Meet Our Leaders: Tyler

Hey everyone! I'm Tyler, and I'm excited to once again be leading with Teen Treks this summer!  I can't wait to be out on the road leading another Teen Trek!  I've traveled by bus with a backpack through Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Israel/Palestine but by far my favorite way to travel is by bicycle ... sometimes its best to travel 10 miles an hour and take in the fragrance of spring wild flowers or maybe the wonderfully potent smells of a Vermont dairy.  I've traveled many miles by bicycle with Teen Treks as a trekker (my favorite trip was the Across America Trek) and I am returning for my third summer as a Teen Treks leader.  Although I spend as much time as possible on my bike, I also enjoy playing music (I've recently taken up learning accordion), hiking, camping, eating ice cream, and dreaming about the next outdoor adventure.  I can't wait to meet all of the 2015 leaders and trekkers!

Meet Our Program Cordinator: Deion

Hi Trekkers! Here's Deion, a program coordinator for Teen Treks this summer. He loves to travel, used to be a flight attendant and teach English in France, try new recipes, and play and watch tennis. The other day he rode a bike for the first time in over six years--and he's loving it! Feel free to call the office or send him questions at teentreks@gmail.com! 

Meet Our Leaders: Jamie

Hey everyone!

My name is Jamie Sunshine from Buffalo, New York!  When it’s not snowing here, I ride my bike whenever I can.  In addition to biking, I have many hobbies including camping, hiking, swimming, jet skiing, boating, scuba diving, dog walking, “Frisbee-ing” (ultimate, disc golf and Kan Jam), traveling, playing music and being outdoors.  Leading a bike trip is something I’ve always wanted to do because it’s the best way to experience the world and meet new people all at the same time!

I recently just finished my Masters degree in music playing percussion in the beautiful state of West Virginia (WVU).  Throughout my time in school I was lucky to enough to help lead a group and study music and dance in Ghana, West Africa.  In addition to Africa, I have traveled to many places including Europe, Israel, Panama, Costa Rica, Belize, The Cayman Islands, Alaska and Hawaii!  I can’t wait to meet everyone and get started on our biking adventures!

Meet Our Leaders: Lydia

Hello to you all! My name is Lydia, and I could not be more psyched to begin this wild summertime adventure. I am a born and raised Buffalonian who has since left to explore the rest of the world. I currently live in NYC, where I attend college and earn a living by co-managing a hostel in Brooklyn. I've made it a point to never stop exploring, and I hope you will too by the end of this summer! I've been on countless adventures-- from living in Brazil for a year, to working at a sleep-away camp in Portugal, to hiking and camping around Iceland in the cold of early spring, to canoeing through the Canadian wilderness for weeks on end--each one as incredible as the next. My bike has been my constant companion no matter where I go and I firmly believe there is no greater sensation than feeling the road fall away behind you and knowing that you are the force behind it. So, here's to a summer of adventure and endless thrills!

Meet Our Leaders: Stephanie

I am Stephanie from Albany, New York. After graduating college in 2013 I moved to Philadelphia to coach, mentor and tutor middle and high school students. After living in a large city for two years I am ready to get nature back into my life. I have traveled to Canada, Australia and many different states here in our own backyard. I love being outdoors, biking, hiking, camping, running, playing sports and practicing yoga. I cannot wait to meet all of you and start this journey together. 

Training for your Trek - Show Us Your Ride -

Eliana was training in New Hampshire

To make the first day of your trip really fun, you’ll want to be in shape and comfortable on your bike.  Use this schedule to train for a trek on one of our Easy or Moderate routes -- New York - Montreal, the Maine Coast, C&O Canal and so on:

• 3 weeks before the trip, go on two 5 mile bike rides
• 2 weeks before the trip, go on two 10 mile bike rides
• 1 week before the trip go, on two 20 mile bike rides

Bike through varied terrain if you can, and try filling your panniers with books during the last week so you can get used to riding with weight.  And for longer rides, make sure you bring water and stay hydrated!

Meet Our Leaders: Eian

What's up Teen Trekkers, My name is Eian and I'm from Cleveland, Ohio but have been living in Brooklyn, NY for the past year or so working in journalism. The city is great but I'm looking forward to hitting the open road and having some adventures this summer! I've always been an active type, and apart from biking some of my favorite things to do are running, lifting, and playing soccer and rugby. Before moving to New York I spent a year teaching music and soccer in Israel and have been lucky enough to travel to some pretty cool places around the world. This summer though, I'm excited to explore the US with you all and encounter it from the wholly immersive vantage point that you can only get atop a bike. See you on the road!

Meet Our Leaders: Skylar

Hi Everybody! My name is Skylar I live in Baltimore Maryland, and just graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art. After having spent all winter cooped up in my studio sculpting I cannot wait to get out on the road! I have been riding a bike for about as long as I have been walking and I can’t think of a more fun and relaxing way to explore new places! I am looking forward to seeing new sights, spending some time out in nature, enjoying a good camp fire, and getting to share the experience!

Last year I spent all spring and summer working on an urban farm in Baltimore. Part of my job while I was there was to work with the high schoolers and other volunteers that came through the farm. So I spent a lot of time encouraging people to try things that were new to them and got some good practice in handling even the crabbiest, tiredest, and dirtiest of teens. Over all it was a great summer and I loved helping people learn about where their food comes from and how to help it grow. When I was in high school I took two trips with Teen Treks, both of which were amazing. Most recently since then I have hiked the Devils Path, a trail through the Catskill mountain range, and taken a combination bike and train trip out west to New Mexico, Arizona, and California. When I’m not out on an adventure (or finishing college!) I spend my time, making artwork, enjoying music, reading, and farming.

Getting Into "High Gear" for Summer 2015!

Before heading out on trips, make sure you're being safe!

We're so excited for our 2015 Teen Treks bike trips, and can't wait to fill this up with photos!