By: Hannah Gensheimer
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE1):
These studious scholars got a little taste of a college campus today with a visit to Bowdoin College this morning. After getting some helpful hints about interviews from admissions and practicing their firm handshakes, the gang got their hands dirty with some trail maintenance work in the afternoon. Beautifying trails along the Cathance River Nature Preserve in Topsham topped off an awesome afternoon for the crew. The evening ended with some essay editing (hopefully with the avoidance of this much alliteration!)
New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC1):
After an absolutely epic day hiking Mt. Washington (the group got up at 4:00 AM to get ready for their climb!), the crew definitely took a much easier day as they enjoyed another day of sunshine and hiking through New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Tomorrow the group will pack up the gear and head towards Maine where they will spend the second half of their trip.
Coast to Quebec A & B (CQ1A & CQ1B):
It was a final day of transit for our Coast to Quebec-ers today as they drove from beautiful Quebec City back down to Freeport. The groups couldn’t have asked for a more amazing final day exploring the old, French streets – enjoying sweet treats and a delicious meal out on the town. It was sad goodbyes for all, but group put on smiles (as well as their new Apogee t-shirts) for one final picture!
Montana Service Adventure (MSA1):
Our crew in Glacier National Park got to enjoy a second day of fine weather and community service as they worked alongside National Park Rangers. As much as they love riding, they were very excited to have another day off of their bikes, allowing their legs to rest before their challenge ride tomorrow – a 60 mile ride over to West Glacier, including the infamous climb up the Going-to-the-Sun Road!
Northwest Explorer (NWX1):
The deep woods of Washington has finally released these burly backcountry-ers, so let us welcome them back into civilization! After a full week of living off the grid, we were thrilled to see plenty of smiles all around. Now – it’s time to take a shower!
Pacific Coast A (PC1A):
MMhhhmmmm! It’s a day of rest for our PC1Aers – and a well-deserved one! The group slept in this morning, had a big pancake breakfast (with the additions of some delicious goodies), and spent the day exploring the beautiful, coastal town of Mendocino. It’s hard to believe, but this group only has only four more days of riding before cross the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco!
Pacific Coast B (PC1B):
It was a big day of climbing today – but nothing these tough cookies couldn’t handle! Our PC1B group had a 60 mile day on the bikes, complete with some large hills and plenty of gorgeous views as they made their way from the Redwoods back out to the coast. As always, the group knocked their ride out of the park and are definitely looking forward to a day of rest tomorrow in Mendocino.
Scottish Highlands Explorer (SHX1):
Our Scottish adventurers had a beautiful 11 mile trek today into Fort Augustus, the group’s favorite village thus far on their journey. The group posed by Loch Ness, but sadly no monster sightings… yet…! They’re all looking forward to an amazing 10 mile journey tomorrow.
Alps Explorer (AX1):
There ain’t no rest for the wicked, which is why these happy-hearted hikers took advantage of a well-deserved off day. They crushed the rest day with some gelato, a photo scavenger hunt, and an exploration of Courmayeur (they are explorers, after all). Their legs will be thanking them tomorrow when they dive right into a 22 km day!
Europe Coast to Coast (ECC):
Our ECCers left Belgium for good today and entered la Republique de France! As reported from our fearless leaders, Tim and Mia, the group crushed a hilly day, but luckily the hills were accompanied by consistently gorgeous views. Tomorrow the group will continue their ride through France, and hopefully take time to commemorate Bastillle Day, the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. Talk about a reason to celebrate!
America Coast to Coast 1 (ACC1):
Time to kick up those feet and spend a day relaxing poolside – and that’s exactly what our ACC1 group did today on their day off! Our crew has continued to enjoy the hospitality of the Walls with delicious meals and a beautiful place to rest before their next stretch of riding. The group is refueling like the best of ’em, and we heard reports that they had 36 eggs, 3 pounds of bacon, 3 pounds of sausage, homemade biscuits, and 2 dozen fresh donuts for breakfast – and that was only the boys! It’s hard to believe, but the day after tomorrow the group will already be in Texas.
America Coast to Coast 2 (ACC2):
There was no boredom today for Dixie and Lucy’s biking brigade as they crossed the border into Arkansas! They made sure not to miss out on the the amazing color board of the sunrise sky this morning in Mississippi too. Six states in two weeks definitely calls for a celebration – which they will be able to do tomorrow when they arrive at the Wall’s house!
