NY-Montreal Trekkers Bike North into Adirondacks

Posted Teen TreksLeave a commentPosted in 2024

Blog Day 7:
With the exception of a few headwinds, the day was a breeze. The group ate breakfast in bed (purchased the day before in a local supermarket) and packed up their belongings to exit downtown Albany via Lyft to our bicycles awaiting us 10 miles north. After bidding the Hilton staff a final adieu, we rode off on a mixture of country roads and extensive bike trails along upstate NY. Stopping twice (once for lunch and to restock on granola bar supply, and another at a Trek dealership), we finally made it to the lake beach of Moreau State Park! One refreshing lake bath, several steep hills, and several hard-earned showers later, we chowed down on tonight’s main course: Buffalo mac & cheese. ‘Twas a good day indeed for the NYM trekkers.

A Comfortable Respite at the Albany Hilton for the NY-Montreal Trekkers

Posted Teen TreksLeave a commentPosted in 2024

Today we woke to a Hilton buffet breakfast (each eating upwards of 4 plates of food). We then set out on our mission to do laundry, passing the time while our clothes turned by walking up and down the downtown streets of Albany. After our clothes were clean and crisp, we conducted a thorough walk-through of the New York State Museum. Little did we know that the entire time, there was a working carousel on the top floor. However, as the pack was searching for the photography section, like Columbus, they found something even better. Even though our ‘kids’ were over double the size of the ‘minors’ the ride was meant for, they probably were having the most fun on those fiberglass horses and spinning teacups. After spinning ourselves dizzy, we returned to the hotel to scope out the gym and pool. After working up a very minor sweat, we settled into some pre-dinner pizza and a card game in one of the rooms. The day was capped off with halal take-out eaten in the hotel hallway and cozy blankets to sleep off our food comas.

NY-Montreal Trekkers Reach Albany

Posted Teen TreksPosted in 2024, teen summer camp

The crew cruised along the Empire State Trail after a hearty breakfast (preceding more bike troubles and a friendship-bracelet-making circle). However, 7 miles down the trail, we struck gold with OK Spoke bike shop, and sent in our metallic patients one by one to receive top-notch treatment. It also certainly didn’t hurt that the shop was neighbored by a homemade bagel shop. As we awaited our bike repairs, we ate lunch under the shade of the many trees lining the trail and made yet more friendship bracelets. We then rolled through the NY state capital to the Hilton Inn only to find out that we went to the wrong one. Thankfully, the hotel clerks were very sympathetic toward our endeavors and allowed us to stay while we devoured 5 large pizzas and planned a biking-free route back to our actual hotel. 2 Lyft XLs later, we settled into the other Hilton and took much-deserved showers and air-conditioned sleep. The group can’t decide whether they’re looking forward to the rest day exploring Albany or laundry more 🙂

5 Flats, 1 Kind Stranger Named Gary – NY-Montreal Trek

Posted Teen TreksPosted in 2024

5 flats, 1 kind stranger named Gary, and 11 happy bikers later… let’s see.. where do we begin? We woke to wet tents (outside, not inside thankfully) and grumbling stomachs. Both were satiated with a good shaking and even better muffins and grapes. We then biked a whopping 22 miles to Twin Lakes, where we were greeted by a couple of ducks who wanted to partake in our late-morning feast. 8 miles on smooth country roads later, we arrived at our first grocery store and bought a hearty lunch as well as our next couple of meals for the road. Overcome by food comas, half of the group took naps and the other half played cards. As we packed up to roll out toward camp, we encountered not one, but four flat tires! Lessons in patching and changing a tire were doled out, and we were on the road! Coasting along the Empire State Trail, we suddenly hit our fifth flat of the day, only 3 miles from camp. But luckily, a local resident on the side of the trail (Gary) offered up his huge front yard as a nesting ground for the night. The roosters next to our tents will be a new form wake-up call the next morning, to say the least. Just goes to show, that every new challenge is simply an unexpected adventure.

NYM Trekkers Take Scenic and Historic Stops while Biking Along Empire State Trail

Posted Teen TreksPosted in 2024

The New York- Montreal group woke up bright and early to a hot breakfast at the Fishkill Hotel (yum!). Bellies full (perhaps a little too much for our digestive systems), we rode a solid 18 miles along the Empire State Rail Trail. After a quick stop for some snacks, we dove right into the river for a quick splash off a dock in Poughkeepsie’s public park. Then we visited the Historic Italian District and munched on a delicious apple crumble cake at a local bakery.

Energized by the sugar, we took a short detour to bike across the Walkway Over the Hudson, taking in the amazing views. We then biked onward to lunch, shortly followed by a tour of the FDR House Museum. A short 5 miles later, we set up camp at a State Park in Staatsburgh and settled into the night’s main course: nacho bowls. Due to the rain expected tonight, we pitched out tents next to each other on a raised platform and played words games through the thin walls of our shared dwellings.

On NYM Trek, for Every Hill, There’s a Downhill… And Ice Cream

Posted Teen TreksLeave a commentPosted in 2024

The day started bright and early with a bagel breakfast, several remedied flats, a nifty bike shop along our route, and many many carbohydrates (which, we assure you, were put to good use). Like a giant 10-person rollercoaster, we rolled up and down the continuous hills of New York to the mantra that “for every uphill, there’s a downhill”. Finally arriving in the beautiful historic town of Cold Spring, we met up with our newest trekker (welcome Annabelle!) and celebrated with 11 double-big-scoop ice creams while looking out at the Hudson River and mountain scenery behind it. Some of the group practiced refining their skills in hacky sack, which gets less chaotic with each passing day. We then biked a final 10 miles to the Fishkill Best Western hotel and had an outdoor pool party followed by a Chipotle dinner. ‘Twas a good day indeed.

NY-Montreal Trekkers First Day on the Road

Posted Teen TreksPosted in 2024, teen summer camp

First day out on the road, the group traversed subway elevators and stairs, the MetroNorth, and finally the never-ending hills of Westchester, NY. We arrived at Croton Point Park to a delicious lunch courtesy of our Day 1 cook crew (and a couple tubs of ice cream!). After hours of ultimate frisbee, reading, journaling, and fun word games, the group retired to our campsite for the night. We ate a delicious chowder, cooked to perfection over a campfire (courtesy of our boyscout, Caleb). The group reflected back on the day, happy, tired, and full of chowder.

First Day for NY-Montreal Trekkers

Posted Teen TreksLeave a commentPosted in 2024

New York-Montreal Trekkers met early this morning at Bryant Park in Manhattan to embark on an amazing adventure, biking all the way to Montreal!  Over the next 16 days this group of Trekkers will bike north through the Hudson Valley, through the Adirondacks, into Quebec and onto Montreal.  They will cool off in many rivers and lakes along the way and visit picturesque small towns.  They’ll overnight at campgrounds, hotels, and hostels and stop for 2 days in Albany, NY to visit the state capital, 1 day in Burlington to visit Ben & Jerry’s, and 3 days in Montreal to wander through street markets, eat at restaurants, and see stunning architecture.  Stay tuned right here over the next 2+ weeks for their day to day stories and pictures.

Meet Summer Bike Trip Leader, Alex!

Posted Teen TreksLeave a commentPosted in 2024

Welcome Teen Treks Bike Trip Leader, Alex!

Greetings! My name is Alex from Rockland County NY. I’m looking forward being a bike trip leader this summer to explore new places, see new beautiful views, challenge myself, and meet new people along the road.

In the past, I have traveled all around New York, from mountains near Saranac Lake to trails around the Finger Lakes. Recently, I have also been biking around Binghamton where I attend school. For hobbies, I am very passionate about beekeeping, sailing, playing guitar, skateboarding, and playing rugby at Binghamton University. Last summer, I volunteered at a farm to showcase and educate the youth about bees and hives. Additionally, I have taught skate lessons to young teens who want to further themselves in skateboarding. Every summer I aim to explore more about myself and the world around me and hope to do so along these journeys with those around me! 

We are looking forward to Alex joining our team this summer and sharing his unique interests with teens along Teen Treks trips this summer! To learn more about Teen Treks Bike Trip Leaders or to apply for a position, visit our Leader page. We are always looking to meet individuals who are passionate about the outdoors, travel and working with youth. Drop us an application, we’d love to meet you!

Meet Summer Bike Trip Leader, Emily!

Posted Teen TreksLeave a commentPosted in 2024

Welcome Teen Treks Bike Trip Leader, Emily!

Hey Teen Trekkers! I’m Emily from Fairfield, CT and I graduate from the University of Tampa this year with a degree in Math! I was a Teen Trekker myself and did the New England Shore Trek and I had an amazing time, I can’t wait to create more memories. I look forward to spend the summer outside going on a new adventure. I’m counting down the days to have the time of my life this summer being your leader! 

I love being outdoors finding new places to bike, hike, and swim. My favorite thing about cycling is the feeling of freedom. I love feeling all my senses, taking everything in around me; biking is addicting. Another hobby I have is rowing. I was on my college rowing team where I got to be on the water every morning and see the sunrise, and sometimes dolphins. I also have my scuba certification and have dove in several of the Florida springs. Aside from being outdoors, you will always find me on the dance floor listening to pop music. In the past, I was a soccer referee for young teens and loved seeing good teamwork. I love being apart of the biking community and I can’t wait to meet everyone and start our journey! I’ve been smiling the whole time writing this! 

We are excited for Emily to become a Trip Leader after experiencing Teen Treks as a trekker! To learn more about Teen Treks Bike Trip Leaders or to apply for a position, visit our Leader page. We are always looking to meet individuals who are passionate about the outdoors, travel and working with youth. Drop us an application, we’d love to meet you!