The Across America Trek Reaches for Idaho

We are ready to reach Idaho this afternoon. We've been pushing ourselves through 70 mile days riding along route 12, an absolutely beautiful stretch of road that runs through golden wheat fields in Washington. We were delighted to find a camel yesterday afternoon on our way to our lunch spot! After resting during the heat of the afternoon, we hopped on our bikes for a cool early evening ride through rolling wheat fields. We stopped in Pomeroy, Washington for the night and were able to get some much needed rest. We are super excited to be reaching our first state that does not touch the Pacific! Life is good. 

Bike Across America this summer with Teen Treks!

Biked across America with Teen Treks this past summer. What an incredible experience!!!  I learned so much about myself, my bike, and my country over my eight weeks of biking.  I loved my experience this summer and would definitely recommend it.  It's hard work (with fun), but if you want to push yourself and do something so amazing that you can tell stories about it for the rest of your life -- go for it!! 

 Daniel, Across America Trekker, 2012

Welcome to our toughest trip!

Ride 3,800 miles across the U.S. over 8 amazing weeks -- this trek is truly an accomplishment and always a life-changing experience.

Your trip begins in Oregon, where you'll dip your wheels in the Pacific Ocean on a cool, misty beach. Then it's out toward deep forests and the wide-open plains, the Rocky Mountains, Chicago, and so much more!

You'll bike through Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and along the Great Lakes to Niagara Falls. Then, follow the Erie Canal bike route across NY state to the Hudson River for a short 150 miles into NYC, ending the trip at Coney Island.  Along the way, you'll camp, hike, and swim, stop in picturesque town squares and ride past some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers.

Across America’s northern route lets our bikers enjoy their summer travel experience, compared to (much, much hotter) southern cross-country routes. But don’t kid yourself -- you will bike close to 100 miles, some days, so you’ll need to be in good shape.

When you travel by bike, you get to know the world better.  You get the flavor of the culture in the small towns and rural areas, and you see cities differently, too.

America is full of quirky -- and kind of amazing! -- independent art, friendly small-town diners, and beautiful vista after beautiful vista.  See it all with us this summer!

Even George Washington wants to come -- we just need to find him a bike!

We're running two Across America trips this summer, for teens entering grades 10 and up:

• June 25 - August 18
• June 29 - August 22

Apply now to reserve your place on this one-of-a-kind experience!  Or sign up for one of our other super trips: New York City - Montreal, Pacific Northwest, California Coast, New England Shore, European Phantom, Maine Coast -- and more!

Accross America's Three Days in Idaho and Montana, Photo Blitz, by Jessie

The Trekkers have finally had enough reception to provide a play-by-play on their recent movements.  Jessie was kind enough to share the tales of the past three days in Idaho and Montana:

7/8:
The group woke up beside a river, and headed out to grab a hearty breakfast in their little Idaho town.  While ridding, the saw some smoke, only to find that the previous night's lightning had started a forest fire.  The group rode and watched as firefighters jumped out of helicopters, and dumped massive amounts of water (scooped from a nearby lake) onto the fire.  Extremely interesting to see.  After having lunch and hanging out at a swimming hole (at Three Waters River) the Trekkers continued to Lowell, Idaho where the highlight was the local berry pie!

The fire helicopter

7/9

Waking among trees and mountains, the group happily continued along Highway 12-enjoyable because there are almost no cars on it!  There were some uphill battles, but after climbing over 2,000 feet up Alpowa Summit the riding was great.  The group found another swimming hole, where they ate and washed up.  The group found a campground and relaxed-everyone agreeing that Idaho has treated them extremely well: tasty food, beautiful rides and no bike issues!

Few better ways to wake up than with a view like this!

Made up on two wheels!

Your fearless Leaders: Julian and Monique

7/10

The group entered Montana and made it over to the small city of Missoula.  They ascended a nearby mountain trail (Lolo Summit), and took advantage of the shop at the top by purchasing the team mascot: a stuffed porcupine!  The group checked into a hotel in Missoula, and happy devoured pizza. 

7/11
The Trekkers will be leaving Missoula after checking out the Adventure Cycling headquarters based in the city.  The Trekkers are using Adventure Cycling's cross-country maps.

The weather is much better, hoping that those heatwaves are a thing of the past.  Feeling good and moving forward!

Across America Arrives in Idaho!

Across America is now in Idaho!  The group is still battling hot weather and inclines, but are happy to be in their first state that does not touch the Pacific-a definitive sign of their eastward movements.  The Trekkers relaxed at a hotel, had some good eats in their town's diner, and biked up a scenic summit.

See ya later, Washington!

Small town living at an Idaho diner.

And for those wondering about what the Trekkers did on July 4th: they caught some fireworks and enjoyed a barbeque, thanks to a firefighter who showed some tremendous hospitality to the group!