European Phantom Leader, Taylor!

Yes, for all you lucky Trekkers who have ridden with Taylor before, get ready because she is back! Here's what Taylor has been up to:

Hoping those fruits are real...

"Hi guys! I’m Taylor. I led the Across America trip in 2011, and I had an amazing time, so I’m really excited to do another trek this year. I love to travel, especially on my bicycle! I’ve bike-toured in the US, Canada, Spain, Chile, and Central America, and each trip is better than the last. Traveling by bike great because every day is an adventure, and no two days are alike. There are always incredible and unexpected sights and experiences along the road.

I’m from Chicago, but I’ve been living in Chile since early 2012. I came here to volunteer as an English teacher in public schools, and I fell in love with the country and decided to stay. I studied sociology in college, and I recently started studying again, taking online classes in Spanish/English translation. Aside from biking, I like reading, cooking, jogging, swimming, camping, and all things crafty. I’ve always loved to sew, and I have my own little online business selling cycling caps that I make from recycled fabric. And I can’t wait to meet you guys! This summer is going to be great!"

Taylor is getting back on the road!

Returning 2013 Leader, Bryan!

Some of you may already know Bryan from previous Treks.  But for those who don't, here's a bit about him:

Among the clouds...

My name is Bryan and I live in Eugene, OR, where I work for an acoustic engineer designing some pretty nifty places.  Before I moved to the west coast, I lived in Buffalo, NY, where I first became entangled with Teen Treks.  I have degrees in Art and Urban Planning from SUNY New Paltz and SUNY at Buffalo, respectively, and I've just enrolled at the University of Oregon to begin a Master's degree in Architecture.  When I'm not riding bikes, I'm fixing them.  When I'm not doing that, I'm making music, or off hiding somewhere, most likely reading a book.  I’ve been to Europe, New York-Montreal, and Across America with Teen Treks and I can say that each experience was unique and amazing.  Bike touring is so sweet you begin to wonder why you don’t do it 24/7/365!  I wonder where we will go this summer!

Accross America North Leader, Monique!

Here is Monique for you to meet:

Join Monique for hiking hills and biking thrills!

"Why Hello! 
My name is Monique and I am originally from Nova Scotia, Canada. I don't have a dog sled but I do play/coach ice hockey and I love tunneling in the snow.  I caught the biking bug last summer when I did a program about climate activism and biking was our primary mode of transportation. My team and I biked all around Vermont for 7 weeks and I loved every hilly mile of it.  For the past year and a half I have been working at a nonprofit organization, helping low-income students get into college and succeed.  I love camping, hiking, and sports in general.  I can't wait to get out there again this summer and see the hidden wonders that come with taking the back roads of the world!"

Wonder if Monique will pack this outfit for her Treks?

New 2013 Leader, Kyle!

Kyle is a Teen Trekker turned Leader, and a true champion of the Teen Treks way.  Here's what he has to say:

"Cheers Teen Trekkers!

I’m Kyle from Orlando Florida, and I am ecstatic to be a trip leader this summer.  I graduated in May from the University of Central Florida, with a degree focusing in urban planning.  I love examining how development impacts people’s behavior, and riding a bike gives you a front row seat!  I can’t wait to be back on the road, all the gear loaded on the back of my bike, and live the dream one pedal at a time.  I love all the spontaneous adventures that come from Teen Trek trips, as I have been on five of them including the Across America Trek.  They offer an unparalleled opportunity for personal reflection and growth, and I credit the trips for leading me to the field of urban planning.  Before Teen Treks, I had no idea you could have a full time job dealing with bike stuff! (Crazy right!?!) I must warn you, bike riding is addicting.  Once you experience all the fun and excitement of a tour, you can’t wait to do another.  I’m excited to have the opportunity to lead you on a fantastic voyage of bicycle awesomeness this summer!"

New 2013 Leader, Cecelia!

Happy to introduce Cecelia to all of you!

A well deserved break for a great view.

"Hey there!

I’m Cecelia from the great Mitten State.  I’m beyond excited for our upcoming adventure together! After riding my bicycle across the country with Bike & Build in 2011, I knew one day I would love to lead a cycling journey myself! Traveling by bicycle is something special; a sense of aliveness you just don’t feel through most other modes of transportation (exception: piggy-back!).

Recently, I served in AmeriCorps where we traveled by team throughout the East Coast to complete a wide range of service projects. After Hurricane Sandy, we helped to operate shelters in New York City. This was an extremely eye-opening and powerful opportunity, it proved to be one of my greatest learning experiences thus far.

Laughter, hiking, creating, jumping around, kittens & pups, camping, ice cream, sewing, good tunes, yoga, being spontaneous- I love it all!

A young person’s imagination and creativity is enlivening, I enjoy being around that energy. I have worked with teens in schools and after-school programs, and also assisted youth at many different non-profits throughout the country. 

Anyways, enough about me, I’m ready to meet YOU! The road is awaitin’ us!"

Hills and water, excellent!

New 2013 Leader: Rose

Rose is non-stop! Here's why:  

Rose can't wait to get on the road again!

"Hey Teen Trekkers, 

I cannot wait to start biking with you this summer!  My name is Rose and I grew up in Brooklyn, New York.  I love traveling by bike because it is the best way to immerse yourself in a new place – from gorgeous natural surroundings to all the interesting locals you meet along the way.  Last summer I biked across America to raise money for young adults with cancer.  It was an incredible adventure!  In the past few years I’ve been lucky enough to explore Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary and Austria by bicycle. In fact, I loved Austria so much that, after graduating from Yale University last year, I up and moved there!  These days I spend my time hanging out with Austrian teenagers teaching them English, while I learn more German, bike the Alps, sew dresses, knit socks, cook soups and bake cheesecakes. Recent projects include working in vineyards, tending apricot orchards, starting a garden, and learning which spring vegetables to pick in the woods behind my house. "

Killer scenery!

New 2013 Leader, David!

Come meet our newest Trek Leader, David.  Here's what he has to say:

David, the rock climbing extraordinaire.

"Hey y’all!

I’m David, originally from Atlanta, GA and now living in Charlottesville, VA. I can’t wait for the summer: biking is my preferred form of travel since you can cover so much ground, yet still take in the sights and sounds of the region where you are traveling.

Summer is my favorite season. Since I was in high school, I’ve been lucky enough to do something different each summer, from going to the World Cup in South Africa to raft guiding in Tennessee to mountaineering in Canada. And a benefit of my job as a high school teacher is that I can keep adventuring during the summer! After working at an international school in the Dominican Republic for two years, I relocated to central Virginia, where I’ve taken up kayaking and rock climbing in addition to enjoying frequent (hilly) bike rides with the beautiful Shenandoah Mountains as a backdrop.

I love teaching in the classroom, but nothing beats the experiential learning and growth that comes from going on an adventure. I can’t wait to meet you and for our super-duper biking extravaganza to begin!"

Floating the days away...

Check back each day to meet another 2013 Teen Treks Leader!