Meet our Leaders: Jonathan

Greetings. My name is Jonathan and I will be leading one of the Teen Treks trips this summer. I'll tell you a bit about myself. I am a great lover of the outdoors, cycling, running and hiking. I enjoy traveling, especially on a bike, this way you get to see everything. I have ridden my bike thousands of miles, especially through the streets of the New York City Borroughs where I live in Queens. I love riding in the city, once you get over the fear of all the cars, it is really quite exciting. I also enjoy art and music (all types). I have been teaching high school for 9 years. I teach digital art, video and fine art as well (drawing and painting). I led a Teen Treks trip in the Summer of 2007 form NYC to Montreal, had a fantastic time and I'm ready to do it again. Looking forward to meeting you and having an awesome summer!

Meet our Leaders: Seval

I am a 21-year-old Rochester, NY native with dual citizenship in Turkey and the United States. "Seval," as you may have guessed, is Turkish and means "joy." Among my many travels, Turkey makes the list multiple times. I have been all over the northeast United States playing in ultimate frisbee tournaments and have had the chance to visit Ireland and Italy. I am always going somewhere- I love to travel!

I just finished my junior year at Ithaca College, where I major in music education with a minor in mathematics. Saxophone is my main instrument, though I greatly enjoy the immensely complicated French horn. Developing skills on the French horn, soprano saxophone and guitar are my present musical ambitions. In teaching music lessons over the past few years, I have worked with relatively young students and am excited to work with a slightly older age group through Teen Treks.

I am also very athletic as an avid ultimate frisbee player, swimmer and cyclist. For years I used my sister's bike to get around Rochester; last summer I invested in my own beautiful, green bicycle and started to become an enthusiastic cyclist riding all over Rochester and Ithaca. I completed my first triathlon this spring, and it was one of the most exhausting, exhilarating experiences of my life.

Most of my best times are having crazy fun with my friends, who love Disney movies even more than I do, baking cookies and other delicious treats, and being out in the sunshine with my camera.

This is my first summer with Teen Treks and I am so excited for the great experiences this opportunity will bring.

Meet our Leaders: Adam

Hello everyone,

This is my dog Bruno, not a bicyclist himself but an avid bike chaser no less .

I am looking forward to meeting you all and having some great times on the bikes. A little about myself... I'm currently living in Buffalo, originally from outside NYC, and am a senior at the University at Buffalo as a Media Studies major. I'd say one of the biggest things on my plate right now is that I plan on racing the "Leadville 100" come August, an annual 100 mile XC mountain bike race in Colorado. I come from a pretty big family with 2 little sisters and 2 little brothers.

I didn't really get into cycling until about 2 years ago but it quickly became one of my favorite activities. Biking is wonderful!! Whatever kind of biking , onroad or offroad, I've found that cycling is the best way to get out and see the world in a way that one would normally not see it. Unlike in a car, you take everything in on the bike, the wind, the rain, the sun, the sounds, the smells. It's very satisfying to travel a large distance and realize that you, yourself got there under you're own muscle and determined resolve. Some of the best times of my life have been riding and I look forward to helping to encourage the same kind of experiences for you.

My style is relaxed. I put safety first and use my best judgement, but I also realize that fun should come in a close second. I plan on doing all that I can to make our trip as fun and safe as possible. Let's all be courteous and amiable to one another and try to get along despite any differences we may encounter, in fact I'm sure many of you will make good friends with eachother along the way.

Just like you guys are I am also excited, excited, excited to be traveling around different parts of the globe on our bicycles. Can't wait to see you this summer --- Adam

Meet our Leaders: Hanna

Hi I'm Hanna and I'm I am super excited to be a tour leader with Teen Treks this summer! I am 21 years old, I've just graduated this May from University at Buffalo with degrees in philosophy and theatre performance, and I cannot wait to spend this summer on my bicycle. Travel is my greatest passion, next to acting and music. I've been lucky to do some travel around Europe. I volunteered on a small farm in France (through WWOOF), studied international theatre performance in Romania, and I've toured all around Europe by train. Touring by bike is for sure the most rewarding means of travel--it calls for real stamina, self-reliance, uses no fuel, and it moves slow enough for a person to enjoy the scenery and actually feel the elements. I love riding my bike around Buffalo. I've also done tours all over western NY, into Canada, and in Virginia. One day I'd love to combine bike touring and theatre by starting (or joining) a bicycle touring theatre company. In august I plan to move in with the members of my band and focus on music for the next year, as well as act in local productions around Buffalo. I cannot wait to meet all the teen trekkers and start touring. It will be a great summer!

Meet our Leaders: Joe

Greetings from sunny Virginia. My name is Joseph Mueller and I'm a national treasure hunting champion, screen printer, Official Team Zissou member, mandolin playing, web programing, hiking and biking enthusiast. Two years ago I toured across country taking the 76 Bike Centennial Route. This was an excellent experience which allowed me to see the country, meet lots of new and interesting people, and share past stories while making new ones at the same time. Since returning I've been working as a Graphic Designer in the Washington D.C metro area. In my free time I've been racing bikes and doing small tours up and down the east coast as much as possible. I look forward to meeting everyone this summer.

Meet our Leaders: Dana

Greetings trekkers, families, and fellow leaders! I am so excited to be a leader for a teen treks bike trip this summer! I can't wait to meet you and travel with you this summer! But first, here's a little bit of info about me: I am a recent grad of SUNY Cortland, where I completed a Master of Science in Teaching degree. I am a New York State certified teacher for grades 1-6. I cannot wait to have my own classroom someday to inspire and engage young minds to develop a love of learning. I also have a B.S. in International Relations and worked for a couple of years as a bicycle safety educator in my hometown of Cortland. I have coached basketball and field hockey here at home and have traveled around the world a little bit as an English teacher in developing countries. My latest hobby is bicycle touring, as I have found it to be the perfect way to combine my love of bicycling with my passion for traveling. This year I have toured a bit of East Africa by bicycle and just recently returned from a trip through the Finger Lakes region of New York. I am eager to load up my panniers once again, this time for a trip with Teen Treks!

Meet our Leaders: Zachary

Hey guys! My name is Zachary LaVigne, no relation to Avril. I am a current student at the University at Buffalo finishing up my degree in Exercise Science, then going on to Chiropractic School next year.

I grew up in the Adirondack Park, so I have been camping and doing adventurous things like whitewater kayaking my whole life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. While I was up there I ran my own business at a local campground for five years where I interacted with more than 300 kids a night. It was a blast.

I think I will be a great Teen Treks leader because I can make even the worst situation somewhat comical, boost moral and get a smile on someone’s face. I have taken the lead in many aspects of my life and feel that I am someone who can be looked up to and trusted for advise.

I can’t wait to have a great time with you guys and for you to have one of the best experiences of your lives.

Meet our Leaders: Jason

Howdy everyone… my name is Jason and I am 23 years old from Boston, MA. I live with two housemates I found through Craigslist and never looked back. I am an EMT for the neighboring Boston towns and I am also a 7th/8th math teacher in Cambridge and enjoy starting up a conversation with just about anyone (my most memorable was striking up an exchange with the drug enforcing officer in Colombia while giving his dog a tummy rub). I have a passion to travel, having lived in Barcelona for a year abroad and going to the Dominican Republic to live in a refugee camp. I love most of all going around meeting new, interesting people and hearing their stories. I love to go cruising around on my bike or jumping in the pool for a swim; I even picked up one day and started running marathons. I was on both the Tufts cycling and swim team and even played around for a while on the ballroom team. As for books, I read them when I can and enjoy all subjects. I am ecstatic to meet the group and I am ready for the exciting and memorable voyage that we embark on.

Meet our Leaders: Zoe

This will be my third summer touring on my bike and my first with Teen Treks. My bike is, without a doubt, my most treasured possession. I am so excited to get out and start riding this season!

During the school year I teach general music and chorus. I have just finished my first year teaching, and now have experience doing everything from elementary music to high school choir. It was a blast and I’m really looking forward to my career in education.

When I’m not teaching, I like to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Adirondack scenery. Some activities I enjoy include rock climbing, hiking, camping, and biking (of course).

It is always nice to be able to interact with students outside of the classroom. Whether as a camp counselor or trek leader, I find it incredibly rewarding to be a positive influence on young people at such a pivotal point in their lives.

I do my best to have fun in every situation, a skill that always comes in handy on the open road. Whether we are riding in a rainstorm or too exhausted to move, there will always be something to learn (or laugh about) that will make everything worthwhile.

There is absolutely nothing I would rather be doing this summer than touring with Teen Treks. I am so looking forward to meeting everyone that I will be traveling with. I’m sure we'll have a lot to learn from each other!

Meet our Leaders: Michael

Hi! I'm Michael Rose. I'm currently teaching math and coaching soccer in New York City, which has been an incredible change of pace and scenery for me. I recently moved to New York from Estes Park, Colorado, where I was teaching math at an experiential high school. My work history has been almost exclusively in the field of working with youth, with my sights set actively on youth engagement. I enjoy being a part of opportunities in which youth are able to take responsibility and develop as leaders in their communities.

Some things I enjoy (in no particular order): coffee, soccer, running, reading, climbing, biking, music, traveling, slacklining, and my family. The highlight of my last summer was designing and teaching a course on the physics of mountain biking in which we also had the opportunity to mountain bike all over Colorado. I'm looking forward to getting out on the road, spending the summer with some great people, and making great memories!

Meet our Leaders: Bonnie

Greetings! I'm Bonnie Enders. I am a high school math teacher living and teaching in Arlington, Virginia. I graduated from the University of Virginia in 2001 with a degree in Systems Engineering. After graduating, I spent a year with Americorps in San Jose, California helping to run an after school science program for at-risk youth. After my year in San Jose, I spent a few years in the financial sector before going back to graduate school for a degree in secondary education. I have taught at both the Junior High and High School levels, and love the day to day variety and spontaneity of working with teenaged students.

I first got into cycling about seven years ago when training for my first triathlon. Three triathlons later I have realized that I really only enjoy the cycling leg, and have since focused my energy more on bike riding and touring. My favorite biking trip so far has been cycling from Prague to Budapest last summer (even though it rained half the time)!

In my spare time I enjoy reading, traveling, any form of outdoor recreation, and hanging out with my husband, Alex, and dog, Sydney. My travels have taken me to Alaska, Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, and all over Europe. My hobbies definitely center around being outside and active - hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, rollerblading... As long as I'm outdoors or moving, I'm happy!I am very excited about the opportunity to work with Teen Treks this summer, and am eager to meet everyone on my Trek!

Meet our Leaders: Andy

I am a 24-year-old Clarence, NY native who will be a group leader this summer. As a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park in 2007, I have been living and working in Washington, DC since. This summer I find myself somewhat in limbo. After graduating with a Dual B.A. in Government and Politics, and Criminal Justice, I worked in the political spectrum; including jobs on Capitol Hill in Senator Chuck Schumer’s office, at a private lobbying firm and most recently at a large medical association. I moved out of DC in April, and have since been spending my days relaxing and surfing on the North Shore of Hawaii. In addition to Teen Treks, I am also looking forward to seeing at least a few Phish shows this summer, one of my favorite jam bands. Come August, I will once again have a place to call my own. I'm moving to Philadelphia, PA where I'll be attending Villanova Law School, starting this fall. Although no specifics have been decided yet, it looks as though I'll be focusing on public interest law, with a desire to get back into legislative policy.

As an Eagle Scout, I've had numerous outdoor adventures including camping, hiking, and canoeing throughout North America. I have also been a lifeguard for close to ten years, working during my high school days in Clarence as well as my college years and beyond. This past winter, I participated in Chill Snowboarding, a program sponsored by Burton that taught inner-city youths from DC how to snowboard. By the final day, every student was able to successfully ride down the mountain! I can’t wait to get on my bike and out on the open road on this sure to be amazing adventure.

Meet our Leaders: Mariel

Hi! I’m Mariel Boyarsky. I’m from New City, New York, and I graduated this year from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York with a degree in Gender Studies and Linguistics. After this summer, I’ll be moving to New Orleans, Louisiana, to start a fellowship there.

I’ve loved biking ever since I was a kid. My dad taught me how to ride a bike using a black-and-green Ninja Turtles bicycle with training wheels. I’ve done a lot of cycling with my family, and a few summers ago, I did a two-week trip through hilly Vermont.

I’ve been working with kids and teens since I was in high school. I’ve taught, tutored, and babysat; and I’ve been a camp counselor and swim instructor. Last year, I lived abroad in Israel and studied at the University of Haifa. It was a really rewarding experience—especially working on my Hebrew, interning at a Battered Women’s Shelter, and tutoring Ethiopian immigrants in English.

I love learning new languages, and I love to travel. I’ve been to Israel, Jordan, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and El Salvador! In my free time, I like to read, play Ultimate Frisbee, and—of course—bike! I also write short stories and poetry, and some of my work has actually been published. Something I wrote when I was fourteen got published in Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul.

When I’m not at Vassar, I live in New City with my parents, younger sister, and my dog Cinderella. When I’m home, I love to walk my dog in the park or take her hiking.

I’m really excited for this summer, and I can’t wait to meet everyone who will be on my trip!

Meet our Leaders: Kevin

Hi everyone! My name is Kevin McNerney and I am a rising senior at the University of Illinois out in the corn fields of the Midwest. I am majoring in Molecular Biology and have an interest in going into medicine as a pediatrician. I must say that of all my experiences, working with kids have been my favorites. I have worked as a camp counselor for the past three summers, and have loved every minute of it. Most recently, I was a camp counselor at a stay away camp in Gainesville, Texas; if any of you have questions about the Lone Star State I’d be happy to talk about it. While in Texas, I led a cross country class for children with Type 1 Diabetes. We had a few close encounters with the Texas cattle on our runs, but we saw some great sights and it turned out to be a lot of fun for everyone. During the school year, I tutor middle school students in math and a university freshman in biology. Meeting and learning about new people is always a lot of fun for me, and keeps me going back to these tutoring programs year after year. As for my free time, I run marathons, bowl, read, watch “The Office” and, last but definitely not least, bike. I cannot wait to meet all of you and am really looking forward to a great trip.

Meet our Leaders: Jean

I have worked with teenagers, both as a high school teacher and also as a trip leader, for the last 11 years. I learned all about hiking, camping and rock climbing in the Boy Scouts (yes, girls can be in the Boy Scouts) as a kid, and have never stopped traveling and seeing as much of the world as I can. I am still an avid climber, mountaineer, hiker, snowboarder and fly-fisher, and I spend my free time enjoying these hobbies as well as leading a tour for Teen Treks each summer. Every summer's trip is a new adventure with an amazing group of people who, by its end, are close friends with hundreds of shared stories and memories. I look forward to meeting this summer's crew and rolling out on our journey together!

Check Out the April 2009 Newsletter!

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Read stories from Teen Treks Leaders. Learn about some of our new trips, and sign up for the Labor Day Trek!

Design Our 2009 T-Shirt!

T-Shirt Contest

Design our 2009 T-Shirt
and receive cool bike equipment
such as an odometer, water bottle and 5 free T-Shirts!

Submissions should be sent to: erin@teentreks.com
or through the mail to:
Teen Treks 396 Porter Ave. Buffalo, NY 14201
Please have your design in by March 15th!

Check out the Januray Newsletter!

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Read stories from the road and from the Across America Trek. Also, Teen Treks is now offering a Spring Break Trek through sunny Florida!

Our European Phantom Experience!

July 1st, 2008 – Heathrow Airport. A group of 8 strangers was seen carrying large brown boxes through Terminals 3, 4 and 5, followed by two harrowed looking adults wearing white t-shirts. Airport workers and nearby security did not know quite what to make of them as they set down their boxes, pulled out screws and metal tubing, and began to build what would be their way of life for the next 30 days….BICYCLES! Little did anyone know, these strangers were about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime - becoming close friends, eating foreign foods, and experiencing life the European way.

Our time in England was mainly spent eating bangers and mash, playing HEY SHEEP!, visiting such magnificent sights as Stonehenge and Windsor Castle, trying out our (unconvincing) English accents to try to fool people in the grocery store, hiding from the rain, and biking the many challenging hills throughout the beautiful English countryside. We caught a ferry to France and biked all the way from Le Havre to Paris - crossing the Normandy Bridge, stopping in the beautiful port town of Honfleur, traversing the French countryside, seeing Monet's garden in Giverny, watching the Festival of Lights at the Cathedral of Rouen, chillin' with Louis at Versailles, and arriving in Paris on the eve of Bastille Day. Once in Paris we cultured ourselves by visiting art museums, eating escargot at a fancy (and very eventful) dinner, shopping, and watching the fireworks over the Eiffel Tower. A slightly stressful train ride later, we were exploring Belgium and stuffing ourselves with chocolate before heading onto Amsterdam, where the people are crazy and the bikers don't stop. We saw museums, the Anne Frank House, took a tour of the city, and Jenny took the group for their first clubbing experience. A week later, we were sad to say goodbye to the beautiful, flat Netherlands but excited to sail back to England to bike to Cambridge, (where we went punting and saw a Shakespeare play) and our final destination – London! The week passed by in a flash of shopping and exploring the famous London sights, and before long we found ourselves back in Heathrow, promising to keep in touch and wondering where the time had gone. A month earlier we had arrived carrying only bikes and saddlebags, but we left with a lifetime supply of new friends, rain, and great stories.

~ Jenny O'Connell, Leader

European Phantom Trek

Story from a great Leader

The NYC-Montreal trek was a challenge from the start as we encountered some big hills just north of the city. The group barely blinked, though, and I knew immediately that I was dealing with some strong kids (not just in the legs, but in their characters). One of the highlights of the trip for me was the night we spent in Rhinebeck, NY. That day we had visited the FDR house in Hyde Park, and after a tour of the facilities the group decided they wanted to do an extra 15 miles and cut some miles off the next days schedule. So on the group's request I did a bit of research and found an old grass airstrip which exhibits old WWII planes. We spent the night there amidst some pretty incredible antique planes including the oldest flying plane in America! The next morning we were awaken by a downpour, but it wasn't very successful on dampening or spirits, just all our gear! While we were waiting out the rain, the delivery truck came by and gave us a few boxes of donuts, and the director of the airfield gave us a grand tour of the planes.
This trip was an amazing experience for me as I'm sure it was for the other trippers as well. I truly admire all the kids that did this trip, as they took on incredible responsibilities and achieved monumental feats. I cherish all the memories that I've shared with them and I hope that all the trippers "keep on keepin' on!!!"
Peace,
Jesse

Jesse Millett, Leader

NYC-Montreal Trek