Lake Ontario Trek Completes 600+ Mile Journey

The Lake Ontario Trekkers made it back to Buffalo, NY, where, three weeks ago, they started their adventure.  In all, they biked more than 600 miles together!

They spent their last night in the posh Adams Mark Hotel in downtown Buffalo and, yesterday, enjoyed a lazy morning with brunch at Betty's Restaurant -- breakfast burritos, French toast, and steak and eggs.  The day's highlight (no pun intended) was looking out over the city, Lake Erie, and the mists of Niagara Falls from Buffalo City Hall's observation deck.

Goodbyes are always difficult, but several Trekkers from this group are already talking about getting back together next year on our Across America route!

Across America in Buffalo, NY

Across America had the chance to sleep in and relax in Buffalo, New York.  The group headed into America last night after two great days in Canada, where the group was surprised both nights by hospitable  locals who graciously offered them a place to stay-both set of hosts were avid travelers who offered great chat and amazing food (THANK YOU!).  
The group cruised into Buffalo feeling good, especially because they had a hotel and pool to enjoy.  Since Teen Treks is based in Buffalo, the Director, Cliff and Program Coordinator, Alexa and a few lingering Leaders met the group for wings at Anchor Bar, the place where Buffalo Wings were invented.  The Trekkers were hungry, as seen by the 2 pizzas,150 wings and multiple salads they devoured!  Afterwards, the group ate cupcakes while sharing their stories to an audience of Teen Treks staff. 
Everyone got a good night's sleep, and arrived for breakfast at Cliff's house this morning.  After hanging around and relaxing, the Trekkers decided to head to City Hall for a panoramic view of Buffalo before heading out. 
The group is going to Batavia, NY tonight, and then will be heading to Ithaca, where they will be staying with a Teen Treks Leader (Keaton) who they met last night.  The group is excited to be at the end of the Trek, and are very relieved that they can have more casual days on the road.

City Hall offers great views of New York, Canada and two Great Lake-Erie and Ontario.

Goodbye Lake Ontario Trekkers!

A last entry for Lake Ontario...
700+ miles later we are back in Buffalo eating chicken wings, climbing City Hall for a panoramic view of the Queen City, tasting sponge candy, and checking out the Body Worlds exhibit at the Buffalo Museum of Science.  It has been a crazy, amazing three week adventure and it is strange that it is now all over.

Best wishes to all of the Lake Ontario Trekkers!  Happy summer and keep on cycling!

Thank you for biking with us,

Luke, Laura, Alexa, Cliff and the rest of the Teen Treks crew.

Niagara-Toronto Closing in on Toronto!

The group is going to arrive in Toronto today, after a night in the town of Bronte, Ontario.  Here's what Kate has to say about yesterday:
"Ran into a short but heavy rainstorm on the way over, but luckily we had an early start this morning so it did not slow us down.  We're at a campsite in the Bronte Conservation tonight.  Everyone is doing great aside from a little sadness that the Trek is already half way over!  We are on our way to Toronto tomorrow, and will be taking a lake side bike path that keeps Toronto in sight the whole way, slowly getting closer until we are right in the city!  We have found many fruit stands with delicious berries among the expansive farm communities we are riding through, but we are still excited for some city living...:

The bike trail that goes into Toronto

 

Lake Ontario Making Their Way Past Brockport, New York

The Trekkers have had a bunch of really fun days that started in Spencerport, New York.  The group was lucky enough to pay a visit to one of the Trekker's (Sophie) aunt, who was an amazing host to the travelers.  The group was ahead of schedule, so they spent their well earned day off relaxing, visiting a beach, playing games and jumping on a huge trampoline.  The next day, the Trekkers were given a phenomenal, generous breakfast from Sophie's family before heading along the Erie Canal to Brockport, New York for dinner followed by a short ride to Holley, New York.   The group set up their tents and fell asleep, only to wake up to a wonderful view and sunshine.  Let the good times roll!
Big shout out to Sophie's extended family for being such kind hosts to the Trekkers.  Thank you!
 Families: the end of Trek pick up location on 8/11 has changed.  Details have been emailed to parents.

Along the Canal pathway

Niagara-Toronto's Time in Niagara

The Trekkers have been busy!  Here's what they did this weekend:

From Kate, Leader:
"We spent a wonderful first day exploring many historical sites in Buffalo.  What we visited: the Naval Park with battle destroyer ships from WWII, including the USS the Sullivans, which is haunted by the 5 Sullivan brothers who died on the ship during the Battle of the Solomons.  We also checked out the Darwin Martin House, a gorgeous awe inspiring residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the home of the "Buffalo wing", the Anchor Bar.  
The group spent the first night in a fab Buffalo hostel. Then, we packed up our bikes and headed into Canada.  Shortly after crossing the border, we had a swim and snack break.  We then hopped on a lovely bike path and cruised our way to Niagara Falls along a bike path.  At the Falls, we paused for a quick photo opp and a much needed Tim Horton's pit stop-the Canadian doughnut and coffee eatery went down a treat.  The Niagara Falls hostel is really awesome; homely and comfortable.  We took advantage of the nice kitchen and cooked a delicious chicken enchilada dinner, followed by a yummy chocolate, peanut butter and banana cake."

 

Buffalo is a hot spot for Frank Lloyd Wright creations

And onto Niagara Falls: "The day started out with an exciting ride on the Maid of the Mist boat, which takes visitors right to the foot of the Falls.  Everyone got a good sprinkling as we donned blue ponchos and sailed past the Brides Vale and Horseshoe falls.  After disembarking we cycled to Goat Island and saw the falls close up, this time from above.  A quick jaunt to the Three Sisters Islands and a ride over the rest of the islands followed.  After lunch we made our way to Whirlpool State Park along the Robert Moses Parkway bike path (in New York), a former highway converted for bike use.  At Whirlpool State Park we dismounted our trusty steeds and descended into the maw of the Niagara Gorge.  A shady hike ensued with lots of laughter and stops to dip our toes into the warm water.  The views were great; we were surrounded by panoramic views of the gorge, a few fisherman, huge slabs of rock and Canada.  After hiking up some less than desirable stairs and crossing back into Canada we cooked up a filling meal of pasta alfredo.  Another good day for Niagara-Toronto where the kids were so tuckered out that they feel asleep with the lights on.  Onward and upward!"
-Keaton, Leader

 

The Nigara Gorge-great spot with multiple hiking trails

Timbits from Tim Hortons-more to come!

Niagara Toronto Off to Sunny Start

The Niagara Toronto Trek is in Buffalo and ready to go!  The small group comes from New York, New Hampshire and New Jersey and is ready to get cycling!  Today the group met and Buffalo's Front Park, which sits along Lake Erie, and had breakfast while getting to know one another.  The Teen Treks Director, Cliff, and Program Coordinator, Alexa also stopped by to meet the group.

The Trekkers with Leaders Keaton and Kate

The Chatty group is spending the sunny morning going over bike safety, and will have a picnic lunch before exploring Buffalo's many summer activities.  The group will go to City Hall's observation deck, cruise along the waterfront and head over to Anchor Bar, the originators of Buffalo wings for dinner. Today's weather is nice and sunny with a light breeze-perfect for some light riding on the city's bike path lined streets. 

City Hall provides a fantastic panoramic view of Buffalo and Canada.

Dinner!

Here it the Trek's Itinerary:

The Lake Ontario Trek Rides into Canada on their First Day

The Lake Ontario Trek began in Buffalo, NY this morning.  It was a cool, overcast morning that was perfect biking weather.  The group has crossed the Peace Bridge and is biking a trail along the Niagara River to the Falls.  Tonight they will be staying at the Niagara Falls Youth Hostel.