Our Values
Unplug
Turning off the screens and experiencing the world first-hand is what we are all about at Teen Treks. Bike touring is one of the most immersive ways to travel and gain new perspectives of the world around you. For nearly twenty-five years, we have ran bike tours with a no phone policy for trekkers. This not only takes away every-day distractions, but it enables the group to form close bonds, think creatively, and have a deeply engaged travel experience.
Embrace the Unexpected
Every day is a surprise on a bike tour. While groups have a set daily destination and route, the journey along the way offers opportunities of spontaneity. Groups may discover hidden swimming holes, hear about a great dive restaurant from the locals, or roll up on a street festival. It is the journey to the destination that makes Teen Treks’ bikes trips a unique adventure. It is our goal to let teens be the driver of their own experience, offering suggestions and leading groups to fun activities they find along the way.
Problem- Solving
In any worthwhile adventure, there is hiccups along the way. Flat tires, route confusion, unfortunate weather… challenges will occur. At times, the group will need to be resourceful and creative problem-solvers. Most of the time, trekkers are surprised by their ability to work their way through an obstacle. Moments of discomfort will bring all the more gratitude for the creature- comforts of dry shelter, warm cooked meals and rest to come. Groups will put their heads together to problem-solve in moments of adversity, and they will realize they are capable of much more than they ever imagined. That sense of confidence carries with trekkers as they head back to school, sports, and future endeavors, knowing they have the ability to handle any challenges that come their way.
The Heart of Travel
One could easily hop on a plane, Uber to a resort and never need to leave the all-inclusive stay. But the incredible opportunity for cultural education, spontaneous surprises and deeper connection is lost. One day, teens will travel as they please. We strive for Teen Treks’ bike adventures to teach teens the heart of travel that leads to formative and novel life experiences. Bicycling is a slow enough vehicle to allow trekkers to immerse in the sights and sounds of their surroundings. As they roll into towns, trekkers are encouraged to engage with locals and find out the hidden gems they wouldn’t discover otherwise. Visits to museums, historical sights and cultural landmarks give teens the chance to understand the significance of the place they travel through. And in the sometimes-vulnerable means of bike travel, leaning on the local community is essential. There is no better feeling than when a local bike shop owner stops what he is doing to tend to the group’s bike needs. Or when a group suddenly finds themselves in the midst of a local festival or cultural event that gives them first-hand experience of “living like the locals.” The heart of travel is felt as these kinds of connections are made. And in return, the traveler is left with a deeper sense of the world around them.
Self- Reliance
Teens have the opportunity to gain a valuable sense of self-reliance on a Teen Treks’ bike trip. They will take on daily roles leading their group members with navigation, safety, bike mechanics and group morale. Leaders take a hands-off approach to daily objectives so trekkers can take on responsibilities and encourage one another to work together. Over a nightly campfire or camp-side dinner, Teen Treks’ groups will reflect on highs and lows throughout the day and discuss how they can work better as a team to improve their daily trip experience.
Community
We have seen lifetime bonds form from Teen Treks’ trips. Years after their trek, groups have planned reunions, set out on new adventures together, even attended each other’s weddings! Community is a core element of our bike trips. Groups must work together to achieve their daily mileage, keep a well-maintained fleet of bicycles, set up camp and cook meals for one another. The teamwork formed along a bike trip is complimented by once-in-a-lifetime experiences shared together. Without phones to pull an individual from the group, trekkers experience an immersive collaborative environment on a Teen Treks’ trip. When we hear reports of what made trips so memorable, it all comes back to community. Trekkers share about the laughter, misadventures, surprises and close connection between leaders and fellow trekkers that made for such a rewarding experience.
Self- Discovery
Beyond the journey from point A to point B on a bike trip, is the opportunity for a deeper journey within. Teenagers are constantly learning about who they are and who they want to become when the soon enter adulthood. Being on a bike trip is an incredible opportunity for teens to learn more about themselves individually and within a group setting. They are given freedom to explore and take on leadership responsibilities, while under the supervision of a leader that’s not too far removed from the youthful explorations of their teen years. Whether it’s meaningful conversations with leaders, interactions with kind strangers in places they’ve never been, overcoming difficult physical challenges or discovering individual skillsets within a collaborative group, there is countless opportunity for inner development and self-discovery on a Teen Treks’ trip.
Learn More About Our Treks
Whether you’re curious about the best trip options for your teenager, gear advice, logistical questions or getting acquainted with self-contained bike touring, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us or check out our Frequently Asked Question page for more information.
