New Season, New Coordinator!

Hello from (very snowy) Buffalo.  My name is Victoria Brockmeier, and I'm working as Program Coordinator for Teen Treks this season.  I'm excited to be joining the team for 2014!  We have two brand new treks -- the 1000 Mile Challenge, running from Chicago to New York City, and Green Ireland, which will take you through small towns, big cities, and ancient landmarks in the Emerald Isle.

To tell you a bit about myself, I have an MFA in creative writing/poetry from Louisiana State University and a PhD in English literature from the University at Buffalo.  My first book of poems, my maiden cowboy names, won the 2008 T. S. Eliot Prize, and I'm at work on second and third books of poems, plus a critical manuscript.  I've previously done web marketing and communications for the UB medical school, and I grew up hiking all over the Missouri countryside.

I'm ensconced at the Teen Treks offices now, with what surely has to be our last snowstorm of the year coming down outside, and I'll be delighted to talk to you about our trips, whether you're looking to take one yourself, asking for your son or daughter, or considering leading for us.  Email me at victoria@teentreks.com or call 716-566-7908 any time.

BONDING WITH YOUR BIKE (and bike naming contest!)

I don’t know about all of you out there, but I’ve bonded with my bike. Now, I know what you’re thinking (something along the lines of “wow, what a weirdo….”). But hear me out!

I bought my gorgeously yellow bicycle last summer, and I have to say, it was love at first sight! Fred, as I have so affectionately named him, is a great bike. He’s reliable and colorful, and awesome!

Before you bust out laughing hysterically, think about it! I love spending time on my bike, and I am sure you guys do too. I think it’s perfectly normal to name your bike (although I have also named myPublish Post car. Francois, if anyone was wondering).

I can’t be the only person out there who has named their bike, and to prove it to you, I have decided to host a contest. For all of you who get back to me with not only the name of your bike, but a picture of it too, I will put all your names in a hat, and pick 5 to send Teen Treks tee shirts to!

So get your cameras ready, and tell me those names!!!!

Post your picture of your bike, along with the bike’s name on our Facebook page and I will contact the winners in a few weeks. I can’t wait to see what names you’ve chosen!!!