Overland Summer camps for 4th - 12th graders

Overview

Explore Europe on a challenging ride of unsurpassed beauty.

Europe by bike. In the summer. What could be better? On our European Challenge, we’ll ride through small towns and villages, past Dutch canals and windmills, along the shore of three Swiss lakes and over a mountain range between France and Spain. That’s a lot of beauty, a lot of exploration, a lot of adventure every single day.

And we do all of this together. The European Challenge is, first and foremost, a group experience. Our group shares every sight, every discovery, every high point together. It makes the experience incredibly rich and rewarding.

When our goal is biking all the way across Europe—from the Netherlands through Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, France and Switzerland, then back into France and onto Spain—you can’t help but be changed by the experience: the world is so beautiful, so full of promise. And you, well, you’re incredibly independent and resilient, but you’re also a great friend and a great group member.

At trip end in Barcelona, we’ll look back on four weeks of beauty, challenge, friendship and fun—but just as importantly, we’ll look back on a month that couldn’t have been nearly as incredible had you not been on a bike, in a group, with a goal. Nothing could be better.

Questions? Contact us!

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Things to know

• We travel light on Overland trips; please only bring items on your packing list.
  
• Your group will have access to laundry periodically.
  
• Please do not bring any electronics (including your cell phone). See FAQs for more information on our cell phone and electronics policy.
  
• Do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (such as a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool).
  
• A high-visibility outer layer is required at all times while biking. See packing descriptions for more details.
  
• If you are flying to your trip start, pack your sleeping pad and bike shoes in your bike box or checked bag. 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. Pack all remaining items in your checked duffel bag or in your checked panniers. You can tape or strap your panniers together to check them as one piece of luggage; see luggage description for more details.
  
• There are no reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen items.
  
• Please wear the navy Overland shirt that you will receive from the Overland office to your trip start location.
  

Luggage

• Pair of Panniers (waterproof preferred)
  Students should bring all belongings to the start of the trip in the panniers they will use this summer. Panniers are saddlebags sold in pairs that attach to either side of your rear rack. You will want large panniers, 2,400-3,000 cubic inches total (for the pair), 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.

Clothing

• Navy Overland Shirt (1)
  We will send students an Overland shirt prior to their trip, and we encourage students to wear their Overland shirt to trip start. We highly recommend this for students flying to their trip start location.
• Synthetic High-Visibility T-Shirts (3) & Vest (1)
  A high-visibility outer layer, preferably a solid color, is required at all times while biking (high-visibility is a neon or fluorescent color, typically yellow, orange or pink). On warm days a high-visibility T-shirt will be sufficient. The vest should be large enough to wear over warm layers while riding on cooler days. Please visit the Overland Store if you need to purchase these items. High-visibility bike jerseys are acceptable but not necessary.
• Bike Shorts (2)
  Biking-specific spandex shorts with a padded seat called a chamois. Bike shorts fit snugly in order to reduce chafing and discomfort from sitting on a bike seat for long distance rides.
• Shorts (1)
  Comfortable shorts to wear around camp.
• Athletic Socks (pair) (3)
  
• Wool and/or Synthetic Socks (2)
  
• Synthetic Long Underwear Top & Bottom (1)
  
• Fleece Pants (1)
  Please do not bring cotton sweatpants (they are heavy and bulky and will not keep you warm if wet).
• Synthetic T-Shirt (1)
  Short-sleeve T-shirt or tank top.
• Winter Hat
  
• Gloves or Mittens (pair)
  Insulated, warm and waterproof. Avoid knit and porous materials.
• Underwear (4)
  
• Swimsuit
  Boys should bring a Speedo for this trip as most pools require it.

Outer Layers

• Waterproof Raincoat
  Waterproof material required (not just water resistant). Choose high-visibility if available (a high-visibility outer layer is required at all times while riding; if your raincoat is not hi-vis then you'll have to wear a hi-vis vest over your raincoat when riding). Raincoats provide protection from wind and rain and serve as an extra warm layer. Your jacket should be large enough to allow layers underneath. We recommend hoods and breathable materials. Gore-Tex is a well-known waterproof and breathable fabric, but there are many other quality fabrics. Ponchos are not acceptable.
• Waterproof Rain Pants (optional)
  Waterproof material required (not just water resistant). Rain pants provide protection from wind and rain and serve as an extra warm layer.
• Fleece Jacket or Pullover
  Medium to heavyweight and reasonably compact.

General Gear

• Water Bottle
  A 24-ounce bike bottle is ideal (on arrival you will receive a second bottle from us).
• Hydration System with a 2- or 3-liter capacity
  A small backpack with a bladder inside (e.g., CamelBak or Platypus) works well. If you bring a backpack, it must be a high-visibility color; if the bag is not hi-vis, you must cover it with hi-vis fabric or tape. The backpack should be designed primarily to carry water (if it is too big or filled with other items, it will be uncomfortable to wear all day).
• Sleeping Bag
  A lightweight, compact sleeping bag rated to 30 degrees Fahrenheit or less. We recommend either synthetic or treated down material. Your sleeping bag should compress into a stuff sack no larger than 20" in length.
• Sleeping Pad
  Full- or ¾-length compact sleeping pad. We recommend closed cell foam that is thin and firm (e.g., RidgeRest) or self-inflating (e.g., Therm-a-Rest).
• Bowl, Mug & 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 Tupperware dish and regular utensils are fine).
• Headlamp & Extra Batteries
  

Bike Gear

• Touring Bicycle & Rear Rack
  One of the following bikes is required: Trek 520*, Surly Long Haul Trucker, Fuji Touring, Salsa Marrakesh or Novara Randonee**. These bikes must be in excellent condition and must have been purchased in the past 48 months. Other bicycles are not acceptable. Please see the Right Bicycle for Your Overland Trip for more information about acceptable bikes and traveling with your bike.

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  * Starting in 2017, the Trek 520 will only have mechanical disc brakes. This is acceptable.

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  ** The Novara Randonee was discontinued in 2017. A model from the past 48 months is acceptable.
• Bungee Cords (4)
  These should be 18-24" in length. Bungee cords are included with an Overland bike rental.
• Bike Helmet
  If you are flying to trip start, carry your helmet on the plane with you.
• Rear Bike Light
   A rear bike light is required when riding in low light conditions. The light should be battery powered with a variety of mounting options (clipping on to a pannier or a rear rack, for example). The Portland Design Works Radbot 1000 and the Planet Bike LED Superflash turbo are two examples of bike taillights.
• Spare Bike Tubes (4)
   Spare tube that matches your bike's tire size. All Overland rental bikes come with spare tubes.
• Spare Set of Brake Pads (1)
  
• Spare Bike Spokes (4)
  Spare spokes that fit your wheels (two front and two rear) including the spoke nipple. Ask your local bike shop for guidance.
• Spare Bike Tire (1)
    
• Set of Tire Levers (1)
  
• Hex Wrench Multi-tool (1)
  
• Tire Patch Kit (1)
  
• Water Bottle Cages
  Attached to the bike frame. Some smaller-sized bike frames cannot accommodate two cages. If this is the case, you will be able to strap additional water bottles to your rack with your other gear. All Overland rental bikes come with two water bottle cages.
• Chamois Cream (optional)
  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.
• Bike Gloves (optional)
  Well-padded for comfort
• Handlebar Bag (optional)
  Great for snacks, sunscreen and bike tools.

Footwear

• Shoes for Biking (pair)
  Bike touring or mountain biking shoes with bottom treads and "clipless" recessed cleats. A popular style of clipless shoes and pedals are SPDs. You may also ride in running shoes and bring toe cages to attach to your pedals. Please do not bring racing shoes as they have hard soles that are uncomfortable to walk in.
• Camp Shoes
  Closed-toe shoes to wear around camp. Crocs or lightweight tennis shoes are ideal.

Travel Documents

• Passport
  A passport that is valid until at least six months after your trip end date
• Passport Photocopies
  Make at least four photocopies of your passport and visa (if applicable). Leave one copy with your family and put photocopies in both your checked luggage and carry-on luggage for the flight, separate from your original documents.
• Photo Identification
  A current school or other kind of photo identification (if you have one).
• Unaccompanied Minor Fee Receipt (if applicable)
  For students travelling as Unaccompanied Minors, please print a copy of the UAM fee receipt for your child's leaders to keep on file.
• Baggage Fee Receipt (if applicable)
  Some airlines allow passengers to input credit card information to cover checked bag service charges when checking in online prior to the trip. To reduce hassle at the airport, we encourage you to pay for checked baggage beforehand and supply your child with a copy of the receipt for his or her leaders to keep on file.

Miscellaneous

• Pre-trip Training Calendar
  Please bring your completed and signed calendar to trip start.
• Synthetic Camping Towel (1)
  A medium-size synthetic camping towel (synthetic camping towels dry much faster than regular towels).
• Gallon Sized Ziploc Bags (10)
  To organize and waterproof your gear and small items.
• Large Trash Bags (5)
  To waterproof your gear.
• Toiletries
  All items should be travel size (if necessary, you will be able to restock during the trip).
• Sunglasses
  Polarized sunglasses that wrap around to protect from glare are ideal.
• Sunscreen (SPF 15+) & Chapstick (with SPF protection)
  
• Personal Journal or Book (optional)
  
• Camera, Charger & Extra Batteries (optional)
  A digital or disposable camera and, if necessary, a charger and large enough memory card to accommodate your pictures (4 to 8 GB).
• Spending Money
  $50 per week in local currency or a debit/ATM card (please notify your bank of international travel before trip start).
• Health Insurance Card
  Please bring an original or copy of your health insurance card.

Bike from the North Sea to the Mediterranean and explore European culture.

Students going on European Challenge should prepare for:

• 1500+ miles of riding
• Riding begins at first light and ends in the late afternoon or evening
• 19 days of biking with an average of 68 miles per day
• Travel to and from the trip
• An Overland experience

We expect you to arrive to your trip fully prepared for all activities.

Preparing for Biking

Daily rides on the European Challenge average 70 miles over varying terrain. There are five days over 80 miles and the longest day is approximately 90 miles (the exact mileage may vary by group). You will encounter challenging terrain: long mountain passes in the Alps, hot temperatures and a windy environment in southern France and more long mountain passes through the Pyrenees entering Spain. You will spend some days off of the bikes: arrival day, departure day plus 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).

Overland bicycle tours are self-contained—there is no van support. You will carry all of your belongings, plus some group gear and food, 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. On average, you will carry about 40 pounds of equipment on your bike (not including the weight of the bike).

There will always be a range of abilities in every European 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. For slower riders, it's important to pay attention to your speed on the bike during your spring training rides. If you cannot easily maintain the minimum speeds required, then you are going to have to train more—and harder—than the requirements that we have outlined.

Pre-trip training:

• 12 weeks before your trip: two rides a week of one hour each (12 miles) over varied terrain.
• 8 weeks before your trip: two rides a week of 90 minutes each (18 miles) over varied terrain.
• 4 weeks before your trip: four rides a week, two of two hours each (24 miles) over varied terrain and two rides of four hours each (48 miles) over varied terrain. You should also complete one ride of 70 miles or greater (the average daily mileage for European Challenge). All rides should be on fully loaded bikes with all of your gear and clothing.

All pre-trip training rides must be completed using the bike, pedals and shoes you will use on the European Challenge. All training rides that are unloaded (i.e., without your panniers, sleeping bag, etc.) must be at an average speed of at least 12 miles per hour; all loaded training rides must be at an average speed of at least 10 miles per hour. You must be able to maintain (or exceed) 10 miles an hour fully-loaded on terrain that includes hills.

Groups typically average between 10 and 12 miles per hour while riding (although pace varies by group). You will start riding at first light, taking short breaks during the day, and complete the day's ride in the late afternoon to early evening. You must be able to maintain (or exceed) 10 miles an hour fully-loaded on terrain that includes hills. A 10-mile-per-hour pace makes it possible for the group to get each day's miles done and have time for snacks, lunch, delays, breakdowns and, at day's end, for essential rest and recovery.

Please refer to the Pre-Trip Training Calendar where you will record your training in the weeks leading up to trip start.

Preparing for Travel to and from the Trip

Families are responsible for arranging flights to and from the designated airport during a specified window (please do not purchase flights until you have received an email confirming our review of your health forms and school reference). Overland staff will be at the airport to welcome you at the start of your trip and to assist with your departure. You may also be dropped off and picked up at the airport. If you are flying to and from your trip, we will have you call home upon arrival and before departure. We will provide more specific travel information once we have placed you on a program.

Preparing for an Overland Experience

Overland programs are wholesome, structured experiences with high expectations of each student’s behavior. You are expected to be supportive of your trip mates and your leaders, enthusiastic, positive and helpful. We ask that you leave your cell phone and electronics at home (cameras are always welcome), so you can fully engage with your group and your trip. You will have the opportunity to send letters and receive mail at designated mail stops, which are shared in the spring.

All trips have a range of challenges. You should come prepared and recognize that some days will be more difficult, more challenging and longer—both in terms of miles and hours on the bike—than others. Delays occur due to a wide range of variables beyond the control of you, your group or your leaders. Weather patterns change and road conditions vary. You, or someone in your group, might get a flat tire or encounter another issue that could delay your group. On some days your group will arrive in to camp in the early afternoon, with plenty of time to explore the area or go swimming, while on other days your group will spend more time on the bike.

Arriving ready for a challenge – and prepared to contribute to an enthusiastic group – will go a long way toward creating a successful trip. Please contact us if you’d like to discuss preparing the European Challenge.