Days 1-3
The air will be palpable with excitement as we arrive in Boston and meet our Trip Leaders and fellow trip participants for the first time. From this New England capital, we'll take a short shuttle drive to Cape Cod for our introduction to bicycle travel and camping. From our initial campsite near the shore, we'll learn and practice important bike safety skills, introductory riding techniques and the art of riding together as a team. Of course, these first days will also be filled with fun and excitement as we get to know each other while additionally learning basic camping skills such as setting up tents and cooking delicious, family-style meals. Days 4-6
Known for its pleasant summer weather and beautiful beaches, the off-shore island of Martha's Vineyard makes for the ideal environment to apply our newly-acquired bicycling skills. The gently rolling terrain is confidence inducing, and the natural and architectural scenery make for an inspiring backdrop that is sure to cultivate our rapidly escalating enthusiasm. Camping near the gently crashing ocean each night, we'll share stories around crackling campfires and enjoy views of the Atlantic night sky. Day 7
Boarding a ferry boat back to the Cape, we'll begin our integrated bicycling tour through the most beautiful parts of Cape Cod. First, however, we won't be able to resist the temptation to engage in a fun, introductory surfing course. Learning basic paddling and wave riding skills from expert local instructors, we'll be “hanging-ten” in the warm, New England waters. Days 8-9
Eager to give our paddling arms a rest, we'll jump back on our bikes to pedal along pastoral back roads and idealistic bicycle paths such as the 22-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail. Along the way, we'll learn about the area's early colonial and maritime history while visiting the towns of Hyannis, Wellfleet and Truro – some of oldest English settlements in North America. Day 10
No visit to this region would be complete without the chance to learn about its prominent whaling history (indeed, the antagonistic Captain Ahab from Herman Melville's Moby-Dick is from Nantucket), and our bicycling adventure will be no exception. From the northernmost tip of the Cape, we'll embark on a special whale watching voyage to see these majestic creatures feed in their natural habitat. Days 11-12
As the culminating environment on our introductory bicycling adventure, we'll visit the famous island of Nantucket. This final off-shore adventure will find us savoring each others' company and taking extra special time to make the most of the numerous sandy beaches as we become acutely aware that our time together is drawing to a close. Days 13-14
Returning to the mainland, we'll enjoy the day exploring Boston, steeping ourselves in the city's rich colonial history. That evening, we'll enjoy a New England feast during our traditional end-of-adventure banquet before crawling into bed in preparation for departures and tearful goodbyes the next morning.
