neck Park after a great day biking in CT. High points included lunch at a Farmer's Market and swimming at the beach. We made great time today and got to the beach. Everyone is excited for Mystic Pizza tomorrow.

Follow the Trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a664be5340c56cbca

European Phantom Follows Seine into Paris

The European Phantom Trek is biking along the meandering Seine River through the cities of Rouen where the group visited and heard a concert in the famous Cathedral and onto Giverney to tour Monet's home and lily-pad gardens. They left the river for a detour to the Palace at Versailles and then they found the river again in the center of Paris. They have 3 nights in Paris and are staying in the youth hostel Jules Ferry near the Republique.

Follow the Trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a66409c08d24d426d

New York Montreal Trek Makes it to the Capital

“We are in our sixth day of our trip. We started out on bike trails into Croton, NY. We enjoyed camping and watching a 360 degree view of fireworks!. Our second day was brutal, because of the heat and hills. However, we finally made it to Snow Valley Campground, where we told ghost stories and ate cake. Our third day was very easy riding. It was mostly down hill. We stopped at FDR's house in the afternoon, and then continued on to our campground. That night, we had a water balloon toss and ate S'mores around a campfire while playing cards. We were sad to lose Daniel and Jacob from the trip. However, excited to continue on with the trip.

Our fourth day, we did a lot of riding. We decided to do more riding and then phantom camp. We stopped in the town of Hudson for pizza and found a place in the woods to camp. Yesterday, we made extremely good time, except for some bike problems and wrong turns. When we found our hotel, we decided to have a movie night with popcorn, taquitos, and Harry Potter! Our sleep was very nice. Today we are touring Albany. We stopped at a bike shop to drop off our bikes and are walking the city. We stopped at the Egg, the Capitol Building, and the NY State Museum. We will have lunch and shop on Lark Street, and then head back to our hotel pool ! :-)” – Abbey Ulman, Teen Trekker with contributions from all of the teens on the trip!

Follow the Trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a664f85ac1f256511

Another New England Coast Trek Heads Out

11 Trekkers and leaders Lauren & Colin set out for 16 days of biking along the Long Island Sound and Atlantic coast, passing through Connecticut, Rhode Island, Block Island, Cape Cod, and Boston. Today they will be swimming and camping at Hammonasset State Park.

Follow the trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a664be5340c56cbca

Lake Ontario Treks' First Week on the Road

"Week 1

Here we are on the Lake Ontario trek, between Buffalo and Toronto. We have already done a variety of things including crossing customs and arriving into Canada, getting soaked on Niagara Falls' Maid of the Mist, playing tic-tac-toe with peanut butter and jelly banana sandwiches, going shopping 14 times for lunch and dinner, and biking over 165 miles.

I am happy to notice the quality of the Food Commitee's meals increasing, much to my stomach's approval. The First Committe's lunch consisted of PBJs . Now, if you open everyone's panniers, you'll find a huge variety of condiments ranging from sweet potato hummus, curry powder, and if we're lucky, nutella.

When all of us met on the very first day, none of us knew each other. Now, after a week, we are all best friends. The first day, the typical conversation at dinner would be this:

"Hey, um, um, ummmm-"

"Bryson"

"Will you please pass the sandwich meat?"

"Yes of course"

But times have changed. And the past is not recent anymore. This is a current example of our dinner-time conversation:

"Yo yo yo!" I say, "Hook me up with that salsa!"

"I don't see it," says Laura. "And I'm wondering where the Hot Sauce is."

"Where's the hummus?" says Chris. "I want hummus."

"Fifty gold stars to whomever brings me hot sauce right now."

"Not in MY panniers!" says everyone.

"Someone's got to have hummus!" says Chris

"CHUMM-ous!" says Sylvia.

And this conversation goes on...

Camping has become increasingly easier. Rocks are a mutual hate if the tent is pitched ontop of them. The camping is INTENSE! (pun definitely included.)

Today we are on our way to a Hedge Maze. Walker is scared that we will all make it but one person; I hope that's not me!

Last week, while sitting around a camp fire, we played a game called "Mafia." The mafia won. That wasn't supposed to happen.

A few days ago, we visited a waterpark. Sam, Jason, Dan and I rode 1 ride the whole time. It was pitch black inside and it was so sick.

I hope everyone enjoys reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. The Lake Ontario trip is awesome, as anyone here would tell you. Peace out, Bro, and read my next post next week.

Bryson Nager,

AKA Mike Bryson.

PS: Stay Hydrated with our Water Words of the Day:

1. "Aqua"

2. (Call:) "Tip That Jug" (Response:) "Chug Chug Chug!"

3. (Call:) H2 (Response:) Oh Yeah!

4. Sip It, Or Ticket!

5. Quench Yourself Or Bench Yourself

6. Drink Water- (Why?) It's Getting Hotter!" - Bryson Nager, Teen Trekker

Follow the trip :

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=3&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a66489b5b30f5ae75

Across America Trek: Looking Back on Week Two

“Here's week #2! It's been another week for the Across America crew, so it's time for another weekly summary. This week's highlights were:

Day 8

• Leaving Walla Walla (and, sadly, the cozy hotel room)
• Seeing a sign for fifty-cent fries. Evidentally, the sign wasn't supposed to be up, but we got them anyway
• Spending an hour looking for a town called Delaney; we never found it. Ghost town, ooooh...

Day 9

• Morning climb to the top of Alpina (elevation 2600).
• Eating knockoff triscuits for midmorning snack. Mmm, woven wheats.
• Making fried rice for dinner

Day 10

• Biking through scenic forests in Idaho, and doing 60 miles before lunch
• Wading in a frigid stream, even though only one person braved the cold
• Having someone offer to tow us across the US. We had to refuse… but it was tempting

Day 11

• Hanging out at a gas station for three hours, talking to another cyclist
• Finally making it to the top of Lolo Pass after climbing it for three days. The last three miles were the worst.
• Celebrating the Fourth of July by cooking pea soup at 10 pm, and hiding all our food in the campground bathroom so bears didn't eat us.

Day 12

• Talking to cyclists about to climb Lolo Pass. We wished them good luck, and were secretly thankful to not have to climb it again.
• Finally getting cell phone reception and calling our anxious parents. "Why haven't you updated the blog yet?”
• Visiting the Adventure Cycling office. Holy cow. The walls had photos of tons of other cyclists that had biked cross-country (one guy did it twelve times), and there were articles and memorabilia from the Bikecenntenial everywhere. The staff took our photos and let us stay in the lounge for a couple hours.

Day 13

• Making lots of Made-it-Ade. "What?! Two bottles in one day? You're a fiend!"
• Finding a road with zero cars on it!
• Talking to a friendly couple from North Dakota with really strong Dakotan accents

Day 14

• Seeing a crystal-clear lake as we climbed another mountain pass
• Almost getting stuck in a rainstorm, but making it to Butte just in time.
• Having the group leaders attempt to outlaw cookies. That wasn't a highlight…shame on you guys.

See you next week!" - Rebecca George, Teen Trekker

Follow the trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a66235ae4e48d4ce7

Lake Ontario pulls into Toronto, ON

The group has had an exciting few days. After spending a lot of time exploring the Niagara falls region the group got on the bikes and started to ride. They soon got the hang of it and quickly have put about 105 miles in the past three days. Yesterday the group pulled into Toronto, ON and will spend the new two days finding out everything Toronto has to offer.

Follow the Trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=3&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a66489b5b30f5ae75

Maine Coast Trek: A Day in the Life

"Yesterday I road 53 miles from York, ME to Portland, ME even with having several flat tires. That night it was nice to sleep in a hotel and sleep in instead of waking up at 7am in a tent. We've found many good places to go, swimming spots which were refreshing after being on a bike in the blazing hot sun. Today we spent three hours playing Ultimate Frisbee and I caught both game winning catches. We also went to the biggest outdoor store I have ever seen which included a whole floor for guns and another whole floor for fishing gear. One of the bad parts of New Hampshire and Maine is that there are massive amounts of bugs that will bite you from head to toe, so I have been wearing long pants and a rain jacket at the camp sites. Other than the bugs the trip has been spectacular! " -Noah Monastersky, Teen Trekker

Follow the Trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&doflg=ptm&ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a6649835860c2921a

New England Coast Trek Found Another Place to Swim

The New England Coast Trek reached Cape Cod yesterday following some neat bike paths and bridges on their way to Sandwich, MA. Today they tried out the beaches in Dennis, MA during their days ride toward Brewster, MA and Nickerson State Park.

Follow the Trip:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&jsv=351a&ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206781293978240337088.0004a66367aabbc3e4e1d