By: Emily O’Connell
They say times flies when you’re having fun – and, well, we have been doing just that for a full month now! Today, we said goodbye to our cyclists across the pond on both Europe Coast to Coast trips – they boarded a series of water taxis, buses and airplanes to head home while we were sleeping here in the US last night. Although we said goodbye to those guys, we have ten great trips enjoying big days on bikes or with backpacks. Let’s see what they did today…
New England Mountains and Coast (NEMC2):
After an awesome day of rafting yesterday, this crew packed up camp and cruised back to Brunswick this morning. They spent the afternoon volunteering with the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program, working in their community garden. This garden helps to provide locally grown, fresh food to those without access to food in the area. They are also getting pumped up for sea kayaking tomorrow!
Community service goes better with ice cream!
Coast to Quebec A (CQ2A):
These guys were up and at ’em this morning in order to get started on their first day of riding. They are starting their trek north from Freeport with Canada in their sights! Once at camp in Wiscasset they had some time to play some games, enjoy the beautiful Maine weather, and do a little swimming!
Coast to Quebec B (CQ2B):
To get their biking muscles warmed up, Kate and Zack’s crew rode around the beautiful Freeport area. They rode through farm lands, past a wooded state park and then into downtown Freeport! There the group got to enjoy some free time to explore and shop, and then headed back to camp.
Montana Service Adventure (MSA2):
These guys are back on their bikes after service work yesterday. Annika and Christian’s gang continued to cruise through Montana with their longest-yet ride of 41 miles today. It was a wet, chilly day in Montana – but the gang was staying warm and making great progress towards camp when we heard from Annika this afternoon. Unfortunately, no picture by press time today. Tomorrow – pictures – and a bright, sunny forecast!
Northwest Explorer (NWX2):
After three days in the backcountry, Will and Becca’s crew have emerged safe and sound! They spent the morning hiking back to civilization in order to shower, restock on supplies and hit the road to their next campsite. You’ll see in the pictures that they enjoyed some classic Pacific Northwest drizzle over the course of their hike. Tonight they are preparing for a fun day of rafting tomorrow!
Pacific Coast A (PC2A):
They have entered California! About halfway into their ride today, Abby and West’s group crossed the state line from Oregon into California. That means they are that much closer to San Francisco. Tomorrow these cyclists are hopping off their bikes, grabbing surfboards, and hitting the beach for some surfing!
Pacific Coast B (PC2B):
Mike and Sherry’s group’s 50 mile ride today included some truly spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Early in the ride the group climbed Cape Sebastian, a 500 foot elevation gain, making the rest of the day seem like a breeze. These days our coastal riders are looking like truly professional bikers!
PC2B Album Cover!
Alps Explorer A (AX2A):
Make Ready Day for these guys! Noah and Emma’s crew of hikers is using today to do some laundry, resupply and rest up before they head out on the Tour de Mont Blanc tomorrow. Tomorrow they will set out on their 12 day journey on the TMB that will take them through some incredible parts of the Alps and across 3 different countries!
Working out the kinks and gettin’ ready for the TMB!
Alps Explorer B (AX2B):
These explorers spent their second hiking the Tour de Mont Blanc today, they got to learn about the local culture from their native French mountain guide. Tonight they get a treat and will be staying inside at their first refuge, a French camping hostel, where they get to enjoy warmth and a 4-course dinner! One thing this fabulous location does not have is wifi, therefore we did not get any pictures of these guys today.
Europe Coast to Coast A (ECCA):
After an incredible 28 days, these guys are heading home. Last night they enjoyed a final dinner together filled with laughs and a few tears as they say goodbye. We are so impressed with you guys!
Now that is the way to do a final dinner!
Europe Coast to Coast B (ECCB):
Our other European riders have also headed home. They got on their planes with lots of memories of beautiful views, yummy European pastries and great friends. Congrats on a great trip guys!
America Coast to Coast (ACC):
Happy 1 month anniversary to our cross-country riders! These guys have been making their way to San Diego for 31 days and have made incredible progress. Today Mia and Chris’ crew continued their expedition through Arizona, riding an impressive 86 miles. On their ride today they had some 5 mile climbs and 5 mile decent to keep their riding interesting. We hear though, that the views are incredible!
Looking good, feeling good….