Team Bonding With the California Trekkers

What does one do after a long day of biking in California? Well, you find the nearest strawberry field and go to town, of course! The Trekkers found that the best way to end their strawberry feast was with a good round of the Ha Ha game. More on their adventures soon...

Across America Treks to Fort Stevens State Park

The Across America Trekkers arrived safely at Fort Stevens State Park in Oregon after a long day that was punctuated by quite a few bike problems. That didn't break their stride though! With the outstanding help of a great bike mechanic, the group was soon back on track and arrived to the campground in one piece. With their bellies full from a very tasty goulash, the Trekkers soon retired for the evening in preparation for the great days of biking and adventure that lie ahead.

C&O Canal Trek's First Day on the Road

The C&O Canal Trip kicked off its first real day of biking yesterday. It was a day full of getting used to the bikes and of meaningful conversations between the group members and with the many people that the group encountered along the way. The locals were full of great tips about what to explore in the area. Whitewater rafting is definitely on the top of the list of things to do. The group also cooked its very first meal together (quesadillas!) at their campground in Boston, PA, which was a huge milestone because none of the Trekkers had had any prior experience in the kitchen. They also built their first fire, which was an experience in and of itself. Overall, the Trekkers' spirits are high and are looking forward to a great day of whitewater rafting today!

California Trek Bikes from Lighthouse Hostel to Lighthouse Hostel

We biked 38 miles from Montara to Pescadero. We ate lunch at a beach and after we went down to the shore to swim. Our bike ride included some cool views of the ocean and hills/mountains. Tonight we're staying at the lighthouse hostel at Pigeon Point.   Written by Alex:

Across America Treks' First Day (54 to go)

Across America Trekkers enjoyed their first evening at the Seaside International Hostel in Seaside, OR. This morning they made pancakes and eggs complimentary of the hostel and heard some tall tales from the folks staying there about mystical hot springs in Montana.  After assembling their bikes they dipped their wheels in the Pacific Ocean and they have a short ride up the beautiful coastline to Astoria, Oregon.  They'll make dinner and camp at Fort Stevens State Park.  Tomorrow they head east on a 3,800+ mile, 8 week adventure ending at Coney Island in New York City.

C&O Canal Trek Begins in Pittsburgh

The C&O Canal Trek is a 400+ mile off-road ride from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. along a rail-to-trail and an old canal towpath.  The group met this morning at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown Hotel and has a full day of sight-seeing planned.  After a discussion on bike safety and rules of the road the group will bike around 'Open Streets', go to Bike Heaven, take a railcar up Mt. Washington, and possibly check out a museum, and/or the botanical gardens.  They have very comfortable accommodations at the Wyndham Grand tonight and then tomorrow they bike southeast on their 13 day outdoor adventure.

California Coast Trek Spends First Day in San Francisco

As the sun began to shine through the morning fog Teen Treks set out to walk up to Coit Tower which offered spectacular views of downtown San Francisco and the Bay Bridge. We then continued the day by playing a game of human knot. Although this game was extremely fun, Ninja on the other hand stole the show! Dan was the winner of Ninja as he knew how to effectively attack his opponents and defend his own life. After these ice breakers we walked over to Lombard St and we were overtaken by the patterns of the street dubbed "the crookedest street in the world." At the top of Lombard St we hopped onto the Hyde St cable car and took it to the cable car museum where we learned about San Francisco and its rich history. We then walked through Chinatown and grabbed pizza in Little Italy. In the afternoon we rode our bikes to the Golden Gate Bridge. The wind was so strong on the bridge that it almost pushed me off my bike! Riding back to the hostel for dinner we made one final stop at the Palace of Fine Arts. Tomorrow we set off on our first day down the coast out of San Francisco.  Post mostly written by Jared

California Coast Trek Gathers in San Francisco

The California Coast Trek officially began in San Francisco this morning after their pre-night stay at the Green Tortoise Hostel.  With their bikes fully assembled and a discussion about bike safety and the rules of the road,  they will be biking around the city today to do sight seeing and take in  some local foods.  Tomorrow the group sets off along the Pacific coast for their 500+ mile Trek to Los Angeles.

Meet Our Leaders: Andy

Greetings, yo!

I'm Andy, from Plattsburgh NY.  This summer is my most exciting one yet, as I am leading a second year in a row for Teen Treks.  I've done a tour each summer for the past 5 years, the most notable ones going from Troy to Plymouth and back, as well as with Teen Treks on their New England and Maine coast trips.  Right now, I'm about to go back to college to finish a psychology degree at Plattsburgh State, finishing up two last classes this school year! I've been a Resident Assistant at SUNY Plattsburgh for 2.5 years, and was a summer camp counselor for 5 years.  I like to sing, dance, do cartwheels, grow a beard, throw frisbees super far, hike, run, and make people smile. 

Over the past couple of years, I've had wonderful opportunities through the university to do volunteer work in Florida, South Carolina, and Virginia over my winter and spring breaks.  We helped build a house for Habitat for Humanity, and work in the parks of Florida eliminating invasive species of plants, and in Virginia doing trail maintenance.

I'm very passionate about cycling, whether it be cruising down a big hill or pushing up the next one.  There is something just too special about the wind in your hair, the power in your legs (and mind), and the happiness from conquering a trail.   Discovering new things is the spice of life, and I can't wait to make that happen -- on my bicycle, and alongside you!

Meet Our Leaders: Elazar

Hello explorers!! My name is Elazar, and I'm from Albany, NY. I'm super excited to be on the road, seeing new places and breathing fresh air! In the past, I've traveled to California, Istanbul, Israel, Roatan, St Louis, and many places all along the East Coast, including a backpacking trip up Mount Washington! I'm obsessed with playing guitar, cooking, skipping stones, philosophy, good views, campfires, drawing and sculpture, and of course eating! I have experience as a counselor in training at a summer camp a few years back, and have worked as a teaching assistant for many years in college. As trips get closer, I can hear the clear sky and open road calling to me, and I know I can't wait to get going!!!

A Glimpse of Leadership Training in the Niagara Region

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Meet Our Leaders: Cory

Hello fellow Trekkers! My name is Cory and I'm from Victor NY, a cozy beautiful little town near Rochester. I love biking places because it provides a much more intimate traveling experience. You can feel the wind, hear the birds, breathe in the fresh air, and it's an Eco-friendly way of getting around! While attending Medaille College in Buffalo I found biking to be the best way to get around the city in an enjoyable and timely way. I love to play music, hear new music, travel, explore nature, and of course, bike! I have been fortunate to be able to travel all over in my lifetime; to California, the Midwest, Colorado, I've even been as far as China when I was in high school! I've coached many volleyball camps over the years and also worked at a summer camp in Victor. Both jobs required working with younger children and teens and I found the experiences I received in these jobs extremely rewarding! I can't wait to get pedaling and explore everything we can on the incredible journeys that await!

Preparations Prior To The Leadership Training Workshop

The leaders are arriving and will soon begin the Leadership Training Workshop. Take a look at us while we finagle with the tents. We've got to make sure everything is in tip-top shape for your trek!

Meet Our Leaders: Tyler

Hey everyone! I'm Tyler, and I'm excited to once again be leading with Teen Treks this summer!  I can't wait to be out on the road leading another Teen Trek!  I've traveled by bus with a backpack through Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Israel/Palestine but by far my favorite way to travel is by bicycle ... sometimes its best to travel 10 miles an hour and take in the fragrance of spring wild flowers or maybe the wonderfully potent smells of a Vermont dairy.  I've traveled many miles by bicycle with Teen Treks as a trekker (my favorite trip was the Across America Trek) and I am returning for my third summer as a Teen Treks leader.  Although I spend as much time as possible on my bike, I also enjoy playing music (I've recently taken up learning accordion), hiking, camping, eating ice cream, and dreaming about the next outdoor adventure.  I can't wait to meet all of the 2015 leaders and trekkers!

Meet Our Program Cordinator: Deion

Hi Trekkers! Here's Deion, a program coordinator for Teen Treks this summer. He loves to travel, used to be a flight attendant and teach English in France, try new recipes, and play and watch tennis. The other day he rode a bike for the first time in over six years--and he's loving it! Feel free to call the office or send him questions at teentreks@gmail.com! 

Meet Our Leaders: Jamie

Hey everyone!

My name is Jamie Sunshine from Buffalo, New York!  When it’s not snowing here, I ride my bike whenever I can.  In addition to biking, I have many hobbies including camping, hiking, swimming, jet skiing, boating, scuba diving, dog walking, “Frisbee-ing” (ultimate, disc golf and Kan Jam), traveling, playing music and being outdoors.  Leading a bike trip is something I’ve always wanted to do because it’s the best way to experience the world and meet new people all at the same time!

I recently just finished my Masters degree in music playing percussion in the beautiful state of West Virginia (WVU).  Throughout my time in school I was lucky to enough to help lead a group and study music and dance in Ghana, West Africa.  In addition to Africa, I have traveled to many places including Europe, Israel, Panama, Costa Rica, Belize, The Cayman Islands, Alaska and Hawaii!  I can’t wait to meet everyone and get started on our biking adventures!

Meet Our Leaders: Lydia

Hello to you all! My name is Lydia, and I could not be more psyched to begin this wild summertime adventure. I am a born and raised Buffalonian who has since left to explore the rest of the world. I currently live in NYC, where I attend college and earn a living by co-managing a hostel in Brooklyn. I've made it a point to never stop exploring, and I hope you will too by the end of this summer! I've been on countless adventures-- from living in Brazil for a year, to working at a sleep-away camp in Portugal, to hiking and camping around Iceland in the cold of early spring, to canoeing through the Canadian wilderness for weeks on end--each one as incredible as the next. My bike has been my constant companion no matter where I go and I firmly believe there is no greater sensation than feeling the road fall away behind you and knowing that you are the force behind it. So, here's to a summer of adventure and endless thrills!

Meet Our Leaders: Stephanie

I am Stephanie from Albany, New York. After graduating college in 2013 I moved to Philadelphia to coach, mentor and tutor middle and high school students. After living in a large city for two years I am ready to get nature back into my life. I have traveled to Canada, Australia and many different states here in our own backyard. I love being outdoors, biking, hiking, camping, running, playing sports and practicing yoga. I cannot wait to meet all of you and start this journey together. 

Training for your Trek - Show Us Your Ride -

Eliana was training in New Hampshire

To make the first day of your trip really fun, you’ll want to be in shape and comfortable on your bike.  Use this schedule to train for a trek on one of our Easy or Moderate routes -- New York - Montreal, the Maine Coast, C&O Canal and so on:

• 3 weeks before the trip, go on two 5 mile bike rides
• 2 weeks before the trip, go on two 10 mile bike rides
• 1 week before the trip go, on two 20 mile bike rides

Bike through varied terrain if you can, and try filling your panniers with books during the last week so you can get used to riding with weight.  And for longer rides, make sure you bring water and stay hydrated!