Day 32: Can’t Stop Won’t Stop

Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, NEMC, CRMVMCQA, CQB, MSA, NWXA, NWXB, PCA, PCB, SHX, AXA, AXBACC1, ACC2

By Olivia Box

As July wraps up, we’re keeping busy as ever!  Our third Maine Coast JuniorCape Cod & the Islands, and Vermont to Montreal trips of the summer began today, and Coast to Quebec A and B had their first full days of riding. Across the country, both of our Pacific Coast trips are now in California, a few pedals closer to the shining Golden Gate and San Francisco. Our Alps crews are just settling into their Tour-du-Mont-Blanc treks and will be increasing the mileage over the next few days while our Scotland crew treks ever closer to the end of the West Highland Way. The hiking, bike, rafting, and smiling hasn’t stopped; there’s plenty of Apogee days left to enjoy.

Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)

Maine Coast Junior began today with a meet-and-greet in MA and some van time as they headed back to our beloved home state. Camp is pitched in Freeport, Maine and appetites are whetted for a week of exploring some of the best that Maine has to offer.

Happy faces on arrival day

Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)

TRIP START, TRIP START! It’s CI Round Three (can you believe it?) and that means that Ben and Rachel can show their kiddos all of the best beaches, adventures, and ice cream shops they found on their first two trips. Sometimes it pays to be last!

New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)

It’s the last full day for NEMC! They sea kayaked under the sun off of Orr’s Island, soaking up some iconic coastal views. This evening’s agenda included exploring the bustling metropolis of Portland, Maine and partaking in some fine pizza fare in celebration of their accomplishments.

Trading hiking boots for paddling suits!

 

Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)

Last night, CRM3 had a talent show wherein The Ramen Girls and The Fellas displayed their musical/rap talents. There were mustaches galore (we’re not quite sure the connection, actually). Today, the team got vertical with some rock climbing in Estes Park!

Ready to climb!
Girl Band is called “The Ramen Girls”
Grace and Grubes sharing a stache! What a co-dynamic
Rocky Mtn Jams!
Maybe the best picture of the summer?

Vermont to Montréal (VM)

Another trip start? You better believe it, folks! VM met in southern New Hampshire today and had the pleasure of a van ride to their central Vermont campground. That’s the last time they’ll see the inside of a van for a few weeks however, as they’ll start pedaling their way to Montreal on the morrow.

Maybe the only picture we’ll see without their bikes

Coast to Québec (CQA)

CQAwesome rode up to Wiscasset today via Apogee’s hometown of Brunswick. While the water in these pictures is fresh (or brackish at most), they’ll be riding into ocean views soon enough.

Coast to Québec (CQB)

A full day of riding for the Bravo team without having to break camp! Today they enjoyed a scenic ride through the greater Freeport area to learn the ropes of bike touring. Seems that they had enough time to summit the world-famous Haybale Mountain, too…

Howdy from Maine!

Montana Service Adventure (MSA)

Challenge days are easy when you’re surrounded by Big Sky views! Nicholas and Emily’s crew crushed 40 miles of riding today – their longest ride of the trip so far. Only 135 miles to Glacier, can you believe it?

Sun, sky, and big muscles!

Northwest Explorer (NWXA)

Back from the backcountry and the adventure doesn’t stop! NWXA went rafting today on the Sauk River, a perfect celebration after a hike. After enjoying the rapids today, they began to prepare for their upcoming backcountry portion in the Northern Cascades.

Northwest Explorer (NWXB)

Northwest Bravo hiked out of the backcountry today from Olympic National Park, leaving the famous precipitation and elevation behind. They spent the remainder of their day resting and preparing for a sea kayaking adventure tomorrow! Lucky for us, we got a taste of their trip with the sweet pictures.

Thumbs up for the backcountry!
Smiles for miles!

Pacific Coast (PCA)

PCA is launching into California time with a day of surfing in the Pacific, a nice reward after all the miles they’ve been putting in. I wonder if they caught waves as well as they can pedal…

Pacific Coast (PCB)

The “B” in PCB stands for Border Crossing today, as Miles and Emma’s crew traversed the wild (hardly) boundary between Oregon and California! With many miles to go until San Francisco, the team is excited for a rest and relaxation day tomorrow with surfing and napping on the agenda.

California Dabbin’
Taking hi vis to a new level

Scottish Highland Explorer (SHX)

Donning their rain gear, SHX struck out on one of the most beautiful stretches of their trip earlier today. Think open Highland vistas, ancient cobbled roads, and heathered moors. The place practically breathes mystery.

Curious if more rain gear even exists?

Alps Explorer (AXA)

AXA crossed into France today. It’s bonjour to the Tour-de-Mont-Blanc, the pinnacle of their European experience. Stay tuned for stunning scenery, impressive mileage across three countries, and baguettes (so many baguettes)!

A windy but happy start!
That iconic pink church in the background, the iconic AXA in the foreground

Alps Explorer (AXB)

TMB Day 3! AXB enjoyed a 18 km hike in France today with lovely views to match. While our group is just getting started, their location this evening is the traditional last day of the trail.

One of the better selfies we have received
Just a wee little break in the wee little ALPS
Cuddle Puddle!
Sunny hiking days!

America Coast to Coast (ACC1)

Today’s route is full of rolling hills and mountains, but it’s only an 86-mile ride. Freddy and Anna’s crew are crushing the Arizona mileage! They also found a perfect place along their route to pretend to be a mustang.

America Coast to Coast (ACC2)

ACC2 is back on the bikes! Highlights of today’s ride included a water break in Magdalena at 6,500 feet, the Continental Divide, and the promise of pie in celebration.

Hydrating at sunrise, perfection!