Tuesday, June 29, 2010 • Indiana group rides through Lassen County on three-week trip

Publisher’s note: This story originally appeared in the Tuesday, June 29, 2010 edition of the Lassen County Times.

A group of teenagers and young adults stopped in Lassen County during the evening of Tuesday, June 22, taking a quick break from a three-week bicycle trip from Seattle, Washington to Los Angeles, California.

The group, made up of 82 people, is with the non-profit group deCycles Indiana out of Bloomington, Indiana. According to decycles.org, the organization is a ecumenical youth leadership program offering “high spirited summer bicycle trips for teenagers and young adults.” The rides are a way for participants to learn more about themselves physically, mentally and spiritually.

While in Susanville, the group stayed at the United Methodist Church before heading out the next morning. Motorists could easily see the large group as it headed out of Susanville and onto Highway 395, South, by the yellow and orange flags waving from the bikes.

Out of the group, 62 were younger in age ranging from 13 years to college-aged adults.

Adults follow the group in vans to ensure no one is left behind, make sure everyone is safe and to provide medical and bicycle attention if needed.

Penny Austin, who is one of the van drivers, said the group usually averages 90 miles a day.  However, the bicyclists had covered approximately 135 miles prior to  arriving in Susanville as Austin said there were no places to stop between Mt. Shasta and town.

During the long ride, Austin said some of the bicyclists wanted to ride in the van, but it is only for the injured.

The group’s route will take them through Reno and South Lake Tahoe, West Point, Mariposa, Fresno, Visalia, Bakersfield,  Palmdale, Santa Monica and then Los Angeles. Austin said the map director likes to find the highest mountains and most difficult ways to go.

She said many of the participants start the ride with no self-esteem or cycling experience, but come out with a “Can-do attitude,” and a complete transformation.

Before the group even begins the bike ride, Austin said deCycles finds free places for the group to stay along the way, whether in churches, schools or the YMCA.

When the group stops for the evening, Austin said each person has an off-road job including cleaning the bathrooms, or floors or helping with the meal preparation and clean-up.

A cargo truck carries the sleeping bags, luggage, equipment and supplies. Rest stops with food, juice and water are scheduled every 20-25 miles.

Some of the riders have also participated in other deCycles rides. Past events were located in the Appalachian Mountains and the Southwest.

Austin said the group works as a family and those who participate in the rides are the future leaders of tomorrow.

In addition, Austin said the events provide an opportunity to reflect and see the world.

Bicyclists don’t spend the whole time on their bikes, either. Austin said the group saw Mt. Rainier and may stop through Sequoia National Park.

According to decycles.org, the history of the deCycles dates back to 1968 with more than 1,800 riders pedaling five million rider miles.