Across America Trekkers Bid Farewell to Oregon

Today the trekers got off to an early start, leaving their campsite in Crowe Butte State Park and heading east along Route 14. After crossing back and forth over the Colorado River from Oregon to Washington and back a few times over the last few days, the Trekkers finally bid a final goodbye to Oregon. They're looking to have another early start tomorrow and are looking forward to the cooler weather, as the heat wave was broken up today by a rainstorm.

Pacific Northwest Trek Rides Beautiful San Juan Islands

Today we rode 28 miles. Our morning started with amazing views of the ocean and cliffs from a bridge. We caught an hour 15 minute ferry to Orcas Island with gorgeous views. We rode 8 miles through mountainous terrain into the main town where we got some much needed ice cream and groceries. We rode a steep hill into camp. With night came a delicious dinner of chicken, guacamole, rice, and vegetables. We enjoyed a sunset over Cascade Lake - right next to our campsite! Before bed we played Mafia around the fire.
Written by Trekker Nadia

Pacific Northwest Trekkers on the Islands of the Puget Sound

Today was a long one. We biked 50 miles in harsh wind up the entire length of pristine Whidbey Island. Roads wound up and down, intense slopes with breath taking views of the surrounding alp-like mountains through lush green fields. We stopped at a sparkling beach to dip our feet and admire the scenery before pushing on into the sunset to Deception Pass State Park. The park lake was pink with the the setting sun. We climbed one last big hill before getting into our secluded moss lined biker sites and eating a delicious stirfry.

Across America Trekkers Enduring Heat Wave

The Trekkers took their time today as they biked through the last day of a heat wave, logging about 55 miles. They ended their day in Crowe Butte State Campground where they cooked mac and cheese and got right to bed for an early wake up and a big ride tomorrow when the heat breaks.

A Heat Wave is Slowing the Across America Bikers

Tonight the TeenTrekkers ended their day along the Colorado River in Biggs, Oregon. What a hot day it was! Everyone stayed hydrated and we found a great swimming spot to cool down with a rock to jump from and a beautiful view. We're looking forward to an early ride tomorrow to beat the heat as we move out of this heat wave.

Across America Trekkers Cross into Washington

Today the Teen Trekers on Across America woke up in the beautiful city of Portland and got right on the road. Following historic route 30 along the Colorado River, they made their way east, tackling both flats and hills. On their route, they stopped at a few of Oregon's beautiful famous waterfalls and enjoyed some soft serve. To finish off the day, the trekers crossed the Bridge of the Gods into Washington state and found a spot to camp and cook dinner.

Pacific Northwest Trekkers in Seattle

Today we started off by making sure our bikes were in tip-top shape. We ran into a few problems, but managed to fix them with the help of our trip leaders and the mechanic Jack at REI. We asked the locals where to eat and got some teriyaki nourishment at a little Asian deli. Later, we explored the city and wound up at the Olympic Sculpture Park, then the Myrtle Edwards Park. We enjoyed the beach there and tried unsuccessfully to take a photo of everyone jumping. It'll take some practice. There were some great views of the Space Needle, Elliott Bay, and Mt. Rainier. For dinner the food committee provided fajitas, strawberries, and ice cream, which we consumed while discussing the day and our plans for tomorrow. We're excited to head into the wilderness!

Across America Trek Rides 70 Mile Day

After waking up in Westport, OR bright and early this morning, the Across America Trekkers cycled 70 miles today, arriving in Portland! We stopped for lunch in the park along the way, and once we arrived in Portland, we enjoyed some delicious street food together and finished the day off with a stop at the famous Portland doughnut shop, Voo Doo Doughnuts. Yum!

Across America Trekkers Are On The Road

Across America Trekkers dipping their rear wheels in the Pacific Ocean

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. After assembling their bikes they dipped their wheels in the Pacific Ocean and they began their ride up the beautiful coastline through Astoria, Oregon and east, completing their first 50 miles of their 3,600+ mile, 8 week adventure ending at Coney Island in New York City.

Pre-Night for the Pacific Northwest Trek - Seattle, WA

The Pacific Northwest team met up with most of the group in Seattle today. The gang flew in, built bicycles, and enjoyed a park near the hostel. After playing "Two truths and a lie" and taking a photo with Mt. Rainier, the food committee made a delicious pasta and sausage dinner. Sightseeing in Seattle tomorrow!

Across America Trek --- Day One (55 more to go)

The Across America Trek began a 56 day adventure of 3,600+ miles, riding from Seaside, OR to Coney Island, NYC.  The excited Trekkers met at Portland International Airport and took a bus to Seaside, OR, 65 miles to the west so that they can start from the Pacific Coast and ride to the Atlantic Coast.

Across America Trek Trip Leaders Begin Their Adventure West (by public transporation)

Liza & Matthew hop a bus to the Buffalo Airport to fly to Portland where they will meet their Trekkers

Welcome New Trip Leader: SARA

Hey Trekkers! My name is Sara, I’m a Chicago-native, and I’m super jazzed to bike and explore with Teen Treks. Biking, for me, has always been both meditative and thrilling. I really can’t wait to experience the upcoming adventures this summer and get to know our creative Trekkers. I’m really grateful that I have had the opportunities to study abroad in Ecuador for a semester, and visit England, Italy, Croatia, Greece, and South Africa. Other than biking and travel, I’m passionate about cooking, being outdoors, loving communities, social justice, environmental sustainability, beekeeping, foraging, ultimate Frisbee, swimming, and doodling. I’ve worked at a craft-workshop in Chicago coordinating environmentally conscious art and play activities and as a Resident Assistant helping build strong communities and friendships. I’m thrilled to hit the road and have all the silly and amazing experiences with you!

Welcome New Trip Leader - MATT

Hi there!  
You can call me Matt  ^_^
You’re probably wondering where I’m from: mainly Virginia, Taiwan, and Boston!
So, why did I decide to lead for Teen Treks?  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Maybe it’s because I suffer from chronic wanderlust and Fernweh, which has led me to travel across the world.  Maybe I was inspired by the legendary journeys of Laura Dekker and Tom Allen (Maidentrip, Janapar), or by Santiago’s quest for his personal legend (The Alchemist).  Perhaps the choice is a return to my roots working as a camp counselor, ropes course leader, and teacher.  One thing is certain – I’m pumped to be joining some awesome trekkers for one amazing adventure!

Welcome New Trip Leader - ALLISON

Hello! My name is Allison and I am from Buffalo, NY. I have been participating in bike tours in Buffalo for the past 4 years, working with a group called Go Bike. I also work in Buffalo as a bike mechanic. I have ridden my bike through every season, blizzards, monsoon like rain conditions, and sunshine.  I am prepared for anything this summer on our trip together! I frequently bike to Canada in the summer and the only thing I am afraid of are the spiders on the Peace Bridge! I have also traveled to Japan and all over the United States. I am excited to meet and learn about you throughout our journey this summer!

Welcome New Trek Leader - CLAIRE

Heya.
My name is Claire and I've been kicking it in Kingston, Ontario for the past five years. I am wheelie (I’m so sorry) jazzed to be travelling at the speed of bike with all of you! I love the extra opportunities bike speed provides, be it some wild life or a friendly stranger conversation about ‘how crazy what we’re doing is!’. Last summer I bought a bike in Seattle and rode it along the ocean to San Francisco. It was my first trek and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’ve done most of my travelling in Western and Northwestern Canada, where I plant trees in the summer. The expansive wilderness and down to earth culture really keeps me coming back. My hobbies include keyboards, guitar, drums, dance, writing, snowboarding and wait for it… biking! My work experience with teens comes from teaching dance, so if that’s something you’re into then I look forward to some random dance parties. Can’t wait to meet everyone, and collectively feel that special rush of reaching our first destination! Pedal on.

Welcome New Trip Leader - CHARLOTTE

Hi Teen Trekkers!!
My name is Chuck and I’m from Bethesda, Maryland. I’m super amped to be your leader this summer as we travel through to amazing places. Riding on bike is one of my favorite ways to travel because it allows you to see and physically interact with your environment as you explore amazing places. My first bike trip was around the Lake Champlain Valley in Vermont and since then I have traveled to Israel, France, and Mexico and have been amazed by all the crazy and unique experiences I have had with the people I have met. Besides biking, I love rollerblading and am always down for an intense game of spoons! Most of all though I cannot wait to get out on the open roads and experience all the amazing adventures that are waiting for us.

Welcome New Trip Leader - D.C.

Hey friends! My name is D.C. and I grew up in Boise, Idaho. I unfortunately did not grow up on a potato farm, but happen to love most forms of potatoes. I am looking forward to cycling the summer away with all of you. One of my favorite ways to explore a new area is by bike and I can’t wait to see where our adventures will take us. My travels have taken me several places both internationally and within the States, but I think the most impactful has to have been when I walked the Camino (500+ mile trek) in Spain. It was a great opportunity to meet people from around the world and challenge myself. Over the past two years I have spent most of my time working as an outdoor environmental educator in the Catskill Mountains. Prior to this, I have been both a summer camp counselor as well as a day camp and adventure camp director in Washington and Idaho. Besides biking, I can often be found frolicking in the woods, weeding a garden, wandering about on my unicycle, or trying out a new recipe in the kitchen. I look forward to a challenging but rewarding summer with all of you!

Welcome Back Trip Leader - JENNA

Helloooo teen trekkers! My name is Jenna and I'm from midcoast Maine. I'm so excited to hit the road this summer and see some beautiful sights by bicycle!! Back in high school I did the Across America Trek with Teen Treks and had a BLAST, and I've been hooked on bike touring ever since! I lived and traveled in India for a year before college, and this semester I'm abroad again, studying (and most importantly, biking) in New Zealand. I've spent the past two summers leading bike tours in Europe and New England, and I'm stoked to be back in the saddle with Teen Treks again! When I'm not on my bike, I like skiing, contradancing, hiking, camping, gardening, singing acappella, and crackin lots of bad jokes. I volunteer as a Peer Health Educator at my college, and I love working with young people around topics of wellness, identity, and healthy relationships. I can't wait to meet y'all and share some great adventures!!

Welcome New Trip Leader - ALEXA

Hi teen travel-bugs!!

My name is Alexa and I was born and raised in New York City. Right now, I’m studying Environmental Design at the University at Buffalo, and a trip leader at our Outdoor Adventure Club. I’m a huge travel nerd, having been to Nicaragua, Israel, Hungary, England, and many other countries. I’ve also hiked the entirety of the Appalachian Trail, and am really excited to unite with adventurers, hikers, and travelers. I love writing poetry, acting silly, and hiking. I’ve also been known to kill a Sim or two, read through the entire Game of Thrones series, and obsess over watercolors. I'm really good at throwing grapes in the air and catching them in my mouth. I love adventuring because everything is constantly new; whether everything whisks by so fast you can’t think twice about it, or you sleep somewhere new every night, every moment presents an opportunity for freedom and adventure. I can’t wait to hear everyone’s stories and see where the road takes us!