Overland SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR 4TH - 12TH GRADERS

Cape Cod & the Islands

2 weeks open to grades 7-9

Overview

This classic tour of Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard is always one of Overland’s most popular trips— and for good reason. Daily rides explore beautiful beaches and picturesque towns on back roads and bike paths. Cape Cod & the Islands offers challenge, camaraderie, biking, beaches and whale watching off Provincetown.

We’ll start in Williamstown, Massachusetts, with a short orientation and a practice ride before we travel by van to the Cape. On the Cape, quiet back roads and beautiful beaches await us. We’ll ride through Hyannis, Brewster and Wellfleet on bike paths and scenic roads that take us through forests, by marshes and past beaches. The terrain is forgiving, allowing us to build skills and fitness as we go. In Truro, we’ll face some challenging hills as we bike through an area of big sand dunes with beautiful views of Cape Cod Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. On Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, bike paths take us to classic seaports, charming towns and long stretches of white sand—perfect for an afternoon of swimming and games.

Our daily rides average 20 miles and are a great way to discover the beauty of the Cape and the islands while making friends and having fun on a summer adventure. A whale watch off Provincetown rounds out two weeks of biking, beaches and fun on Cape Cod & the Islands.

“Alex grew as an individual, took risks and gained confidence in becoming independent." Lisa Calvert, Sammamish, Washington

Highlights

  • Ride quiet bike paths on the Cape
  • Swim at Martha’s Vineyard’s South Beach
  • Explore Nantucket by bicycle
  • See whales off Provincetown

Grade

For students who will finish grades 7-9 in June 2012.

Multiple sections are grouped by grades.

Call us (413-458-9672) to check on current availability.

Challenge Level

2 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts and Ends in Williamstown, Massachussets.

Accommodations

2 or 3 nights in a hostel in Nantucket (depends on the section). There will be a girls dorm and a boys dorm and showers. Laundry facilities available in town.

7 or 8 nights of tent camping on Martha’s Vineyard and the Cape (depends on the section). The facilities have flush toilets, hot water and showers. Laundry facilities are available at most campgrounds.

2 nights of tent camping in Williamstown - one at trip start and one at trip end. This camping area has flush toilets.

Dates and Fees

2 Weeks

Sunday, June 24 to Friday, July 6
Sunday, July 8 to Friday, July 20
Sunday, July 22 to Friday, August 3

$2795

“One of the best parts was having dessert circle on the beach under the stars.” Rose Hedreen, Williamstown, Massachusetts

Itinerary

At The Start Of The Trip

Cape Cod & the Islands starts in Williamstown, Massachusetts. For those who fly, we'll meet at Albany, New York International Airport; for those who are dropped off, we'll gather in Williamstown on the Williams College campus.

Orientation & First Ride

During the first days of the bike trip, we'll focus on group building and safe riding. We’ll show you how to set up your tent, how to pack your bicycle and how to ride safely. At the same time you’ll have the opportunity to get to know your trip mates and your two trip leaders (always a male and a female). Most Cape groups have 12 students—never any more—and there are usually 4 or 5 boys and 7 or 8 girls.

Traveling To The Cape By Van

Groups will travel to the Cape the morning after they arrive. We’ll load up a 15-passenger van and a large trailer with all of our bikes and gear and van to the Cape (a four-hour drive). Once we arrive on the Cape, the van will return to Williamstown, and we'll start our self-supported bicycle tour. With three or four groups on the Cape at once, there will be at least three different itineraries; typically one group will start on Martha’s Vineyard and then travel to Nantucket and finish their ride in Provincetown, a second group will do that same itinerary in reverse and a third group will start on Nantucket, travel to Martha’s Vineyard and finish in Provincetown.

Cape Cod

In addition to beautiful beaches, the Cape offers quiet backroads and a terrific rail trail. We’ll ride through forests, by marshes and past beaches and visit Hyannis, Wellfleet and Truro. The terrain on the Cape is generally rolling—there are some flat sections (the rail trail) and there are some hilly sections (Wellfleet to Truro). Most nights are spent in comfortable campgrounds on the Cape (with hot showers and fully equipped bathrooms) and a few nights are spent in a youth hostel on Nantucket (with dormitories, fully equipped bathrooms and a shared kitchen).

Nantucket & Martha’s Vineyard

On Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, bike paths take us to classic seaports, charming towns and long stretches of white sand—perfect for an afternoon of swimming and games. The terrain on the islands is generally rolling and there is a mixture of quiet roads and bike paths. On Martha’s Vineyard we'll stay at a campground a short bike ride from the beach—a favorite with Overland groups. On Nantucket we'll stay at one of the world’s most beautifully sited youth hostels right on Surfside Beach!

Whale Watch Off Provincetown

In Provincetown we’ll board a whale-watching vessel for a three-hour excursion, exploring an area off the tip of the Cape where these giant mammals feed. Most groups are lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures.

Trip End In Williamstown

At trip end, we’ll return to Williamstown to enjoy a final dinner as a group, rounding out two weeks of biking, beaches and adventure on Cape Cod & the Islands.

“We are tough critics, but we were very impressed by the professionalism and thoughtfulness of every aspect of Overland and the Cape Cod & the Islands.” Doug Elmendorf and Karen Dynan, Bethesda, Maryland

Trip Details

Cape Cod & the Islands is rated 2 on a scale of 1-10 (1 is easiest). The length of the rides and the difficulty of the terrain are a bit less demanding than Vermont (Level 4). Our daily rides average 20 miles and are a great way to discover the beauty of the Cape and Islands while making friends and having fun on a teen bike trip.

Most Cape Cod & the Islands participants are first-timers on a trip like this—so few, if any, students come with prior experience. There is always a range of physical ability and fitness in each group. As long as you are motivated and reasonably fit, you will keep up just fine because the trip is designed to be a cooperative, non-competitive group activity where everyone contributes and helps one another.

“My leaders were awesome!” Alex Calvert, Sammamish, Washington

Photos

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Before You Go

Prepare & Pack

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 summer. The most important part of training is gaining confidence on your bike by riding regularly. Before your trip you should be comfortable getting on and off your bike, shifting gears, braking, and making turns.

  Rides Per Week Ride Length Longest Ride Shorter Rides
Cape Cod & the Islands at least 2 30-40 min 15 miles 5-8 miles
Vermont at least 2 30-45 min 15 miles 5-8 miles
New England Coast at least 2 45-60 min 20 miles 8-12 miles
Nova Scotia & Acadia at least 2 45-60 min 20 miles 8-12 miles

Please follow the above chart for four weeks before your trip. You should be able to ride 10 to 15 miles with ease (taking breaks for water and snacks). Your health and safety this summer depend on this.  A good goal to work towards is being able to ride your long ride without too many prolonged breaks, although frequent shorter rides are a great way to become a confident and safe rider.

Packing for Your Trip

  • Label the following items with your name, address and phone number.
  • Overland bicycle tours are fully 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.
  • At trip start, your leaders will distribute group gear and they will help you repack your panniers and bike. If you're renting a bike and panniers from Overland please pack your clothing and equipment in a duffel bag. You will receive your bike and panniers upon arrival at the start of the trip.
  • You will have the chance to do laundry periodically and you will be able to leave extra items with our support staff at the beginning of your trip. These items will be stored at our facilities in Williamstown and returned at the end of your trip.
  • Check out some of our favorite brands and retailers to purchase items on this list.
  • Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool like a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool.
  • As you pack your gear adhere to the following instructions: (1) pack your sleeping pad and shoes in your bike box (2) Please take your helmet and sleeping bag with you on the plane as carry-on items in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time. (3) Pack all your remaining items in your panniers (you can tape or strap your panniers together to check them as one piece of luggage) or in a duffel bag.

Biking & Camping Equipment

Note: You may choose to rent a bicycle and/or panniers from Overland to use during your trip. Please see the Bicycle & Pannier Rental form.

  • Helmet
    Carry on the plane with you.

  • Water Bottles
    Two. 24 oz bike bottles are the best size to aim for, but smaller sizes are okay if that is what you have (they should fit in a standard bike water bottle cage). A hydration system (e.g., CamelBak) is not necessary, but if you have one and want to bring it, that's great.

  • Shoes For Biking
    You have two options: (1) ride in running shoes (2) ride in bike touring or mountain biking shoes with bottom treads and recessed cleats—these shoes clip into “clipless” pedals (it’s confusing). A popular style of clipless shoes/pedals are SPDs. Please do not ride in racing shoes (they have hard soles that are uncomfortable to walk in). Please note that if you are renting a bike from Overland (available for all of our New England trips) you will need to bring your own "clipless" pedals if you wish to ride in bike shoes. The bikes we rent come with flat pedals appropriate for biking in running shoes.

  • 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.

  • 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.

The following items are available for rent from Overland.
Please see the Bicycle & Pannier Rental form.

  • Bicycle & Rear Rack
    • Please see The Right Bicycle For Your Overland Trip in the Admissions Materials. Please note: The American Challenge and European Challenge require specific bikes; keep this in mind if you are buying a new bike now and plan on doing one of these trips in a future summer. If you need assistance in choosing a bicycle, please contact Alec Norton at alec@overlandprograms.com.
    • If you are bringing your own bicycle: 1) Please return the 2012 Bicycle Report Form by April 1st to ensure your bicycle meets all qualifications. 2) Prepare your bike for travel: Traveling With Your Bicycle.
  • Water Bottle Cages
    Two. Attached to the bike frame. Note: Some smaller size bike frames can not accommodate two cages. That's okay, as you'll be able to strap additional water bottles to your rack with your other gear.
  • Panniers & Two 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 trip.
  • Spare Bike Tube
    One spare tube that matches your bike's tire size.

Clothing

Please bring only the clothes listed below and do not wear an extra set of clothes for the flight. At trip start, your leaders will distribute group gear and they will help you repack your panniers and bike—at that time any unnecessary items will be mailed home.

  • Fleece Jacket or Pullover & Long Fleece Pants
    Please don't bring jeans or sweatpants. They are heavy, bulky and will not keep you warm if wet.

  • Waterproof, Breathable Rain Jacket
    Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water resistant). Gore-Tex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabric brands, but there are many to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable.

  • Shorts To Bike In
    Three pairs. Synthetic recommended (some students bring padded, spandex bike shorts but they are not required).

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

  • T-Shirts
    Three. Synthetic preferred.

  • Underwear
    Five.

  • Socks
    Five 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.

  • Sport Sandals
    For trips with rafting (New England Coast and Nova Scotia & Acadia) students must have sandals with a heel strap. For other programs flip-flops are also okay if you do not have sport sandals.

Miscellaneous Gear

  • Passport (Nova Scotia & Acadia ONLY)
     
  • Towel
    Medium size cotton or synthetic. Synthetic camp towls will dry faster and are more compactable.

  • 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.

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

  • Sunscreen (SPF 15+), Chapstick (with SPF protection) & Insect Repellent
  • Personal Journal or Book
    Optional.
  • Digital Camera & Extra Batteries
    Great for documenting the trip. Make sure you bring a large enough memory card (1 to 4 GB).
  • Spending Money
    $25/week in cash or with a debit or ATM card.

Cell Phones, Electronics and Personal Property

Please note the following important policies:

Our programs offer the opportunity to strengthen independence and self-reliance. To maximize these benefits, we do not permit phone calls to or from our students (except in the case of emergency).

If it is important for your son or daughter to be able to call you while en route to Overland, we recommend that you purchase an inexpensive phone card that your son or daughter can use at any airport pay phone.

If you feel that it is necessary to send your son or daughter with a phone, please do not send an expensive smart phone like an iPhone or BlackBerry. Send an inexpensive prepaid cell phone instead. On arrival we will collect all phones but we have found that safeguarding these phones is problematic given that our programs move from place to place. Despite our best efforts over $25,000 in phones have been lost, damaged or stolen in the last two years alone. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Communications

  • To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails or text messages to or from our students (except in the case of an emergency).
  • Your child will call home with our phones and assistance on arrival and departure if he/she flies to his/her program.
  • In the case of an emergency, we will make sure you are in touch with your child as soon as possible.

 Cell Phones

  • Cell phone use is prohibited on all Overland programs.
  • Any phone brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and returned at departure.
  • If you decide to bring a phone, do not bring an expensive smartphone (e.g., iPhone or BlackBerry); instead bring an inexpensive prepaid cell phone (better yet, bring an inexpensive prepaid calling card).

Personal Electronics

  • We do not permit personal electronics (e.g., iPods, Kindles or iPads) except for digital cameras.
  • We do not permit emergency response or GPS tracking electronics.
  • Any electronics brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and mailed home or returned at departure.

Personal Property

  • Overland is not responsible for any student’s personal property—including but not limited to: phones, electronics, cameras, equipment, bicycles and clothing. Please schedule all expensive items on your homeowners insurance policy to ensure that your child/ward’s personal property and equipment is covered against loss, damage or theft.

No Reimbursements for Lost, Damaged or Stolen Phone, Electronics and Personal Property

  • Despite taking precautions, some phones, electronics and personal property brought by students (and collected by us) have been lost, damaged or stolen. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Questions or concerns? Please call us. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.

Travel Information

DROP OFF: Cole Field House, 85 Stetson Rd., Williams College, Williamstown, Mass. at 2:00 p.m. Sunday
PICK UP: Cole Field House, 85 Stetson Rd., Williams College, Williamstown, Mass. at 11:00 a.m. Friday
FLIGHT ARRIVAL: Albany International Airport (NY) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday
FLIGHT DEPARTURE: Albany International Airport (NY) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday

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

For students who drive to the start of the trip, we’ll meet on the Williams College campus. Students who fly to the trip start should fly into the Albany, New York airport where Overland staff will be on hand to meet you, help you collect your baggage and transport you by 15-passenger van the 42 miles to Williamstown.

At the end of the trip, students can either fly home from Albany or be picked up in Williamstown. Overland staff will be on hand to assist all students with flights or pick-ups.

Flight & Travel Information 2012

Program Start & End Information 2012

For Parents Driving to Williamstown 2012

Mail Stops

Mail & Care Packages

Please send Letters & Postcards (rather than care packages)

  • Since we’re on the move and prefer to travel light, we encourage you to send letters and postcards rather than care packages.

Specific Instructions For Letters

  • On all letters: Please write clearly, in bold print, “Please hold for Overland Group” on the front of the envelope.
  • Please do not send overnight letters: Many overnighted letters arrive before or after we arrive and are then sent back (for this same reason, please do not send mail that requires a signature upon delivery).

CI 1A

Mail must arrive prior to July 1st to ensure delivery to the group

Student's Name, Overland CI 1A
c/o Sweetwater Forest Campground
PO Box 1797
Brewster, MA 02631

Please write, "Hold for arrival 7/2/11" on the lower left corner of the envelope/package

CI 1B

Mail must arrive prior to July 1st to ensure delivery to the group

Student's Name, Overland CI 2B
c/o Hostelling International Mid Cape
75 Goody Hallet Dr
Eastham, MA 02642

Please write, "Hold for arrival 7/2/11" on the lower left corner of the envelope/package

CI 1C

Mail must arrive prior to July 1st to ensure delivery to the group

Student's Name, Overland CI 1C
c/o Hostelling International Nantucket
31 Western Ave
Nantucket, MA 02554 

Please write, "Hold for arrival 7/2/11" on the lower left corner of the envelope/package

CI 2A

Mail must arrive prior to July 15th to ensure delivery to the group

Student's Name, Overland CI 2A
c/o Shady Knoll Campground
1709 Main St
Brewster, MA 02631

Please write, "Hold for arrival 7/16/11" on the lower left corner of the envelope/package

CI 2B

Mail must arrive prior to July 15th to ensure delivery to the group

Student's Name, Overland CI 2B
c/o Atlantic Oaks Campground
3700 State Highway 6
Eastham, MA 02642

Please write, "Hold for arrival 7/16/11" on the lower left corner of the envelope/package

CI 2C

Mail must arrive prior to July 18th to ensure delivery to the group

Student's Name, Overland CI 2C
c/o Hostelling International Nantucket
31 Western Ave
Nantucket, MA 02554

Please write, "Hold for arrival 7/19/11" on the lower left corner of the envelope/package

CI 3A

Mail must arrive prior to July 29th to ensure delivery to the group

Student's Name, Overland CI 3A
c/o Hostelling International Mid Cape
75 Goody Hallet Dr
Eastham, MA 02642

Please write, "Hold for arrival 7/30/11" on the lower left corner of the envelope/package

CI 3B

Mail must arrive prior to July 29th to ensure delivery to the group

Student's Name, Overland CI 3B
c/o Sweetwater Forest Campground
PO Box 1797
Brewster, MA 02631

Please write, "Hold for arrival 7/30/11" on the lower left corner of the envelope/package

CI 3C

Mail must arrive prior to July 29th to ensure delivery to the group

Student's Name, Overland CI 3C
c/o Hostelling International Nantucket
31 Western Ave
Nantucket, MA 02554

Please write, "Hold for arrival 7/30/11" on the lower left corner of the envelope/package

Helpful Reminders

Checklist and Reminders 2011

Apply Now

HOW TO APPLY

You have two choices. You can apply online with a credit card by clicking the link below.

Apply Online

Or you can download the 2012 Overland Application as a PDF (you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Then mail your completed one-page application and $795 deposit check to:

Overland
P.O. Box 31
Williamstown, MA 01267

For overnight mail via UPS or FedEx, please use our street address:

Overland
63 Spring Street
Williamstown, MA 01267

Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive at our office and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

Learn about our admissions process.

Leader Profile

Allie Cooperman

Allie Cooperman

Hometown
Westport, Connecticut
School
Carleton College
Leadership
Berkshire Adventure, Cape Cod & the Islands
More about Allie »

See More Overland Leaders

Check out photos from Cape Cod & the Islands

Check out our photo gallery

Similar trips and programs

Overland P.O. Box 31 Williamstown, MA 01267 | 413.458.9672 | Fax: 413.458.5208 | info@overlandsummers.com

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Overland Programs offers more than 40 different trips including New England summer camps and adventures for kids (4th graders, 5th graders and 6th graders), hiking trips for teens, teen bike trips in Europe and America, teen summer service programs, writing programs on the Williams college campus and field studies trips in the developing world. Overland has summer adventure trips and programs of all types, lengths, and locations. Our teen adventure travel trips and programs are for elementary school students, middle school students and high school students. We have wilderness adventures, bike adventures cross-country, and outdoor leadership programs spread across five continents. Overland is not simply a summer-long experience—it's a life experience with value and resonance that extends far beyond the boundaries of a single summer.

  

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