Wednesday, June 19, 2013

2013 Leader Training

From June 12-16 all of our Leaders got together for Leadership Training.
Our group's bikes next to Niagara Falls.
The week was spent biking Western New York and Southern Ontario, with the ride set up in Teen Treks style.  Groups cooked from the Teen Treks cookbook, camped in Teen Treks tents and set up each day and ride according to Teen Treks standards.
The whole group after crossing back into Niagara Falls, New York from Canada
Our route carried us to: Buffalo, New York--Cedar Bay, Ontario--Niagara Falls, Ontario---Grand Island, New York---Buffalo, New York.  Our massive loop had us biking 100+ miles, and was a great way to warm up for a season of touring.
Checking out Lake Erie after crossing into Canada
Each day involved riding, bike mechanics intensives and all sorts of training: leadership, group dynamics, travel routes and more.  We got caught in a few rainstorms, but that did not prevent each day from feeling blissfully eternal and exciting.  With days full of laughter, ice cream, picnics, swimming and campfires, our Leaders came together as strangers and left as friends.  
From left-right:  Kate M, Bryan, Rose, Alexa (Program Coordinator) and Luke prepare dinner at Cedar Bay, Ontario.
Bryan and Kate K. during a wheel and tire intensive.
Some have even continued their bike touring:  Luke, Erin and David are spending a week biking from Buffalo-Toronto (about 240 miles round trip).  Rose, Julian and Kyle are biking from Buffalo-Seneca Falls (over 100 miles) to visit another Leader, Bryan.  From there they might continue downstate to New York City!  

It's safe to say that our Leaders will be having a blast spending their summers traveling on two wheels.  Our Leaders are prepared and excited to get out and ride this summer!  Lucky for those on Treks that start next week...
Leaders laughing out loud during a game of  "Ha, Ha, Ha".  From left-right: Monique, Rose, Erin, Luke, David, Kate M, Cecelia, Keaton and Kyle
Leaders will be contacting parents/Trekkers this week to introduce themselves and get to know you and your family.  

We are on the edge of starting the season and could not be more excited!  

Are you ready to explore this summer?  We are!