Team Bonding With the California Trekkers

What does one do after a long day of biking in California? Well, you find the nearest strawberry field and go to town, of course! The Trekkers found that the best way to end their strawberry feast was with a good round of the Ha Ha game. More on their adventures soon...

C&O Canal Trek's First Day on the Road

The C&O Canal Trip kicked off its first real day of biking yesterday. It was a day full of getting used to the bikes and of meaningful conversations between the group members and with the many people that the group encountered along the way. The locals were full of great tips about what to explore in the area. Whitewater rafting is definitely on the top of the list of things to do. The group also cooked its very first meal together (quesadillas!) at their campground in Boston, PA, which was a huge milestone because none of the Trekkers had had any prior experience in the kitchen. They also built their first fire, which was an experience in and of itself. Overall, the Trekkers' spirits are high and are looking forward to a great day of whitewater rafting today!

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!!!

A Glimpse of Leadership Training in the Niagara Region

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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!

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 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.

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!