Seattle to San Francisco Cycling

It’s all downhill—just check the map! This exciting program is designed for students finishing grades 9-12 who are intrigued by the idea of riding the wild, rugged, and breathtaking Pacific Coast through Washington, Oregon, and Northern California.  Like our Vermont Cycling program, Seattle to San Francisco is all about getting back to basics: back to two wheels, two strong legs, quiet country roads, and a desire to make a direct connection with the great outdoors, all through that most simple of machines, the bicycle. For students who are interested in a summer of outdoor adventure, environmental education, and community service, this program is perfect!

Seattle to San Francisco Cycling participants will:

• Learn the basics of bicycle touring and leave-no-trace camping.
• Ride the wild, rugged, and breathtaking Pacific Coast from Seattle to San Francisco
• Stop along the way to work on community service projects
• Visit local grass-roots organizations to learn about alternative energy sources, sustainable landscape agriculture, and cutting edge environmental practices
• Attend the internationally acclaimed Mad River Festival in Blue Lake, CA
• Take a break from the bike to kayak, surf, and swim in the Pacific Ocean
• Top off an amazing adventure by riding across the Golden Gate Bridge!

Who Should Participate?

This program is perfect for motivated students who love the outdoors, have a true interest in community service and environmental education, and are ready to learn everything there is to know about cycle touring. Students should arrive fit and psyched for the challenges of riding 20-30 miles a day, five days a week, and be prepared to live outdoors in a small group situation and practice Leave No Trace camping ethics.

2009 Proposed Itinerary:

click here to view 2009 Proposed Calendar

Days 1-3: Orientation on Vashon Island. Group Dynamics, Cycle Touring 101, Bicycle Assembly, Maintenance, and Repair.

Days 4-5: Shakedown. Two easy days of riding out to the coast.

Days 6-11: Ride South down the coast of Washington State. Visit environmental groups and sustainability pioneers along the way.

Days 12: Rest, relax, recharge.

Days 13-20: Ride down the Coast of Oregon State and into Northern California.     Destination: Arcata, CA.

Day 21: Rest, Relax and Recharge.

Days 22-25: Community Service and Environmental Education at Humboldt State University and the Dell’Arte School of Physical Theatre.

Days 26-30: Ride the Lost Coast of Northern California.

Days 30-33: Top off an amazing adventure by riding across the Golden Gate Bridge. Spend the last day of the program exploring the bustling city of San Francisco. Enjoy a delicious final banquet with your group. Sleep in a real bed at the Fort Mason Youth Hostel!

________________________________________________________________

2009 details for this program are subject to change as new developments and opportunities arise. If you would like more information or have specific questions please contact Angus Whyte, Summer Travel Program Director, directly by email  or phone at  603-369-6092.