Across America Trekkers in Livingston, MT

7/16 rested up from our longest day yet (by 15 miles) with a short 26 mile ride to Livingston where we stayed in a campground with amazing bathrooms and hot showers. With Katie as point we biked +40 mph for the last ten miles of this ride. Although we saw storm clouds as we were setting up camp, the rain never came (and for once, the ground was perfect for staking tents). We had root beer floats, Tyler's first ever (he has decided he was definitely missing out), and chocolate cake with sliced strawberries on top for a more proper celebration of Lydia's 22nd birthday. After some Frisbee we got to bed early so we could hit the road in the morning.
So far today... With everyone a solid week into a rigidly healthy diet, great tailwinds, a 90-mile day under our belts, and a good day of rest after that, everyone is feeling great after the first 36 miles. We rode with an average speed of 18 mph, although some midday flats are slowing us down as of 1 pm.

Across America Trekkers are Hot, Tired, and Happy in a Motel

To celebrate the 4th of July the Across America trekkers watched fireworks shot over the Columbia River Gorge.  In the morning they set out for their longest day so far, riding 75+ miles in very, very, very, hot weather.  To beat the heat the group was up at 5 a.m. and did much of their riding before lunch.  Like many afternoons the group had a several hour siesta before riding for a few hours in the early evening.  To celebrate their long day they stayed in a motel in Walla Walla with great showers, soft beds, and T.V.  "Life is good!" -- Trip Leader Lydia

California Coast Trek in Big Sur

 

Our three day endeavor in Big Sur began with our leaving Monterey.  On our trip to Pfeiffer State Park we witnessed Bixby Bridge, beautiful shear cliffs, and possibly a black bear.  Our arrival at the first campsite to allow fires necessitated the making of a bonfire and the roasting of marshmallows.  The next day turned out to be a slow, but an enjoyable one.  For the first time since starting the trip, we were able to sleep in.  The day was spent mostly on a nearby beach where we climbed on the rocky cove, played with seaweed, and had the first annual Teen Treks Olympics.  We left the beach and finished our day with a ride through the park and another bonfire.  Our time had come to migrate to the town of Lucia, further south in Big Sur.  On the way there we found a multitude of animals including condors, seals, sea otters, whales and a dead snake on the side of the road.  Beautiful shear cliffs, beaches, and valleys were also discovered on our journey.  The day ended with a wonderful campsite with an ocean view. -- Trekker Dan