Six teens riding bicycles more than 1,500 miles from Georgia to Nebraska to encourage positive parenting made their way through DeKalb County Friday – cycling through Fort Payne, Mentone and other areas before heading to Chattanooga, Tenn.

It’s all part of the Paul Anderson Cycling Challenge.

The same year, Anderson rode a bicycle route from Vidalia to Omaha, Neb. to raise awareness for the program. Now, to honor the 50th anniversary of Anderson’s ride, six teens and four adults are retracting Anderson’s original route – more than 1,500 miles through nine states.

The six teens – Chad, Cody, Dustin, Mac, Reef and Sam – once faced jail time before becoming part of the PAYH, according to a spokesperson for the home.

Now, the teens are focused on more positive goals, even if those goals may still sometimes prove difficult.

One of the teen riders, Mac M., of Jacksonville, Fla., said the trek through DeKalb County – across Lookout Mountain – has been especially challenging.

“It’s been extremely hot and extremely painful,” he said. “We’ve been climbing mountain after mountain.”

But Mac said he believes it’s all been worth it.

“I’ve learned so much,” he said. “I’ve learned more about the youth home during this trip than I have during my time at the youth home. I’ve learned so much about this history.”

The tour stops in Nashville, St. Louis, and Kansas City, before arriving in Omaha, Neb. on July 29.

To follow the ride, visit payhbikeride.com.

Times-Journal.com

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