American Challenge

INTRODUCTION
The American Challenge is rated a 10 on a scale of 1-10 (1 is easiest). This is Overland’s most challenging trip due to its length and intensity.

• 3000+ miles of riding
• 80+ miles a day of riding
• 44 days from start to finish
• Some days off of the bikes: arrival day, departure day plus three or four buffer days to allow for delays en route (most groups will find that they spend these buffer days partially or completely off of the bikes)
• Riding begins at first light and ends in the late afternoon or evening

Past experience has shown the following:

(1) Your health, safety and well being for the duration of the trip will depend on the quality, duration and intensity of your preparation.

(2) Your enjoyment of the trip will depend on your understanding of and commitment to the American Challenge as a group experience—one that demands selflessness and teamwork.

REQUIRED PRE-TRIP TRAINING
You must be able to commit to a pre-trip training program that requires the following:
(1) two rides a week of one hour each in March;
(2) two rides a week of 90 minutes each in April;
(3) two rides a week of two hours each in May;
(4) two rides a week of four hours each fully-loaded with all of your gear in June.

All training rides that are unloaded (i.e., without your panniers, sleeping bag, etc.) must be at an average speed of 12 miles per hour (or greater); all loaded training rides must be at an average speed of 10 miles per hour (or greater).

YOUR COMMITMENT TO THE GROUP
The American Challenge requires an extraordinary amount of selflessness and teamwork. Consider the following:

(1) Riding. There will always be a range of abilities in every American Challenge group. Successful groups are the ones where the stronger riders commit themselves to support the weaker riders and where the weaker riders work hard to improve their riding so that the group can stay as close as possible when on the road. For fast riders, the challenge is to slow down and enjoy the group experience of riding across the country (if you really just want to go fast then ride across the country on your own). For slower riders, it's important to pay attention to your speed on the bike during your spring training rides. If you can't easily maintain the minimum speeds required (see above under Pre-Trip Training: unloaded rides must be at an average speed of 12 miles per hour or greater; all loaded training rides must be at an average speed of 10 miles per hour or greater), then you are going to have to train more—and harder—than the requirements that we have spelled out. Let's say an easy pace for you when your bike is fully loaded is 8 miles per hour. Do the math: 80+ miles a day at 8 m.p.h = 10 hours of pedaling—when you add in stops for snacks and lunch and delays and breakdowns your 10 hours of pedaling has grown to 12+ hours. Assuming the group is on the road by 6:00 a.m. that means you're rolling into camp after 6:00 p.m.—it's simply not a schedule that can be maintained, especially when the day's mileage is in the 90+ range (there are 4 days between 90 and 100 miles and 6 days over 100 miles). Plus, there will be a handful of riders who can easily maintain 16 m.p.h. If in the spring you find that you are a slower rider, then you must work longer and harder to improve your speed and endurance.

(2) Meals. Experience has shown that it is absolutely essential that the group come together for meals, snacks and drinks... these are the times when friendships form and bonds are strengthened. These friendships and these bonds not only make the trip fun, they are the bedrock that provides the support for the most difficult days. Your group will work together to make sure that everyone has the kind of meals, snacks and cold drinks that they need to stay healthy and to have fun. You will find that you are eating and drinking constantly on the American Challenge—but you are doing it as a group; enjoying meals, snacks and drinks that the group chooses, that Overland pays for and that the group enjoys together.

(3) Time Together Off The Bikes. There's precious little time off the bikes, but when it comes, the group has to stick together, to include everyone... in everything—from chatting at morning snack to relaxing at lunch to reflecting on the day just before bed. Train hard for the trip, be prepared for an incredible challenge and come ready to be an important member of a close-working team.

CONCLUSION
The American Challenge is the greatest trip any high schooler could ever take... if you're excited about it, apply today—then get ready for the most amazing summer of your life!

“Matt grew in every way: confidence, competence and knowledge of himself. I put a boy on a flight to Savannah and a pretty grown up man returned from LA.” David Sack, Cheshire, Connecticut