Day 10

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.