California Coast Trekkers Continue their Quest for Avocado Deals

We rolled out of the campground this morning and hit the road at 8:45 (our earliest yet). Our route immediately took us away from the ocean as we climbed a few small hills on our way to Guadalupe, CA. On our way we kept our eyes pealed; three days ago bikers headed the opposite direction told us that they had stopped at a farm stand that sold 10 avocados for $1!!

 Unfortunately today we didn't find the place, maybe tomorrow? We did pass through farm field after farm field where workers were laboring in the hot desert sun picking strawberries. In Guadalupe we stopped for lunch at King Falafel. The group was happy to take a break from our usual lunch routine of deli sandwiches and PB&J - Alex especially was happy to have a hamburger, which he has said is his favorite food. After lunch we picked up an amazing tail wind as our point for the day Jared sped down the road. The ride to Lompoc was dry and hilly but the group was rejuvenated by strawberry ice cream when we 

 arrived. After food shopping we stopped by the music store downtown before heading to our campground on the edge of town. Tonight is pasta night!

Meet Our Leaders: Andy

Greetings, yo!

I'm Andy, from Plattsburgh NY.  This summer is my most exciting one yet, as I am leading a second year in a row for Teen Treks.  I've done a tour each summer for the past 5 years, the most notable ones going from Troy to Plymouth and back, as well as with Teen Treks on their New England and Maine coast trips.  Right now, I'm about to go back to college to finish a psychology degree at Plattsburgh State, finishing up two last classes this school year! I've been a Resident Assistant at SUNY Plattsburgh for 2.5 years, and was a summer camp counselor for 5 years.  I like to sing, dance, do cartwheels, grow a beard, throw frisbees super far, hike, run, and make people smile. 

Over the past couple of years, I've had wonderful opportunities through the university to do volunteer work in Florida, South Carolina, and Virginia over my winter and spring breaks.  We helped build a house for Habitat for Humanity, and work in the parks of Florida eliminating invasive species of plants, and in Virginia doing trail maintenance.

I'm very passionate about cycling, whether it be cruising down a big hill or pushing up the next one.  There is something just too special about the wind in your hair, the power in your legs (and mind), and the happiness from conquering a trail.   Discovering new things is the spice of life, and I can't wait to make that happen -- on my bicycle, and alongside you!

Meet Our Leaders: Elazar

Hello explorers!! My name is Elazar, and I'm from Albany, NY. I'm super excited to be on the road, seeing new places and breathing fresh air! In the past, I've traveled to California, Istanbul, Israel, Roatan, St Louis, and many places all along the East Coast, including a backpacking trip up Mount Washington! I'm obsessed with playing guitar, cooking, skipping stones, philosophy, good views, campfires, drawing and sculpture, and of course eating! I have experience as a counselor in training at a summer camp a few years back, and have worked as a teaching assistant for many years in college. As trips get closer, I can hear the clear sky and open road calling to me, and I know I can't wait to get going!!!

Meet Our Leaders: Cory

Hello fellow Trekkers! My name is Cory and I'm from Victor NY, a cozy beautiful little town near Rochester. I love biking places because it provides a much more intimate traveling experience. You can feel the wind, hear the birds, breathe in the fresh air, and it's an Eco-friendly way of getting around! While attending Medaille College in Buffalo I found biking to be the best way to get around the city in an enjoyable and timely way. I love to play music, hear new music, travel, explore nature, and of course, bike! I have been fortunate to be able to travel all over in my lifetime; to California, the Midwest, Colorado, I've even been as far as China when I was in high school! I've coached many volleyball camps over the years and also worked at a summer camp in Victor. Both jobs required working with younger children and teens and I found the experiences I received in these jobs extremely rewarding! I can't wait to get pedaling and explore everything we can on the incredible journeys that await!

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!

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!

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