Season's Greetings from the Teen Treks team 🚲 ⛺ 🎄 🎁 🎅

For this holiday season, the Trip Leaders and Support Staff at Teen Treks simply want to express our gratitude towards you for biking with us this past summer.

The Holiday Season is a great time to reminisce on all the fun times we had together.

We wish you and your loved ones a festive holiday season!

Happy Holidays,
The Teen Treks Team

Another Fantastic Teen Treks Summer Has Come and Gone!

Another fantastic Teen Treks summer has come and gone! This summer we bicycled together up and down hills, along scenic seaside bicycle paths, through pastoral valleys, along old rail lines re-purposed as tree lined bicycle paths, and on roads next to pastures of sun bathing cows - all the while reveling in the spontaneity of adventure travel.

Along the way we explored new places,

we made new friends,

we reached new heights,

we turned each other's worlds upside down,

we got tied up in unexpected adventures,

we explored our silly sides while doing laundry,

we found creative uses for fruit,

 and we had some uniquely memorable slumber parties --

needless to say we had many eye popping experiences!

all the while becoming closer with one another.

We also learned about local history, visited art museums, ate ice cream to cool down on those unbearably hot and humid summer days, visited alpaca farms, explored national and state parks, wandered through country antique stores, visited iconic big city landmarks, and relaxed on beautiful beaches from Cape Cod, Lake Champlain and Lake Ontario to the Puget Sound, Oregon coast, and California's Big Sur. From our seasoned Trekkers completing their Across America Trek from Oregon to Coney Island in New York City to our first time trekkers biking from Buffalo to Toronto and on Cape Cod - we all had a truly unforgettable summer. Not all kids can say they've accomplished so much in such a short amount of time, but our Trekkers sure can!

Keep an eye out for our trip schedule for summer 2018 to help you plan out next summer's adventure! See you then!

Last Blog Entry From NY-Montreal Trek

On our last day in Montreal

We ate omelette and pancake mix

Then toured the biodome, it wasn't small

Wetland, arctic, ocean, tropics.

After lunch, we reused the tickets

And walked to the insectarium nearby

They sold snacks like ice cream with crickets

The inside was colored with butterflies.

There was more free stuff to be see

We saw a gallery of bonsai in the park

We packed our bikes and rode carefree

Then crammed them into boxes in the dark.

As the bus rumbles, I see with tired eyes

The rode I rode, but never alone

We all made friends, to summarize

And now we scatter and go home.

-Written by Trekker Soeren

Great Sites and Food in Monteal for the NY-Montreal Trekkers

Today, the New York to Montreal Trekkers enjoyed exploring more of the city. They began their day with breakfast at the hostel, then set out to Schwartz's Deli, for some extra breakfast. After filling up on delicious smoked pastrami, they ascended Mount Royal on bicycles, to get a beautiful view of Montreal. The climb and the ride back down made everybody very hungry, so after, the group rode to Jean Talon Market, where they got lunch and explored the many vendors selling authentic ethnic cuisine. After lunch, the Trekkers rode back to the waterfront, where they had some free time to explore Old Montreal. To finish the day, they went ziplining! We discovered it was free spagetti night once we returned to the hostel, so for dessert Soeren and Jared made an awesome chocolate souflet! It was a great ending to the last full day of the trip. 

NY-Montreal Trekkers Reach Montreal!

This morning we woke up in Napierville and headed out to a Tim Hortons for a great Canadian breakfast of donuts. Right after we finished, we got caught in an enormous rainstorm that lashed at us for a few miles until we hit the Quebecois farmland. After 15 miles, we could see Montreal and Mont Royal on the skyline. A few miles later, we crossed a drawbridge over the Richeliu River and headed out onto an eight mile causeway into Parc Jean Garneau, where the Montreal Exposition 67 occurred 50 years ago. We explored the BioDome, an extremely cool environmental and climate museum before crossing the St. Lawrence into Montreal. We got to our very nice hostel and hit up an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet. We explored Montreal a bit and enjoyed the rooftop hot tub to end the day. Excited to explore tomorrow... and go on the hipline.

Written by Trekker Charlie

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ACROSS AMERICA Trekkers and Families Celebrate at Coney Island

NY-Montreal Trekkers Cross Into Quebec

Today we crossed the border from Vermont to Canada—it was pretty easy. There was no hassle and no waiting. After we crossed the border we rode for two hours passing by beautiful but smelly farmlands. We finally arrived at a campground with nice bathrooms and a gigantic slide and pool. We also had poutine, which is some french fries with a whole lotta cheese curds and gravy. Everybody speaks French here and it's a little unsettling as we aren't too far  from the border. Good thing our friend Soeren speaks French and translated for us. We ended the night with some table tennis and marshmallows over the fire. 

ACROSS AMERICA TREKKERS ARRIVE IN NEW YORK CITY!

Today the Teen Trekkers biked into New York City! The group started on the Pacific Coast of Oregon just 8 weeks ago. Today they woke up to a delicious breakfast provided by the Rifkin family, which fueled them to get into the city via the George Washington Bridge. They had lunch at a taqueria, and had cookies for dessert from Schmackary's. They went to an off-Broadway musical called Avenue Q, and to finish off the night they went to Black Tap, home of New York's best burger and famous milkshakes! Next stop: Coney Island.

A Beautiful Day on Lake Champlain for NY-Montreal Trekkers

This morning we woke up on the north shore campsite outside of Burlington. It was a late morning where we could sleep in because we had a very short day. After a cereal breakfast, we biked back to Burlington and went to the ECHO Champlain Museum. When we were finished, we got a sandwich lunch and started onto the road. Almost all of today's riding was on the gorgeous Burlington Bike Park system. After a few miles on the shore of Champlain, the bike path continues on an old railroad causeway far out into Champlain. It was easily one of the most beautiful rides on the trip. Right before the causeway reaches South Hero Island in the middle of Champlain, the causeway breaks off in a channel so boats can pass through. We hopped on a quick bike ferry to the other side of the causeway. The rest of the biking of the day was spent riding across South Hero and Grand Isle, until we reached Grand Isle State Park. Some of us took a dip in Champlain and then we ate chicken grilled cheeses to wrap off an easy 20 mile day. We finished with bad cookies and a game of mafia. Tomorrow's Quebec!!!!!

~Written by Trekker Charlie

99 Mile Day for Across America Trekkers

Today was the trekkers last long day of mileage. They traveled 99 miles from Callicoon, NY to Westwood, NJ, where Kyle's family made them an awesome home cooked meal and provided them with couches and beds for sleeping (thank you!!). Only a few days left until they reach the coast!

NY-Montreal Trekkers Enjoy Burlington,VT

Today took us from DAR campsite to the city of Burlington, where we spent the majority of our day. After walking around an open market and eating lunch in the park, we looked at shops until coming to a Ben & Jerry's, where we attempted to finish a Vermonster (20  scoops of ice cream with as many toppings as we want).  It came down to Jared, who bravely drank the remaining liquid ice cream left in the bucket. We finally arrived at our campsite in North Beach, where we stayed for the rest of the day.  Some of us took a ride to the grocery store to pick up supplies for an artisan salad and pesto orzo, and the rest did laundry at the campground. Charlie got some free firewood from the office so we made a campfire and ended the evening with a game of mafia.

~Written by Trekker Brendan

Across America Trekkers Closing In On NYC

Today the Across America Trekkers started in Harpursville, NY and made their way along Route 17. They were keeping a good pace despite the hills, but unfortunately they were caught in a heavy rain storm that started at 7 and continued through the night. Instead of biking in the rain, they stopped early for a hot meal and stayed the night at The Western Inn in Callicoon, NY. They plan to do a century tomorrow to make up for the day's lost miles.

NY-Montreal Trekkers Bike Through Vermont

 As we entered DAR State Park today, we all felt quite accomplished as we finished our 55 mile day into Vermont. We were happy to leave our mosquito-infested campsite this morning, and took off as soon as possible. Today was by far the hardest yet, especially as we climbed the Graphite Mountain for 5 miles. Despite our tough day, we're glad we persisted and got to see Lake George and Lake Champlain. We admired the view from the Champlain Bridge and straddled the border between New York and Vermont. Dinner—"pasta from the sky" and oreos—was extremely satisfying. We can't wait to explore Burlington tomorrow. 

~Written by Trekker Blake

NYC is So Close for Across America Trekkers

The Across America Trekkers had about a 60 mile ride. They left Ithaca mid-morning and ended the day in Harpursville, NY. In between, they stopped to explore an abandoned school. After dinner they had an ice cream treat:) Getting closer...

NY-Montreal Trekkers Enjoy Lake George

Today was a short ride spread throughout the day. We spent 3 hours at Lake George devouring ice cream and stand up paddle boarding. After our time at the lake we had a short 10-mile ride to our campsite which will put us ahead for our 50-mile ride tomorrow to Vermont. The campsite is very nice and we're all looking forward to a good night's sleep.

Written by Trekker Jared

NY-Montreal Trekkers Bike Through Saratoga Region

Today we left Albany. We biked on a bike path along the Hudson for 5 miles, then went on to route 9. We stopped at a Price Chopper for lunch. After lunch we continued through a town on Saratoga Lake. We stopped on the bridge to eat ice cream, and to go bridge jumping into the lake. We ate ramen stir fry for dinner at our campsite, then went to see the sunset on the lake, and had s'mores for dessert. 

~Written by Trekker Hazel

Finger Lakes And Cornell Were Days Highlights for Across America Trekkers

The Teen Trekkers continued their journey across the state of New York today, traveling a total of 85 miles from Avon to Ithaca. The group stopped midday for a China Buffet before traveling south along Cayuga Lake and landing at the day's destination. They camped outside of a Cornell co-op right on campus, and ate a meal from Cornell student's favorite street food restaurant.

Across America Trekkers Take on New York State

Today the Trekkers slept in in Buffalo, where they woke up to fresh local bagels and fruit. After a mid-morning stop at the Buffalo bike shop, they got on the road for a 60 mile day, ending at a hotel in Avon, NY.

NY-Montreal Trekkers 2nd Day in Albany

Today was Trip Leader Aimee's magnificent birthday.  We started off sleeping in until 8:00 a.m.  After a great buffet breakfast at the Holiday Inn we set off to see the New York State Museum. After exploring the museum for 2 and a 1/2 hours We had a delicious Indian buffet lunch. We then relaxed at the hotel and met our new Trip Leader Jonah. For dinner we went out for a great Italian dinner to celebrate Aimee's birthday. We then went to Washington Park Playhouse to watch the Music Man under the stars. While we enjoyed the luxuries of a hotel for 2 nights we're excited to bike out of Albany tomorrow and make our way to Montreal.
Written by Trekker Blake

A Century Ride For the Across America Trekkers

Today the Teen Trekkers completed the trip's first century! For many of the trekers this was their first hundred mile day ever. Woo hoo! They met up with Cliff's son, Tyler, in Buffalo in the evening at the community bike ride that happened to be going on, and they went back to Cliff's house where they had dinner and camped in the yard.

NY-Montreal Trekkers Find Plenty to Do in Albany

We woke up early after camping at a New York State park at 6:30. We packed up quickly and got out of camp by 8:00 a.m. After a 22 mile jaunt over the rolling hills of Rensselaer County we rolled into Albany at 11:00 a.m. Lunch was sandwiches, humus, fruit, along with a quart of milk and a pint of yogurt. After dumping our stuff at the Holiday Inn Express we biked to the New York State Capitol to take a walking tour and then visited the Observation Deck at the NYS Mall.  We got some much needed sugar at Dunkin donuts because apparently not just America but all of New York capital runs on Dunkin. After that we headed back-to the hotel where we crashed the pool and ate their cookies. Then we had take out Chinese and called it a day. We've made it halfway up New York State! 
Written by Trekker Charlie

90 Miles, 12th State for Across America Trekkers

The Teen Trekkers completed their longest mileage yet today! They traveled 90 miles from Cleveland, OH to Erie, PA, crossing into their twelfth state. They will be crossing the New York border tomorrow and look forward to staying the night at Cliff's in Buffalo!!

NY-Montreal Trekkers Bike a Long Day Up the Hudson Valley

Leaving M Norrie State Park, today's route became surprisingly straight, forwards. We soon stopped at Reinbeck to visit the farmers market. Locals could not stop being curious, and we recieved questions, advice, and even prayers. After some technical difficulties, (flat tires) we reached Hudson and ate pizza. To reach our campsite we had to bike in extra 7 miles in the setting sun. We set up our tents and swam ending quite a day under the shadow of an historic industrial building.

Written by Soeren

MY-Montreal Has Awesome Day in Poukeepsie

Today a group made several stops both for shopping and sightseeing. We made a couple stops at bicycle shops where some people got new bike parts.  We biked along the beautiful Dutchess County Rail Trail until we reached the Walkway Over the Hudson. It is an old railroad bridge made into a pedestrian bridge. We got a great view from the walkway over the Hudson River. Our last stop of the day was in Hyde Park to visit the Franklin D. Roosevelt house and library.  Dinner was Mexican Quesadeas.
Written by Brenden

Niagara Toronto Trek Finishes in Buffalo

Today the Niagara Toronto Trekkers returned to Buffalo via Greyhound. They started their morning at 5 AM, rode downtown to the bus terminal, disassembled the bikes, and were on the road by 9. Once they arrived in Buffalo, the Trekkers quickly reassembled the bikes, then visited the Anchor Bar for some world famous chicken wings. After dinner, they had some brownies at the hostel and finished the rest of Sing. It was a great last night together before we all part ways tomorrow 😥

Across America Trekkers in Cleveland

Today the trekkers traveled from Monroeville, OH to Cleveland, OH. It was another day with bike paths, which is always a nice scenic break from the roadways. In the evening, they stopped in downtown Cleveland for a Puerto Rican meal before heading to their warm showers where they were treated to some delicious watermelon. Now, onward to Buffalo!

NY-Montreal Trekkers Have A Comfortable Hotel Night

 Today started off with the sound of Aimee's flute waking us up to get us ready for the road ahead. We biked up high hills but the ride down was satisfying to make up for the trek up. Later we got some lunch and ate in a cool area. It was nice to take a break and devour rotisserie chicken. We rode  some more and the thought of sleeping in a hotel with air conditioning gave us a boost of confidence. After a couple of miles we reached the hotel but before that we had some ice cream and later had delicious dinner at the I-84 Diner.

~Written by Trekker Corbin

Niagara Toronto Trek in Toronto

Niagara Toronto Trekkers Have A Really Packed Day IN Toronto

The Trekkers had a very busy day today in Toronto! They started off the morning with scrambled eggs and croissants at the hostel, then biked across town to Riverdale Farm, where they saw farm animals and played some games. Next, they headed west towards Chinatown for a tasty lunch at a Chinese restaurant. After eating, the Trekkers explored the surrounding neighborhood, and saw a super cool alley which was filled with street art. Tired from all the walking, they went back to Chinatown for some bubble tea. After the break, the Trekkers had some free time to explore Kensington market, which was full of funky shops and interesting souvenirs. (Jonah and Sara made everyone try kombucha!) After filling up on fermented tea, they headed across town again to an art gallery and cultural center in East Toronto. By this point, they were all really tired, so they went back to the neighborhood of the hostel to grocery shop and cook dinner. Once they finished their meal of spaghetti squash and meatballs, the Trekkers headed west to see Sing! which was being shown on an inflatable screen in a public park. They finished off two more tubs of ice cream in the first 15 minutes of the movie! Unfortunately, the movie was shut down before the ending due to an impending thunderstorm, but fortunately, to the rain didn't start until after we had biked back to the hostel! Glad to be home safe and dry before the storm, the Trekkers quickly fell asleep from such a fun but long day!

NY-Montral Trekkers Begin Their Ride Up The Hudson Valley

After meeting everyone at Dobbs Ferry, we started our day with the sun on our backs, quickly going for lunch supplies. We biked enthusiastically for a few hours on the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail, stopping for water and later dinner supplies. We took a few detours, through the Rockefeller Preserve lengthening our trip. At the campground, we swam for five minutes and then went to set up tents and cook dinner. It was delicious and everyone slept peacefully.

~Written by Trekker Jared

Across America Trekkers Get A Home Cooked Meal

From Ligonier, the trekkers crossed the Indiana-Ohio line yesterday. They moved quickly, biking a total of 85 miles and reaching steady group speeds of 20 miles per hour! They stayed the night at a warm showers location, where they got a hot meal and a good night's sleep.

FIRST DAY - New York-Montreal Trek

Anxious bikers assembled this morning in Bryant Park in midtown Manhattan at 8 a.m. for the beginning of their 16 day, 400+ mile adventure up the Hudson Valley, through the Adirondacks, cornering Vermont, and into Quebec, Canada to Montreal.  The adventure started with a short train ride out of NYC with all their bikes and equipment to Dobbs Ferry.  There several more Trekkers joined the group and they played some ice-breaker games, talked about bike safety & rules of the road and then headed north along the Saw Mill River Bike Trail.  Today they have an easy 20 mile ride to Croton Point Park Campground on the Hudson River.

Niagara-Toronto Trekkers Bike Into Toronto

Today the Trekkers made their big entrance to Toronto! After leaving our campsite at Bronte Provincial Plark, we biked 35 miles (our longest day of the trip!) with a break for swimming in Lake Ontario. The water was cool and refreshing, which made the ride easier on this really hot day. Once we checked into our hostel in downtown Toronto, we cooked our dinner of chicken and sweet potato tacos. 

Lake Ontario Trekkers Complete Their Ride Around Lake Ontario

Today we biked 70 miles from Holley, NY to Buffalo. In the morning we followed the historic Erie Canal path to Lockport. From Lockport we followed bike paths and side roads into the suburbs of Buffalo. When we arrived in Buffalo we stopped for dinner in Bidwell Park before going to set up camp. We'll spend the last days of the trip exploring Buffalo!

90 Mile Day for Across America Trekkers

Today the Teen Trekkers on Across America completed just under 90 miles! They traveled all the way to Ligonier, Indiana, but not before stopping for an ice cream break in the mid afternoon. They also got to ride on some sweet riverside bike paths today, and they crossed into the Eastern time zone! Getting closer...

Niagara Toronto Trekkers on Water Slides

Trekkers started off their day at Wimpy's Diner for brunch before going to a waterpark! At the waterpark we raced down the Kamikaze and Blue Demon slides, and we sneakily ate some strawberry funnel cake before our leader came back from relaxing in the lazy river (she was concerned about our sugar intake). After a surprise burst of thunderstorms we waited out the rain by playing some games and listening to thunder. We then biked along Lake Ontario and ended up at the campsite, where we had a delicious spaghetti with veggies and meatballs (that soon became ground beef). Today was our last night camping of the trip! Goodbye mosquitos and pesky raccoons , hello Toronto! 

(Written and edited by the group

Across America Trekkers Enter Indiana

The Across America Trekkers woke up in Chicago and ate breakfast in their room with a view over Millennial Park. They hit the road, following a bike path around the lake before crossing into Indiana and making their way to their camp spot in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.