American Challenge

6 weeks

open to grades 9-12

Overview

When you get to the Pacific, you will jump off your bike, race across the sand and dive into the water. You’ll scream, yell, shout and hug. Onlookers will not understand, and even if you tried to explain what that moment means to you, they probably still wouldn’t get it. That’s the way a lot of the American Challenge is.

The American Challenge doesn’t require previous experience—it requires determination. The American Challenge isn’t a race—there is no sag wagon or support team. The American Challenge won’t change you into a “hard core” biker—but it will change the way you see yourself and the world around you. Bike with us across America and discover for yourself the meaning of the American Challenge.

We start our six-week journey just east of Savannah, Georgia, on Tybee Island. This first section of the trip takes us straight into the heart of the South, as we make our way to one of America’s greatest rivers, the Mississippi. The terrain is generally forgiving, as we skirt south of the Appalachians, but our daily mileage is long with most days in the 75 to 85 mile range. As we work our way to the Rockies, long days on the bikes take us across the Great Plains where towns are few.

The Rockies offer challenge and beauty—high passes and snowcapped mountains, thigh-burning climbs and rollicking descents. We’ll pause briefly at the Grand Canyon, before we make our way across the Arizona and California deserts. Our final stretch of riding will take us up into California’s San Gabriel Mountains. We’ll camp high above the lights of Los Angeles and look back on six weeks of adventure and camaraderie. On our last day, we’ll work our way down and out of the mountains, through L.A. and all the way to the Pacific. When we reach the coast, we’ll sprint across the sand, front wheels in hand and dive into the crashing waves. Surrounded by tripmates with whom you have shared every day, every mile and every moment of these past six weeks, you’ll scream, yell, shout and hug. Only then will you really, truly know what the American Challenge means to you.

To read about a student's experience on the American Challenge 2008, see Lizzie Leonard's student profile.

“Completing the American Challenge would have been enough, but the personal growth we have seen in Michael since his return is an even greater Overland accomplishment!” Jonathan and Wendy Waltman, Lexington, Kentucky

Highlights

Bike from the Atlantic to the Pacific
Ride over 3,000 miles across the U.S.
Discover small-town America
Cross the Rockies
Visit the Grand Canyon
Swim in the Pacific

Grade

For students who will finish grades 9-12 in June 2010.

Call us (800.458.0588) to check on current availability.

Challenge Level

10 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts in Savannah, Georgia

Ends in Los Angeles, California

Dates and Fees

Friday, June 25 to Saturday, August 7

$5395 (airfare not included)

“Overland is the real deal. You walk the walk. You’re conscientious, organized, fun, kind, understanding—and yet you make it seem so easy.” Alison Gwinn, Chappaqua, New York

Itinerary

The Atlantic to the Mississippi

We start our six-week journey just east of Savannah, Georgia, on Tybee Island. On the first day of our ride, we’ll watch the sun rise over the Atlantic, dip our front wheels in a gentle breaker, then look west and begin our 3,000+ mile trek to the Pacific. This first section of the trip takes us straight into the heart of the South, as we make our way to one of America’s greatest rivers, the Mississippi. The terrain is generally forgiving, as we skirt south of the Appalachians, but our daily mileage is long with most days in the 75 to 85 mile range. The mileage is made more difficult by the demands of making the transition to group living—getting up early, waiting for others, sharing tents and meals, and making new friends.

The Ozarks & The Great Plains

As we work our way to the Rockies, we'll climb a bit in the Ozarks and then head out for some long days on the bikes that will take us across the Great Plains where towns are few. By the time we reach the Great Plains the group is in fine shape and trip routines are down pat.

The Rockies, The Grand Canyon & The Desert

Crossing the Rockies is a major goal of every American Challenge group. Left behind are the green, rolling hills of the East and South, and the wide open, but barren plains. The Rockies offer challenge and beauty—high passes and snow-capped mountains, thigh-burning climbs and rollicking descents. We’ll spill out of the Rockies and into vast painted deserts on our way to the Grand Canyon. We’ll pause briefly at the Grand Canyon, spending a night on the South Rim, before we make our way across the Arizona and California deserts. There is one day in the desert when we'll have vehicle support (one group will have support from Needles to Ludlow, California, the other group will cross the desert from Parker, Arizona to Twentynine Palms, California and both will have vehicle support on that day).

The Last Days & Santa Monica

Our final stretch of riding will take us up into California’s San Gabriel mountains. On our last night before riding to the Santa Monica pier, we’ll camp high above the lights of Los Angeles and look back on six incredible weeks of adventure, camaraderie and challenge. The next morning, we’ll work our way down and out of the mountains, through L.A. and all the way to the Pacific (where lots of parents and siblings will be waiting!). When we reach the coast, we’ll sprint across the sand, front wheels in hand and dive into the crashing waves. Surrounded by trip mates with whom you have shared every day, every mile and every moment of these past six weeks, you’ll scream, yell, shout and hug. Only then will you really, truly know what the American Challenge means to you.

“It was the greatest thing I have ever done.” Peter Merritt, Baltimore, Maryland

Trip Details

DAILY ROUTINE, BUFFER DAYS & MEALS, SNACKS & COLD DRINKS

Daily Routine

We'll get up before sunrise every morning and be on the bikes by shortly after first light. We'll bike for a couple of hours before stopping for a morning snack. We'll bike until 10 or 11 before we stop again for another snack and then continue until 1 or 2 before we stop for lunch. The afternoon riding is broken up by a snack stop or two. Depending on the day's mileage and delays en route, the goal is to pull into our overnight accommodations (typically a campground or church) between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. There will be shorter days and longer days—if the day gets too long we'll change our plans and stop for the night before reaching our planned destination (and we'll make up the mileage in the coming days).

Buffer Days

During each section of the trip, there are buffer days built into the itinerary to allow for delays en route. Most groups will find that they spend these buffer days partially or completely off of the bikes for rest, relaxation and exploration on foot.

Meals, Snacks & Cold Drinks

Breakfasts are generally made up of cereal, fruit, juice and milk. A typical morning snack is bananas and granola bars. Lunch is usually sandwiches (peanut butter & jelly, cold cuts & cheese, hummus), plus lots of chips and cookies and fresh fruit and veggies. Based on the availability of stores along our route one afternoon stop a day will include cold drinks (for example, cold water, juice or Gatorade purchased by Overland from a convenience store) and a salty snack (chips, pretzels or crackers). Popular dinners include pasta, stir-fry, tacos and burritos.

Overland's goal is to always provide more food than is needed so that everyone—no matter how big their appetitie—gets enough. Each group will plan and prepare their meals everyday. Over the course of the first week or so, groups develop a comfortable routine around meals and their favorite meals become established.

Please note that every meal, snack and cold drink on the American Challenge is provided by Overland and is shared by the group. This asks a lot of everyone in the group: even though it would be easy to allow students to buy their own meals and snacks if they wanted, doing so would break down the cohesiveness of the group. Getting 14 people across the country on bikes requires tremendous teamwork—sharing meals, snacks and drinks is an important building block of that teamwork.

“It was a life-changing experience. Every day was fun and challenging. Thank you, Overland, for giving such a great opportunity to teenagers!” Sita MacDermott, Dublin, Ireland

STUDENTS: IS THIS THE RIGHT TRIP FOR YOU?

Only you can answer this question. We suggest you start the decision making process by reading everything on our website about the trip. Then, email us with any questions you have. Then, talk to students who have done the trip (we can give you references).

To start your thinking about the American Challenge, consider the following:

1. There are many kinds of challenges on the American Challenge:

Mileage: 80+ miles a day for six weeks with many days over 90 miles and a handful over 100 miles.
Weather: high temperatures (hot and humid east of the Mississippi; hot and windy across the Great Plains; hot and dry across the desert) and the good possibility of some rainy stretches.
Not-Feeling-Great: over the course of six weeks there's a good chance that you'll catch a cold or that you'll have a minor stomach upset—nothing serious but still a challenge when you're far from home and working hard.
Scrapes, Bumps & Bruises: before you jump joyously into the Pacific at Santa Monica you'll have scraped a knee or elbow, or bruised a thigh, or had some such minor injury (there has never been a major injury on American Challenge).
Homesickness: even if you've never had it before, there will likely be times when you long for the comforts and ease of home.
Camping & Sleeping In Churches And Community Centers: you'll get very comfortable sleeping out and sleeping on floors but you'll still miss the familiarity of your own bed, the ease and efficiency of screens and windows to keep bugs out, rain off and air-conditioned air in.
Group Living: group meals, group snacks, group cooking, group cleaning, group chores, etc., etc., etc. The demands of group living will be some of the most important challenges you'll face.

2. Are you ready to commit yourself to the training that is required for this trip? Visit the Pre-Trip Training page to see what is required. Think about whether or not you can commit yourself to completing the pre-trip riding—we've made it possible for even the busiest student to complete the training, but having the time and actually doing the riding are two different things.

3. Are you ready to commit yourself wholeheartedly to a demanding group experience? The American Challenge is all about the group succeeding, about the group getting the miles done, about the group enjoying the highs together (reaching the Rockies!)... and sticking together through the lows (heat... or humidity... or rain... or tough headwinds). Are you the kind of person who can put his or her own needs and wants after those of a group?

“Bill adores biking and has grown so much during his four Overland summers. He has developed his leadership skills, sense of humor and self-confidence. He has developed a life-long passion!” Mary Hoch, Bronxville, New York

PARENTS: WHAT YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND

Every summer we get a handful of phone calls from parents who ask questions that reveal to us that they really don't understand what the American Challenge is all about.

These questions often put the American Challenge in the context of a bike tour for adults that stays in luxury accommodations (we camp out in state parks and sleep on a lot of church and community center floors) and where fine dining is the norm (we shop for our food every day and make meals for 14 people using two small camp stoves). The parents who ask these questions simply haven't paid attention (and they are relatively easy to get back on track).

The more difficult questions to respond to are the ones from parents who wonder why their son or daughter can't do what he or she wants. "Why can't my daughter just buy her own snacks (or lunch... or dinner... or dessert)." "Why can't my son ride ahead of the group... he's so much faster than the others?" What these parents have failed to grasp is that the American Challenge is a chance for their son or daughter to see beyond his/her own needs and wants, to see the needs of the group before his/her own. In this way, the American Challenge is a chance to become a caring friend... a terrific group member... an exceptional leader.

The American Challenge is a chance for your son or daughter to be challenged in ways that school and sports might never have. Riding a bike is not technically difficult—but riding a fully-loaded bike for 80+ miles a day for six weeks with 13 other people is just about the hardest sustained challenge we can imagine. For your son or daughter to succeed on and enjoy the American Challenge you have to be on board and committed to the goals of the trip so that you can help your son or daughter understand what it is they are to be a part of.

The American Challenge ends in Santa Monica... the kids ride right down Santa Monica Boulevard... parents and siblings are waiting at the pier... the riders come streaming by, shouting for joy and racing for the beach where the entire group—front wheels in hand—dives into the water together. It's one of those moments in a parent's life that is wonderfully moving.

“Jumping in the Pacific Ocean was the best moment of my life.” Claire Henkel, Berwyn, Pennsylvania

“The highlight of our summer was watching the end of the AC trip. Even watching the last 400 yards of their journey was fabulous —and now ranks up there in my top three life events (with giving birth and getting married!).” Jean Schwartz, Amherst, Massachusetts

LEADER COMMENTS

The comments below from two American Challenge leaders give you a feel for what this trip is like.

“The American Challenge is no mere summer trip. It is a true journey, one that is equal parts demanding, wondrous, grueling, and exhilarating, and one that finds the best in everyone every day. Cycling is the perfect pace at which to see such a wide and varied swath of this nation, as it allows you to truly feel and experience the areas you ride through. Then arriving on the Santa Monica Pier with 13 others whom you've depended on and who have depended on you for the past six weeks is a highlight-of-your-life type moment that almost defies description. Enjoy the ride!”
Ben Jervey, American Challenge 2004 Leader

"It is not about being able to say, "I rode across the country last summer," or even about jumping into the ocean at the end of it all, shoes unclipped from pedals for the last time. The real joy of this trip accrues in small, well-earned moments of clarity, whether they come in the sweat of a Georgia sun, the grunt of an Oklahoma climb, or the sweet cruise down the San Gabriel Mountains. As you fall into the ocean in Santa Monica, everyone else gets to see the grand feat that the group has achieved, but the miles that get you there are the things that give you the real life-long memories."
Matt Turnbull, American Challenge 2007 Leader

STUDENT COMMENTS

"The AC is truly the experience of a lifetime. Every single component of the trip was incredible. Even on my toughest days I still had the time of my life. Two months later, the American Challenge is still such a huge part of my life. My leaders were incredible and my group was indescribably amazing. It was the most fantastic, strenuous and difficult thing I have ever done—and I loved every minute of it. Thank you so much. I love Overland! Lizzie Leonard, Westport, Connecticut

“Somehow, I was able to bike across the country, and I know the only things that made this possible were my awesome leaders and group. They made my Overland experience more than excellent. I had the time of my life!” Tyler Spencer, Staunton, Virginia

“I gained confidence, learned about leadership and became a better person. In short, I had the best 40 days of my life.” Chip Potter, Winnetka, Illinois

Photos

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Enrollment Forms

Below is the Admissions Material packet and other information for American Challenge.

Admissions Material 2010

The Right Bicycle For Your Overland Trip 2010

Bicycle Report 2010

Prepare & Pack

American Challenge

Pre-Trip Training Page

Preparing for the Biking

Training ahead of time is essential to your success on an Overland bike trip. Training will enable you to enjoy your trip and to ride safely this summmer. Please review the training guidelines on the Pre-Trip Training page.

Fully Self-Contained Bicycle Trips

Overland bicycle tours are self-contained—meaning there is no van support. You will carry all of your belongings, plus some group gear, on a sturdy rack mounted over the back wheel of your bike. You will hang panniers (these are saddlebags, pronounced “pan-yers”) off the rack and attach gear like your sleeping bag and sleeping pad to the top of the rack using bungee cords.

Packing for Your Trip

Our packing list is designed to keep you safe and comfortable while biking and camping this summer. Keep in mind, however, that there are a wide range of products available in terms of clothing and equipment. Although you want your clothing and equipment to be durable, this does not mean it has to be top of the line. Often times more basic and less expensive options perform just as well. Some of our favorite brands in terms of quality of product for a reasonable price include REI, EMS and L.L.Bean.

Label the following items with your name, address and phone number. Bring only what you need and pack everything in your panniers. You can tape or strap your panniers together to check them as one piece of luggage. Please take your helmet and sleeping bag and pad with you on the plane as carry-on items in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time.

Please bring only the clothes listed below. Do not wear an extra set of clothes for the flight. By layering you will stay cool on warm days, dry on rainy days and warm on cool nights. You will have the chance to do laundry periodically.

Clothing

Fleece Jacket or Pullover
To stay warm on cool nights. Also comes in handy as a pillow.

Waterproof, Breathable Rain Jacket
Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water and/or wind resistant). GoreTex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabrics, but there are many of these fabrics to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable as they are difficult to ride in and don't provide the same protection that a rain jacket does.

Shorts To Bike In
Two or three pairs of bike shorts. These are spandex shorts with a padded seat called a chamois. Bike shorts should fit snugly and feel comfortable to reduce chafing and any discomforts from sitting on a bike seat for long distance rides.

Around Camp Shorts
One pair. Athletic shorts work well around camp as they are comfortable to wear, light and compressible to pack.

T-Shirts
Two or three for biking (at least one synthetic) and one for around camp. Bike jerseys are not necessary but if you have one and want to bring it, that's great. You'll need one synthetic shirt for inclement weather, otherwise cotton is fine.

Underwear
Four. Typically underwear is not worn under bike shorts, but you'll need some for around camp and days off.

Socks
Four pairs; at least one warm, synthetic pair for inclement weather and around camp.

Pajamas
One pair only. Pajamas aren't required as many students sleep in shorts and a t-shirt.

Bathing Suit
One only. Not required as many students swim in bike shorts (and a sports bra for girls).

Sport Sandals
With a heel strap for swimming and around camp. Good quality flip-flops or crocs are also okay if you don't have sport sandals.

Biking & Camping Equipment

Touring Bicycle & Rear Rack
Please see The Right Bicycle For Your Overland Trip. The Trek 520, Cannondale Touring 2, or the Surly Long Haul Trucker is recommended for this trip and the European Challenge. Keep in mind that a touring bicycle is required for this trip; if you have trouble finding or fitting one of the recommended touring bikes, please contact Ashley Ransom at ashley@overlandprograms.com.

Panniers & Four Bungee Cords
Panniers are saddlebags sold in pairs that attach to either side of your rear rack. For our trips you will want large panniers, 2400-3000 cubic inches total, designed for touring. One large pannier has internal dimensions of approximately 17" x 13" x 7". You should be able to fit all of your belongings, besides your sleeping bag and pad, into your two panniers and have some space for group gear. Consider compressibility of clothing while packing for your Overland bicycle tour.

Spare Bike Parts & Tools
Four spare tubes that matche your bike's tire size (Note: you may choose to start the trip with just two tubes and mail the other two ahead to one of the mail stops. On average, students on the American Challenge get 6-8 flat tires throughout the trip. Some punctures can be easily repaired with a patch, but other times putting in a new tube is a better option. Although four spare tubes may seem like a lot, many students use all their spares and some need to purchase more along the way.); one pair of spare brake pads; four spare spokes that fit your wheels (two front, two rear); one tire patch kit; tire levers; one spare tire.

Hydration System, Water Bottles & Cages
70-100 oz. bladder inside a small backpack (e.g., CamelBak). The simpler the better—the pack is used primarily to carry water and if it's too big and heavy or filled with other items, it will be uncomfortable to wear all day. Also attach one or two water bottles and cages to your bike frame.

Helmet
Carry on the plane with you.

Biking Gloves
Well-padded for comfort.

Shoes For Biking
Any comfortable touring or mountain biking shoes with bottom tread and a recessed cleat (no racing shoes). If you will use "clipless" pedals and shoes with cleats that attach to the pedals, please practice riding and clipping in and out of your pedals well before the start of the trip.

Sleeping Bag
Warm to 30 degrees or less. Lightweight and compact (when stuffed in a compression stuff-sack it should be no larger than 12" x 20"). Synthetic or down is acceptable. Carry on the plane with you.

Sleeping Pad
Compact and either 3/4 or full length. Closed cell foam (thin and firm—e.g. RidgeRest) or self-inflating (e.g. Therm-a-Rest) is acceptable. Carry on the plane with you.

Utensils
6" to 8" plastic dish or bowl with top; insulated plastic mug; spoon, fork and knife. These don't need to be special camping utensils. A Rubbermaid dish (or similar) and regular utensils are fine.

Headlamp
Small and lightweight. This comes in very handy in camp when it's dark and you're using both hands.

Miscellaneous Gear

Towel
Medium size cotton towel or synthetic camping towel.

Plastic Bags
Ten large ziplocks and five tall kitchen trash bags. The trash bags will be used to line your panniers and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad in. The ziplocks will be used to organize and waterproof the rest of your gear.

Toiletries
All travel size (in a plastic bag). If necessary, you will be able to restock en route.

Chamois Cream
Special cream to put on your bike shorts chamois to reduce the risk of chafing and saddle sores. Some popular brands are Chamois Butt'r and Assos. You can purchase chamois cream at any bike shop.

Sunglasses, Sunscreen (SPF 15+), Chapstick (with SPF protection) & Insect Repellent

Paperback Book and/or Journal
Optional. Your group will collectively keep a group journal and you will receive a copy of the journal after the trip. If you would like to keep your own journal though, you should bring one.

Camera/Batteries/Memory Card
Optional. Interested in seeing your photographs or videos on Overland's website next year? Bring a camera with lots of pixels (10 or more) and lots of memory (4GB or more). Buying a new camera? One of our favorites is the Canon PowerShot SD960 IS digital camera.

Spending Money
$50/week for souvenirs, gifts and necessities (like more sunscreen if you run out or envelopes to mail letters). If you are flying home at the end of your trip, please bring additional money to set aside to pay the airline bike fee for your return flight.

Note: Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (e.g., Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman).

We do not permit personal electronics on our programs (e.g., cellphones and iPods). We do, however, allow students who fly to their program to carry a cell phone while traveling; on arrival, Overland's leaders will collect all cell phones for the duration of the program and return them for flights home. Perhaps, a better option would be to bring a pre-paid phone card so that the leaders do not have to carry cell phones for the duration of the program.

Bringing A Bicycle On The Plane

If you are flying to the start of your trip, you will need to box your bike prior to your flights so that you can check the boxed bike as a piece of luggage. Most airlines charge about $100 to $200 one-way to check a bike. Please let your airline know that you will be bringing a bike, as many small planes cannot accommodate bike boxes. Please bring and set aside money to pay the bike fee for your return flight.

To box your bike, bring the bike to a bike shop where a mechanic will break it down and box it for about $50. Please make sure the mechanic leaves the cables attached and protected and does not remove the rear derailleur. For instructions on how to box your bike yourself, click here.

Travel Information

DROP OFF: Savannah International Airport (GA) Airport Baggage Claim at 12:00 noon Friday June 25th
FLIGHT ARRIVAL: Savannah International Airport (GA) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday

PICK UP: Three options: 1) Santa Monica Youth Hostel, 1436 Second St., Santa Monica, California at 10:00 p.m. Friday August 6th 2) The hostel before 5:00 a.m. Saturday August 7th; or 3) 10:00 a.m. at LAX Terminal 6, Continental Check-in. Please notify Overland of your location choice so we know to meet you.
FLIGHT DEPARTURE: Los Angeles International Airport (CA) between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Saturday

Families are responsible for making travel arrangements to and from the trip start/end locations. Overland’s program leaders will be on hand at the arrival and departure airports to provide supervision and assistance. The American Challenge starts at the airport in Savannah, Georgia and ends at the Los Angeles International Airport.

For special cases, please contact the Overland office to make arrangements, if you have not already done so.

Note: Often American Challenge students have family members meet them at the Santa Monica Pier to see the end of the group's ride across the country. If you plan to be at the pier to meet the group or if you have any logistical questions about meeting groups at the pier, please contact the Overland office.

Flight & Travel Information 2010

Program Start & End Information 2010

Mail Stops

Students will have the chance to receive mail at designated stops along the route. Please follow the instructions below to properly address mail to your student's AC section. As the groups will only pass by each mail stop on a specific day during the trip, it is important to send mail well in advance to ensure that it arrives before the group does.

AC A

Mail Stop #1: Mail must arrive prior to July 2nd to ensure delivery to the group