Pittsburgh Youth Leadership

Daily Miles

2007-08-06T05:49:00.000-07:00

7-1-07 PENNSYLVANIA 67 miles
7-7-07 OHIO 67 miles
7-19-07 NORTH DAKOTA 89 miles
7-20-07 MINNESOTA 76 miles
7-21-07 MINNESOTA 46 miles
7-22-07 MINNESOTA 77 miles
7-23-07 MINNESOTA 79 miles
7-24-07 WISCONSIN 74 miles
7-25-07 MICHIGAN 73 miles
7-26-07 MICHIGAN 101 miles
7-27-07 MICHIGAN 62 miles
7-28-07 MICHIGAN 120 miles
7-29-07 MICHIGAN 47 miles
7-30-07 MICHIGAN 98 miles
7-31-07 MICHIGAN 75 miles
8-1-07 MICHIGAN 69 miles
8-2-07 OHIO 105 miles
8-3-07 OHIO 80 miles

Total 1405 miles
Total (2 years) 2456 miles

Final Standings

2007-08-06T05:46:00.001-07:00

Flats:

Nuwh 7
Josh 7
Gordon 6
Charley 5
Kevin 3
Wolf 3
Nate 2
Beth 1
Dion 1
Justin 0 (2 years)
Mark 0 (2 years)

Splats:

Josh 3
Nate 2
Mark 1
Dion 1
Wolf 1
Justin 1
Beth 1
Nuwh 1
Kevin 1/2
Charley 0
Gordon 0

2007-08-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

August 1, 2007
Start: Birch Run, Michigan
Finish: Whitmore Lake, Michigan
Miles Biked: 69

August 2, 2007
Start: Whitmore Lake, Michigan
Finish: Stoney Ridge, Ohio
Miles Biked: 105

August 3, 2007
Start: Stoney Ridge, Ohio
Finish: Findley Lake, Ohio

Total Miles Biked: 1405

The last 3 days of our journey was a blur of heat, mega-miles, big surprise and typical Pittsburgh Youth Leadership fun and adventure. The boys were triumphant in their approaching accomplishment, joyful to return home and working together as a group.

Uncle Ho's son, Alan Ostfield, is a vice-president of the Detriot Pistons and secretly a special tour of the Palace of Auburn Hills was arranged for these special young men. We escaped record highs one afternoon and traveled by van to the NBA arena. We were on the court, players bench, million dollar fan/guest suites, and best of all sat in the actual player's chairs in the lockeroom. Pictures later to come on the website will verify Kevin as Tayshaun Prince, Nate as Rip Hamilton, Nate as Rasheed and others. It was a very memorable afternoon.

Big mileage days continued and our goal of Findley Lake was reached. Many lessons were learned, wonderful times enjoyed, leadership skills developed, and a very rich experience for both kids and staff.

Next year, the Pacific Coast.

The Finale

2007-08-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

Pittsburgh Youth Leaderships has officially returned to their final destination of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The bikers made it to Findley Lake State Park in Ohio shortly before 7:30 PM on Friday August 3, 2007. They rode approximately 80 miles from Toledo to Findley Lake. After they strode into the state park with style all of the participants sipped on Dr. Pepper to celebrate. Congratulations to all of the participants of Pittsburgh Youth Leadership; may this trip inspire you to continue to do great things for the rest of your lives. Also, many thanks to all that helped make this trip possible. . .it could not have happened without your support.

* More detailed accounts to come
* Pictures to be posted soon

Day 13

2007-07-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

Start: Alger, Michigan
Finish: Burch Run, Michigan
Miles Biked: 75

On a hot day with temperatures nearing the high 90s the boys of Pittsburgh Youth Leadership peddled their way down the road to the highway town of Burch Run, Michigan. During the day we stopped at Subway for an extended siesta in attempts to get out of the heat. The intense heat of middle-Michigan tried to hold the bikers back from their final destination, however, the bikers ultimately made it all the way to their destination. The boys of Pittsburgh Youth Leadership opted to play in the pool, again, rather than catch a flick at the local movie theater. Little do the boys know what surprise(s) the staff of Pittsburgh Youth Leadership has planned for tomorrow.

Day 12

2007-07-31T05:34:00.000-07:00

Start: Onaway, Michigan
Finish: Alger, Michigan
Miles Biked: 98
Total Miles Biked: 1076

Another long day's journey into the Michigan night as the boys treated a near century as just another day on the bikes. Lots o flats and bike problems, lots of sun, and surprising heat yet onward and homeward we continued with lots of determination and pride. We biked through national and state forest land most of the day and noticed little after the spectacular upper peninsula. The boys have the finish line and home look in their eye.

Day 11

2007-07-31T05:32:00.000-07:00

Start: St. Ignace, Michigan
Finish: Onaway, Michigan
Miles Biked: 47
Total Miles Biked: 978

Gordon was designated journal writer for the day, but fell exhaustingly to sleep prior to entry

Day 10

2007-07-28T19:42:00.000-07:00

Start: Munising, Michigan
Finish: St. Ignace, Michigan
Miles Biked: 121

The author of todays journal is Casey Rubenstein, support van driver of this summers bike trip.

The boys of Pittsburgh Youth Leadership are, in my eyes, remarkable young men. As somewhat of an outsider I am able to witness a different aspect of the bikers than the other staff members. Over the past 10 days these bikers have grown tremendously. Friends, family, sponsors, and other supporters should be proud of the progress these young men have made. The bikers show class in their interactions with one another, appreciation towards the staff and the environment(s) in which they encounter, and marvelous dedication towards this endeavor. I feel extremely honored to witness the transformation of the bikers from young and eager boys to mature, strong, and confident young men.

My observations of the bikers are easily seen in today’s expedition. Today’s trek was across the central and eastern part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The bikers awoke at 7:00 AM in Munising, Michigan to set out on the ambitious day ahead. The bikers spent their last day riding through the mostly uninhabited terrain of the Upper Peninsula, but thoroughly enjoyed the National Forests and wild animals (dead and alive). Shortly after lunch, Lake Michigan was spotted. The bikers rejoined Route 2 and rode alongside Lake Michigan for the remainder of the evening to St. Ignace. Although today’s original plan was to the complete the Upper Peninsula, the bikers demonstrated the utmost ardor in completing the journey. The day concluded with over 120 miles biked, many photographs taken, and 7 accomplished young men slashing and playing around in the hotel pool.

Day 9

2007-07-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

Start: Ishpeming, Michigan
Finish: Munising, Michigan
Miles Biked: 62

This entry is written by biker Dion Wallace:

"Being a roadkill photographer is not easy. While biking you have to be ready and stop to take the picture. If you are tired and sleepy you may miss a good picture so get some sleep. Be prepared for Casey's or Charles' knock on the door. Also, make sure nobody is right behind you while biking. If you stop then they will hit you. So be ready for the knock on the door, getting ready and taking some good pictures."

Todays journey was extremely sunny with much cooler temperatures than the past couple of days. The bikers travelled along Lake Superior for the majority of the day stopping along the way to take pictures, eat snacks, and swim. Compared to yesterday the 62 miles biked seems easy, however, the terrain was filled with beautiful rolling hills. A highlight of today was passing through the town of Christmas, Michigan. The boys were well rested when embarking on the journey from Ishpeming to Munising because of their 10:30 AM wake-up call (usual wake-up call is at 7:00 AM). The evening ended with a customary game of "pool-football" before dinner: two pizzas, 4 subs, and breadsticks at a local restaurant in town. Tomorrow will be one of our last days on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as we travel south towards the Mackinac Bridge, which will take us into the lower part of Michigan.

Day 8

2007-07-26T21:39:00.000-07:00

Start: Bergland, Michigan
Finish: Ishpeming, Michigan
Miles Biked: 101
Total Miles: 749

An experienced cyclist years to one day achieve a "century ride" of 100+ miles in one day. Today- 7 kids from the city, most with no more than two weeks of experience, accomplished an early century notwithstanding extreme heat, humidity, sun and then a heavy rain. Determined, strong and working as a group, we awakened at 6:15 AM to begin the day's journey through the Ottawa National Forest and teh very sparsely populated region of the Western Upper Peninsula.

The afternoon storm caused a lengthy delay and the boys faced 46 miles to go at 5:30 PM defeated? NO WAY- we arrived at our destination just before dark although Nancy will be happy to learn that Gordon did have his light on. A very impressive mental and physical performance by the group.

The Upper Peninsula has an old-age, preserved beauty to it. Hidden lakes among the evergreens, birds chirping, perhaps the loon's call inthe distance and the occassional mosquito.

We have designated leaders for each section of the day and the best example of the sense of responsibility of being the leader was Dion- the roadkill photographer actually passing a fully intact deer without stopping due to his acquired leadership skills.

We encourage comments on the website and thank our most loyal fans- Joyce and Jari- for their daily entries. Friends? Spouses? Frat boys? Family? Please join us in this exciting journey.

Day 7

2007-07-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

Start: Ashland, Wisconsin
Finish: Bergland, Michigan
Miles Biked: 73

We have seen the Dakota fields, Red River Valley, Minnesota Northwoods, many of the famous 10,000 lakes, Indian Reservations, Wisconsin lumber, surprise heat and humidity, Mesabi Iron Range, hundreds of Route 2 miles, Lake Superior sunset and more northern small towns than anyone believed existed. Yet the one thing that today's contributor to the journal wants everyone to know is that Wolfie was the first in the group to enter the Upper Peninsula of Michigan!

New Photos posted: 7/26/07

Day 6

2007-07-25T05:27:00.000-07:00

Start: Duluth, Minnesota
Finish: Ashland, Wisconsin
Miles Biked: 74

Northern Wisconsin along the cold, vast water of Lake Superior averages summer highs in the low 70s. Yet the boys of Pittsburgh Youth Leadership confronted record extreme heat and humidiity well into the 90s both from mid-morning to late afternoon. We took 3 siestas in a car dealership, side road with trees and a small town restaurant to escape the sun. Josh and Kevin were staggered and all the bikers faced the challenge of the weather.

The goal of Ashland along Lake Superior was reached just as teh bright orange globe hit the bay. The boys gathered in front of the motel and watched a special sunset with shades (sunglasses) on.

Current Standings:

Flats:

Josh 2
Nuwh 2
Nate 1
Beth 1
Kevin 1
Gordon 1
Dion 1
Wolf 0
Justin 0
Charley 0
Mark 0

Splats:

Josh 3
Wolf 1
Mark 1
Nate 1
Kevin 1/2
Field 0

Day 5

2007-07-23T22:19:00.000-07:00

Start: Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Finish: Duluth, Minnesota
Miles Biked: 79

This entry was written by biker Josh Weiblinger

As we looked on into the musky morning sun we knew a long day was ahead of us. We were not sure if mark had broke his arm. Or when Gordon was going to walk a hill but we knew there would be two options. Either a long day or a short one. As the sun began to peek more and more out over the clouds the heat began to rise putting everyone in a slump of speed and sweat. But now with the count down to 7 all of them continued to bike strong on the hot country lanes of nowhere USA. There has been an increase on skill of the biker. Everyone has seemed to find their calling and their inner strength to bike strongly. But Mark and Charles still continue to slouch in the back. But what had continued to shock the group was Josh's big announcement to participate in the North Park Triathlon. But then again everyone even Josh had stopped in laughed as the day drew to a close everyone biked strongly to civilization. After the biking ended a glorious hotel had waitedfor the weary travelers with a pool and spa fully equipped in their grasps. But still the day rolls on for one another. With the same talk. Josh misses his wife, Nuwh wants shrimp, Dion needs more roadkill, or Wolf not talking at all. It all ends in the calm peace of sleep. Until the sound of Casey's knocking awakes them for the next day.

Day 4

2007-07-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

Start: Bemidji, Minnesota
Finish: Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Miles Biked: 77
Total Miles Biked: 422

With well-wishes from our fellow campers and a salute from the huge waterfront statues of Paul Bunyon and Babe, the boys of Pittsburgh Youth Leadership powered into another day of strong headwinds tghrough the Leech Lake Indian Reservation (The Res).

The storm threats passed and Smilin' Kevin, Steady Wolfie, Big Man Josh, Nuwh the Wise, Nate the Competitor, Dion the Roadkill Photographer, and Justin with his Wild Ideas enjoyed a pleasant afternoon of cycling. The promise of a swim in Lake Winnibegoshish was actually refreshingly done.

Finally, the hard-working crew of Casey and Charley along with new staff members Gordon Roth and Beth Manifesto merit recognition for their commitment, kindness, and enthusiasm.

Day 3

2007-07-21T22:24:00.000-07:00

Start: Fosston, Minnesota
Finish: Bemedji, Minnesota
Miles Biked: 46

The boys of Pittsburgh Youth Leadership have completed their bicycle tour of the fertlile, black soil of the Red River Valley which the locals claim to be the best farming soil in the country. After a few days of cycling past fields of sugar beets, soybeans, corn, wheat, and beer (barley) fields. We have landed in the Minnesota Northlands birthplace of Paul Bunyon and Babe, the Blue Ox--Bemedji, Minnesota.

The northern heat wave has caused the winds to reverse and go west. AH! The boys got an easy mileage day and the long-awaited water slide park, $2.00 hot dog roast and smores, swimming, hoops, and camping.

Many thanks to Frank Bruno and staff at Bike-Tek, Monroeville as the bikes are performing almost as well as the hardy participants.

Check out the trip photos which will be loaded when possible along the with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette articles in the sports cycling pages (7/13, 7/21). Onward we go.

Day 2

2007-07-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

Start: Grand Forks, North Dakota
Finish: Fosston, Minnesota
Miles Biked: 78

Today the bikers showed great determination and perseverance. The wind and sun tried to hold them back, but the bikers fought through the elements to complete another great day of cycling. For a second consecutive day the bikers road without any shade; including a lunchtime picnic. Speaking of lunch, turkey and cheese sandwhiches were consumed with a healthy side of fruit and veggies. Although the bikers completed 78 miles they were able to complete the day relatively early. After everyone showered we hit the town of Fosston for dinner at A&W. Josh, Nate, and Dion competed in a Root Beer chugging contest; Josh crushed. The kids then took to the basketball courts and football field (because they didn't exercise enough today) and ended the day with some ice cream from Dairy Queen.

Day 1

2007-07-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

Start: Devils Lake, North Dakota
Finish: Grand Forks, North Dakota
Miles Biked: 89

Today (July 19, 2007) was our first and last day of biking in North Dakota. Our journey began in Devils Lake, North Dakota and ended in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The terrain was extremely flat yet very, very sunny. The route took us through fields of corn, soy beans, and wheat. The bikers were extremely strong and maintained a *sunny* disposition all day. We only encountered one flat tire, a record for Pittsburgh Youth Leadership. The bikers will cross into Minnesota early tomorrow morning on our journey back to Pittsburgh. Hopefully the bikers will find more shade, fewer bugs, and a swimming pool with waterslides in Minnesota. However, it is hard to complain about the beautiful scenary of North Dakota!

The Arrival

2007-07-18T22:20:00.000-07:00

Pittsburgh Youth Leadership has arrived in Devils Lake, North Dakota and will begin the journey home on Thursday July 19, 2007. Look forward to the upcoming posts and pictures in the next few weeks.

Training

2007-07-12T03:30:00.000-07:00

The participants of Pittsburgh Youth Leadership’s 2007 Summer Adventure have been training quite hard and are now set for departure to Devil’s Lake, North Dakota on July 17, 2007. We have bicycled to Findley Lake State Park in Central Ohio, which has now become our ultimate destination on our journey eastward and homeward from North Dakota. Each training day consisted of long shuttle rides to both the start and stop points and 67 miles of cycling each day in the summer heat. The boys are learning bicycling skills, personal determination and teamwork! These future leaders have been outstanding in their preparation.

The 2007 roster of participants is as follows:
- Kevin Cross (Wilkinsburg)
- Larelle Davis (Hazelwood/West End)
- Justin Dean (Carrick)
- Nate Kigler (Oakland)
- Wolf Moreno (Greenfield)
- Dion Wallace (Greenfield)
- Nuwh Wallace (Homewood)
- Joshua Wieblinger (North Side)

The tentative schedule is a 2-day drive to North Dakota followed by a 17-day bike ride to Findley Lake State Park in Ohio.

Wish us luck as we journey onward with this great adventure.