Across America Trekkers Reach Jackson Michigan

8/8 Our day began with a hot meal cooked by Eric our host. We ate a couple of last night's donuts and headed out to Alfred E. Bikes to have Tyler's rack removed and replaced. We pushed onward to lunch, riding on a mixture of well-maintained bike paths, less maintained county roads, and deer fly infested dirt paths. For lunch we had a fresh salad with cherry tomatoes--we were kindly allowed to eat in the store as a drizzle began. After lunch we continued to Jackson on rather bumpy back roads, fixing flats along the way. Outside Jackson we met a friendly cyclist who offered us accommodations for the night, but since he lived a few miles in the wrong direction we politely declined. We feasted at Steak and Shake on burgers and candy-filled shakes before setting up camp for the night at
Baker College.

The New England Shore Trek Started Today.

The New England Shore Trekkers began a 350 mile ride from Guilford, CT to Boston, MA.  Over the next 2+ weeks the group will cycle through Mystic, CT, Block Island, Newport, RI, Providence, RI, onto Cape Cod, Provincetown, and Boston.  They met early this morning at Bryant Park in Manhattan and took a MetroNorth train to Guilford.  After several games to get to know one-another and a talk about bike safety the group biked 8+ miles to Hammonassett State Park where they will camp for the night.

The Lake Ontario Trek Started at the Foot of the Niagara River

The Lake Ontario Trek rides around the entire Great Lake.  All 650+ miles. They will ride through Niagara Falls, Toronto, Kingston, 1000 Islands, the St. Lawrence Seaway, Oswego, NY, Chimney Bluffs, Rochester, the Erie Canal, and end in Buffalo. The group met early this morning at the foot of the Niagara River (and Lake Erie) and today will bike 20+ miles to Niagara Falls.  They started the day with breakfast in a pavilion in Front Park.  After some introductory games and a discussion on bike safety they were ready to hit the bike path.  They rode across the Peace Bridge and into Canada

Cape Cod Trekkers Explore the 'Upper Cape'

We completed our last distance ride to a destination yesterday. Thirty-seven miles stood in between Brewster and Provincetown, and as we journeyed on, we stopped and experienced the culture of the upper Cape.

We took a detour in Wellfleet and hiked the breakwall into the harbor. Standing in the middle of the water, we took in views of surrounding beaches, anchored boats and grassy cliffs. We continued into town and stopped on Main Street, where we had lunch outside of the town hall and checked out a few eclectic shops. A few locals stopped to talk with us. We were  graced by unsolicited jokes from a man and his dog Cosmo, who had us cracking up. Trekkers Gabe, Eliana and Leader Cory finished a gallon of ice cream on their own in a game of "mum," as an acapella group sang "Oh, Cecelia" nearby.

After we experienced some of Wellfleet, we started into Truro, which is known as being one of the most untouched and natural towns in the Cape. Through luscious greenery we rode, over rolling hills, some steep climbs and headwinds. We stopped at the Veterans memorial, which honored individuals from WW1, WW2, Korea and Vietnam, and saw the town's public library, built in Craftsman-style architecture.

Once we reached North Truro, at the border of Provincetown, we started coasting along the beach into camp, noticing wild pink roses and massive rusty anchors on lawns all the way. We briefly passed through the center of P-Town, before making it to camp.

We decided to rest up and stay in camp for the evening after our day of exploring. Tomorrow, it's into the sand dunes we shall venture!  -- Trip leaders Annise and Cory

Cape Cod Trekkers Moving Along the Cape's Claw

As we started reaching further up and around the Cape's "claw," we backpedaled a bit, and ventured yesterday to Dennis, the town in between Brewster and Yarmouth. There, we visited Scargo Tower, and caught views of the Atlantic Ocean and Scargo Lake. We learned the legend of how the lake was formed, from the tears of a Native American princess. We got caught in some rain on our ride to the tower, but managed to keep shelter under a pavillion at the lake. After playing cards, we rode through some villages to pick up lunch at an area market. We've really started to notice the natural colors of Massachusetts are full of various shades of green in the trees and foliage, brown of the pine needles on the ground, beige of the sand, and blue-green water. After lunch, we decided to beat the heat and trekked to the movie theatre to see "Minions." We made it back to camp and started cooking a taco dinner as the sun started to set beyond the tall trees. We ended our last night at Nickerson State Park with toasty s'mores and were relatively early to bed to rest up for our longest anticipated day of biking.  - Trip leaders Annise and Cory

C&O Trek has a Bright Beautiful Day

The C&O trekkers had a wonderful time riding on the trail today. After days of riding a very wet path, today seemed like a piece of cake. They started out on the paved Western Maryland Rail Trail and came out at Fort Frederick where they explored the barracks, carried a yoke, dressed up, and learned about muskets.  After their history lesson, they stopped at McCoy's Ferry to eat lunch and get their feet cleaned by some generous guppies at the boat dock.  A little longer down the trail, they stopped at a beautiful view of the river where they took a much needed swim.

Across America Trekkers are Hot, Tired, and Happy in a Motel

To celebrate the 4th of July the Across America trekkers watched fireworks shot over the Columbia River Gorge.  In the morning they set out for their longest day so far, riding 75+ miles in very, very, very, hot weather.  To beat the heat the group was up at 5 a.m. and did much of their riding before lunch.  Like many afternoons the group had a several hour siesta before riding for a few hours in the early evening.  To celebrate their long day they stayed in a motel in Walla Walla with great showers, soft beds, and T.V.  "Life is good!" -- Trip Leader Lydia

Cape Cod Trek Has a Fun First Day

Yesterday, our Cape Cod journey began in Boston, as our fearless trekkers rolled in early morning, bikes in tow, and assembled as a unit across from the city's South Station.

Our day began with a short train ride down to North Scituate. While our bikes took up the whole aisle in the adjoining car, we spent our time on the train getting to know one another and talking about our first day.

Once we reached North Scituate, we headed to Shaw's grocery store and purchased food for our next few meals. We found a shady spot under a tree, next to a small, local church to stop and have lunch.

Following lunch, we pedaled onward towards the Wompatuck State Park. Though we missed our turn into the campground by a short mile, it allowed for us to enjoy the lush, green scenery and beautiful homes - some of which had large, old fishing boats displayed on their lawns. In all, we rode about 12 miles total.

When we arrived at our campsite, we unpacked our gear, pitched our tents and spent some time relaxing with one another. Some of the trekkers had an exhilarating time racing their bikes around the park with leader Cory. Before a shared meal of red bean quesadillas for dinner, we played a group game of "Robot Karate." As our fire died down, we went to sleep to prepare for our next day's ride.

-- Trip Leaders Annise and Cory

California Trek Bikes from Lighthouse Hostel to Lighthouse Hostel

We biked 38 miles from Montara to Pescadero. We ate lunch at a beach and after we went down to the shore to swim. Our bike ride included some cool views of the ocean and hills/mountains. Tonight we're staying at the lighthouse hostel at Pigeon Point.   Written by Alex:

Across America Treks' First Day (54 to go)

Across America Trekkers enjoyed their first evening at the Seaside International Hostel in Seaside, OR. This morning they made pancakes and eggs complimentary of the hostel and heard some tall tales from the folks staying there about mystical hot springs in Montana.  After assembling their bikes they dipped their wheels in the Pacific Ocean and they have a short ride up the beautiful coastline to Astoria, Oregon.  They'll make dinner and camp at Fort Stevens State Park.  Tomorrow they head east on a 3,800+ mile, 8 week adventure ending at Coney Island in New York City.

C&O Canal Trek Begins in Pittsburgh

The C&O Canal Trek is a 400+ mile off-road ride from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. along a rail-to-trail and an old canal towpath.  The group met this morning at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown Hotel and has a full day of sight-seeing planned.  After a discussion on bike safety and rules of the road the group will bike around 'Open Streets', go to Bike Heaven, take a railcar up Mt. Washington, and possibly check out a museum, and/or the botanical gardens.  They have very comfortable accommodations at the Wyndham Grand tonight and then tomorrow they bike southeast on their 13 day outdoor adventure.

Preparations Prior To The Leadership Training Workshop

The leaders are arriving and will soon begin the Leadership Training Workshop. Take a look at us while we finagle with the tents. We've got to make sure everything is in tip-top shape for your trek!

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. 

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.

Buying Gear for a Teen Treks Trip

Across the country, there are local and community bike shops that are able to give advice and help supply teens with the gear they need to have a safe and enjoyable Teen Trek this 2015 summer. A few of the products we require and recommend are:

a bike!
panniers
helmet
u-lock
lights
pump
tools
water bottles
clothing
rear rack

other personal trip items 

After registering for a trip, we provide you with the materials necessary to gear up for a trip. If you have any questions about gear, bike parts, or suggestions for a bike shop in your area, contact the office at biketrips@teentreks.com or call us at 716.566.7908. 

Stay up to date with gear and trip news at our social media sites:
www.twitter.com/Teen_Treks
www.instagram.com/teentreks/

www.facebook.com/teentreks