Accross America Bikes Astoria, Oregon!

And the Trekkers are off!

After meeting with the last Trekker, the group is now all together and gelling nicely.

All together, at last!

Day 1 of Across America focused on bike safety and introductions.  The group did extensive bike checks, and stopped at a bike shop to pick up last minute things like reflectors and lights.  

Everyone also practiced safe riding, and spent the leisurely ride north to Astoria practicing the Drop System of safe riding.  What is the Drop System?  The Drop System includes: announcing turns, bumps, rail road tracks and stops, and physically marking turns for the person behind you.  The group is quickly picking up the Drop system, and should have it perfected in the next day or two.

A beautiful, coastal ride

The group departed Seaside, Oregon and did some light riding up to Astoria, Oregon for the day.  Both of these towns are notable: Seaside is famous as the end of the Lewis and Clark trail, and Astoria set the scene for the movie, The Goonies.  After a nice, downhill ride to Astoria, the Trekkers followed a coastal bike path, had lunch and played games to get to know one another.  After and uphill ride back to Seaside, the group relaxed, ever jubilant and excited to be setting off on their journey.

The statue commemorating The Lewis and Clark Expedition in downtown Seaside, OR

Teen Trekkers or Goonies?

On days two and three, the Trekkers will start moving east to Portland.