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!

Across America Zooming Through States

From over the weekend: The Across America Trek biked through 3 states yesterday - Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota reaching Belle Fourche.  The days continue to be long and hot so the group is getting earlier and earlier starts.  Biking is going very well and they are doing 80+ miles daily. 

And for Monday: Across America has made it to Rapid City and are continuing to move!  A quick note from Julian (Leader):
"Made it thru Montana (finally!), then Wyoming and South Dakota. States for dinner and a bike shop session in rapid city and now continuing east."

Across America Trek Crosses the Reservations

At the battle of Little Bighorn in south east Montana. The group saw where the mythical Custer drew his last breath. Made it to the Crow and north Cheyenne reservations where we met a nice guy named Ron who let us camp on his land after filling up on his delicious underground glacier water. Had the worlds best milkshake in Broadus, Montana.  Montana is great, but we are eager to get to a new state!

Across America Leaving Billings

After a sunny day fighting headwinds and swimming, the group loved their relaxing night in their  Billings, MT hotel.  Ready to have some days of high mileage to take advantage of the flat lands and rolling hills.  Also hoping to catch another farmers market somewhere; a simple treat that the group really enjoys!

Across America in Helena, MT

The Trekkers are loving the flat lands of Montana and cooler weather, allowing them to easily churn 60+ mile days with ease.

Loving Montana's big sky!

The sunset over Townsend, MT as we rode out. Talked to a nice guy who let us camp in his backyard. The grass was lush and we didn't need sleeping mats...

The group also went throught the 12th Continental Divide at McDonald pass-a climb of over 6,000 feet!  And now the group is excited for Helena's farmers markets..
-Julian, Leader

Helena, the capital of Montana

Now the Trekkers are deciding whether or not they should tweak their route to go to Mt. Rushmore...hmmm...

Across America at Adventure Cycle Headquarters

As many of you already may know, our Trekkers are making way across the country with the use of Adventure Cycling Association's maps.  Adventure Cycling Association is a non-profit that has been around for decades helping bike tourists make their way around North America.  Since they are based in Missoula, the group decided to stop on by.

Cyclists who visit the headquarters get a photo taken for their wall of travelers.  Here are the Trekkers: 

 

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 Making Way Into Missoula, MT

Embracing that open road!

After crossing Idaho, the Trekkers have little to no reception or wifi in rural Montana.  They are cruising on open roads and rolling farmlands, making it a well trodden route for cross country bikers.  However, they are making way to Missoula, which will be the first city they have been to in over a week!

One of Missoula, Montana's city parks