California Coast Trek Spends First Day in San Francisco

As the sun began to shine through the morning fog Teen Treks set out to walk up to Coit Tower which offered spectacular views of downtown San Francisco and the Bay Bridge. We then continued the day by playing a game of human knot. Although this game was extremely fun, Ninja on the other hand stole the show! Dan was the winner of Ninja as he knew how to effectively attack his opponents and defend his own life. After these ice breakers we walked over to Lombard St and we were overtaken by the patterns of the street dubbed "the crookedest street in the world." At the top of Lombard St we hopped onto the Hyde St cable car and took it to the cable car museum where we learned about San Francisco and its rich history. We then walked through Chinatown and grabbed pizza in Little Italy. In the afternoon we rode our bikes to the Golden Gate Bridge. The wind was so strong on the bridge that it almost pushed me off my bike! Riding back to the hostel for dinner we made one final stop at the Palace of Fine Arts. Tomorrow we set off on our first day down the coast out of San Francisco.  Post mostly written by Jared

California Coast Trek Gathers in San Francisco

The California Coast Trek officially began in San Francisco this morning after their pre-night stay at the Green Tortoise Hostel.  With their bikes fully assembled and a discussion about bike safety and the rules of the road,  they will be biking around the city today to do sight seeing and take in  some local foods.  Tomorrow the group sets off along the Pacific coast for their 500+ mile Trek to Los Angeles.

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

To see more pictures, check out and LIKE our Facebook page at : https://www.facebook.com/teentreks. You can also follow us on Instagram @teentreks!

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 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.

Meet our Leaders: John

Hi there trekkers! I’m John from Montclair, New Jersey.  I couldn’t be more thrilled to meet you and explore the open road! This is my first year leading with Teen Treks but I know how much fun you’ll have because I went on three Teen Trek trips when I was in high school. I’ve biked along the coast of New England and from New York City to Montreal and it’s all been a blast. I graduated in May from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, and I want to teach high school English. At Vassar I ran the Bike Shop, so I like to fix bikes as well as ride them. When I'm not riding or fixing bikes, I also love working with students, drawing, reading, making music, camping, hiking, cooking, and having imaginative conversations. I can’t wait to begin our journey!

Meet our Leaders: Sarah

Hello all!

My name is Sarah and I grew up on the Long Island Sound in Branford, CT. I am very excited to get outside and lead Trekkers on wonderful adventures this summer! Some of my past adventures include bike touring across Montana, trekking up to 18,000 ft in Nepal, and herding goats in the Swiss Alps. I enjoy all different kinds of adventures, whether it is getting deep into the backcountry in a canoe or exploring the streets of a new city. I am often found running, skiing, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I studied geography as an undergraduate student at the University of Vermont (UVM) and will be pursuing a graduate degree in public health this fall. Throughout college I led students on Outing Club trips and I also led our wilderness orientation program for three years. I can’t wait to be out on the road with you Trekkers!

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

 

Meet Our New Program Coordinator for 2015!

Meet Abbie, our Teen Treks Program Coordinator for 2015! A Wisconsinite through-and-through and a graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth with a degree in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, her work background is comprised of coordinating campus wide events for first-year college freshman, training teaching assistants, and working with parents through the college admission process. She's a summer camp alumni who much prefers the winter, a cat lover but only loves her cat, and an avid organizer of anything that needs to be organized. 

If you have questions about 2015 trips, what a day in the life of a trekker looks like, or how to prepare for a trek, call Abbie at 716.566.7908 or email her at abbie@teentreks.com!

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!