In this final video, we take a look back at the entire tour from west coast to east, and all the beautiful moments in between. A final thank you to all who made it such a memorable and epic journey!
End of the Tour update from Jay as he reflects on the entire tour and all the wonderful people he met along the way.
One of the members of the Lower Elwha K'lallam Tribe gave all of us these necklaces in his late wife's memory to protect Jay and the team through this journey. We have worn them everyday and give thanks for that and many other blessings along the way that have kept us out of harms way. We can't thank you all enough for your kindness, spiritual generosity, and love through it all.
Stay tuned for the post from yesterday's event and Jay's final update.
62 miles today of a planned 93 miles to East Hampton, CT. The SAG wagon had to pull Jay off the road for 31 miles because of torrential rains and potential flash flooding conditions that got a little scary. Jay was able to finish the end of the ride (still raining) and we all made it safe. We also battled inadequate wayfinding technology during the storm, so definitely a team effort.
Hoping for better weather tomorrow for final day and event of the tour with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation!
80 miles traveling south of Albany through the Allegheny Mountains, the highlight being riding the Rip Van Winkle Bridge over the famous and historically important Hudson River in the Catskills. Beautiful country! Over 4,000 feet of climbing today.
Tomorrow is the last long mileage day of the tour, 90+ miles and over 6,000 feet of climbing, also possible thunderstorms and unfavorable winds. Jay likes a challenge!!
80 miles today through more mostly farmland of rural New York--it's a big state!! Lots of beautiful old barns that Jay's dad would love to draw, and old historic towns.
More than 5,000 feet of climbing through the ancestral lands of the Mohawk, Mohican, and Haudenosaunee.
Had a couple glitches in the route today and a few challenges getting in and around Syracuse, NY, on our way to an amazing event with the Oneida Nation. Brenda and her team gave us an amazing welcome, and tribal police ran the bike rodeo for the kids. We loved seeing kids arriving at the event with bike helmets on!!
The Oneida raffled off 8 bikes to some very happy kids, and the rest will be kept at their Community Center for any kids to use.
Also forgot to mention that yesterday Jay rode within 6 miles of his oldest brother Mark's home in Farmington, NY and that Mark drove an hour out of his way after work on the 11th to visit us at our RV park. 3, 727 total miles and four out of five siblings as of today!
Approximately 70+ miles today from Conesus to Savannah, New York, along the northern edge of the Finger Lakes. Next stop, the Oneida Nation, the second to last event!
In the past 20 days we have had donations of over $12,150 to get us to just under $9,000 to our goal! Amazing. Thank you all for your generosity and support. It is so appreciated.
82 miles today through beautiful farm and woodland countryside into New York’s Finger Lakes region. Lots of climbing! And dodged one rogue cow.
Jay noted that it was the biggest climbing day since central Montana, which slowed him down to 18.5 mph or 30 km per hour for the tour. Lots of fun out there, though, as Jay loves the hills.
What an amazing day today!
36 miles today from downtown Buffalo to the Seneca Nation at their amazing Cattaraugus Community Center facility. Today is the first day of the center's summer youth programming, which we got to be a part of. Director Brad John gave us a tour of their outstanding facilities, and we had a fantastic event with lots of enthusiastic kids and great helpers.
Had to start the morning by trying @timhortons to spend out our loonies before we left Ontario. Back in the States with a drive over the Peace Bridge from Erie, Ontario, to Buffalo, New York (another non-bikeable portion) and a rest day before the Seneca Nation of Tribes visit tomorrow.
Time to get some errands done (and aforementioned trip to the bike store) as well as a visit to the Buffalo History Museum’s Native American exhibits.
With a rest day today (separate video to come), wanted to take a minute to give our final shout out to SAG wagon team member, Dr. Betsy Blazek-O’neill. Betsy signed up as the team doctor and wellness lead, and quickly became one of the most important members of the team as the tribal liaison, doing the outreach to all of the various original tribes and working directly with the final twenty nations to plan the events. With her recent retirement as a rehabilitation physician and alternative medicine specialist with Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Betsy was able to plan to be on the RV team for the entire tour. In addition to helping with all of the events, she has been planning meals, driving the RV, taking videos and photos, and according to Jay, “has been amazing handling any and all difficulties as they appear each day to keep us moving and on track toward our next visit.” We all can’t thank you enough for all you have done planning and executing this amazing tour, you are amazing.
80 miles today to Crystal Beach, Ontario, along the shore of Lake Erie. We altered the planned route a little on the fly today to save some miles. The last stretch for Jay was on a bike trail that the SAG wagon couldn't travel, but Jay beat us to the RV camp.
Tomorrow is a rest day, crossing back into the US at Buffalo, another visit to a bike shop for a chain repair on Jay's bike, which is showing the strain of almost 3,500 miles. We're all hoping it gets through the last bit! His @trek bike is holding up like a champ!
100 miles today to Turkey Point Campground on the shores of Lake Erie.
Not as hot, 70’s much appreciated, and winds mostly favorable. Looking good!
Said goodbye to Sabien and hello to Canada today! 91 miles in VERY hot weather after an early trip to the Flint airport to drop off Sabien. Picked up Jay at mile 54 for a ride over the Blue Water Bridge, which doesn't allow bike riders. Then geared back up in Sarnia for the remaining miles. Weathered a couple detours with the help of our crack way finder, Steve.
89 miles today in increasing heat along lovely country roads from Mt. Pleasant to our RV camp in the Genesee County Park System, near Davison, Michigan. Lots of families here, situated on a lake.
Our last full day in Michigan, heading to Ontario tomorrow for a short stint in Canada
61 miles today through lovely farm country and past a large wind farm to Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Fog early today, but luckily not smoke! Just really hot!
One more day in Michigan tomorrow before we pass into Canada and lose our 4th team member, Sabien, until she rejoins the crew the last couple days of the tour.
Today marks only 2 weeks left in the tour! Lot’s of !!!’s today (for DeAnne! 😊)
74 miles today from Manistee to Hershey, Michigan, through pretty farmlands and the Manistee National Forest. A slight tail wind helped make it a pretty chill day on the road. No wifi at tonight’s campground, so only text photos and vid.
Time to introduce Steve Workman, a friend of Jay’s who now lives in Port Townsend, Washington. He has joined the team to finish the second half of the tour through the last stop in Connecticut. Welcome, Steve!
Absolutely amazing day with the Little River Band of Ottawa. Our contact Kimberly had everything organized and we met lots of cool kids and their parents. The kids were really into the bikes and could ride them around the circular common space within their innovative residential area. Very fun day, with 16 kids getting to go home with new bikes.
Rest day activities today included bike shop visit, grocery shopping, propane fill and gas fill for the RV, and the search for a Michigan cherry pie. A shout out to Wild Card Cycle Works for their assistance. The cherry pie was amazing and will serve as breakfast tomorrow for a couple team members!
We will take this opportunity to recognize our Board Chair and Communications Lead, Julie Blazek. Beginning a year ago, she has led monthly Zoom Board meetings, handling the agenda and minutes. She then began work on all of the social media aspects, setting up the website, Instagram and Linkedin accounts, press releases, flyers, maps, donation receipt forms, team jerseys and t-shirts, billboard designs, RV signs, bike assembly help and more! Julie continues to edit all the GoPro footage and pictures from each day and do almost daily posting of the journey, documenting this epic tour. She was able to join Jay and team for the first four stops and help with the events. We really can’t figure out how she has been able to do all of this, however, we appreciate it beyond words and are extremely grateful for her many contributions. She would like to thank her ghost writer, sister DeAnne!
82 miles today from near Petosky to our visit with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Beautiful ride along several bodies of water including Lake Michigan and through several lovely resort towns. Cherry orchards!
The event was held at the at the Strongheart Center, their beautiful fitness facility. We were able to meet some wonderful people at the event and saw lots of happy kids on bikes!
For those wondering about the smoke, we do see some haze from the fires in Ontario but so far this has not been interfering with Jay's riding. We continue to monitor the air quality daily.
64 miles in two segments today as we followed Lake Michigan again. Had to drive Jay over the bridge as bikes are not allowed. The support team was in action helping Jay get back on the road after the bridge and hunting down Yeti. Now in Lower Michigan, near the lovely historic town of Petosky. Very scenic route today along Hwy 2, and in the ancestral lands of the Odawa, Anishinabewaki, and Wyandot nations. R&R back at the RV, including some rhythm and blues.
Getting ready for visit to Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians tomorrow, and Little River Band of Ottawa on Saturday.
Weekly Update from Upper Michigan!
Help us get over the finish line! Donate Now at our website nait4hyp.com or our GoFundMe site under the same name to get bikes in the hands of native youth!
Today’s ride was a windy 108 miles along the coast of Lake Michigan from Gladstone to Naubinway, (Upper) Michigan. No rain!! Some incredibly scenic areas, complete with beautiful sandy beaches and Upper Michigan wildflowers along the roadside.
This area is home to the Anishinabewaki, Ochethi Sakowin, and Omaeqnomenew-ahkew (Menominee) nations.
Tomorrow we cross the Mackinac Bridge into Michigan.
Soggy day, indeed! Jay rode 65 miles today in the rain from Iron Mountain to Gladstone, Michigan. This is when the commitment to the project is apparent. Our new road team is learning the ropes (but has great energy!). Saw this cool mural in Gladstone, which is just north of Escanaba.
After coming out of the rain and as the showers lightened, the team got a chance for a little hike near the shores of Lake Michigan (as seen at the Little Bay de Noc, part of the Green Bay). Also took in this installation of native figures at the same location.
61 miles today into the next new state, Michigan!! Staying near Iron Mountain, where we had many memorable family ski trips to this area years ago. Jay’s friend Steve has taken Craig’s place in the Sag Wagon for the remainder of the trip, and Jay’s wife Sabien is along for a few extra days on the road before departing to the east coast where she will meet up with the team at the end.
Jay didn’t have to ride far today from the lake to the combined event with the Forest County Potawatomi Community and Sokaogon Chippewa Community (20 miles). It was hosted by the Potawatomi at their beautiful new Community Center facility, which we were able to tour. Several kids checked out the skills course and got new bikes today. Allie and Ava and their dad all received new bikes (first photo of two youngsters!).
It was a hot one, and are grateful to both communities for coming together to make it happen.
What a fun day cycling around some of our favorite haunts in Antigo! Most are the same roads that we all bicycled as kids when we had the freedom to play and explore, spending all day with our friends.
Huge thanks to everyone who helped organize the day and for all the riders who helped make it special, including the reward of Wisconsin brats at the end!
Wanted to take this opportunity to thank one of our invaluable Sag Wagon Team members, Craig Burgess. As Logistics Lead, Craig has been instrumental in planning Jay’s entire route, reserving campgrounds, and adjusting daily to road conditions. He also keeps Jay’s bike running smooth and has helped with bike repairs and maintenance at every event. He’s also the head RV expert, and has been providing the wonderful drone footage (in addition to GoPro).
Craig will depart on Sunday, after the event with the Forest County Potawatomi and Sokaogon Tribes, and return to his home in Seattle. He has been nothing short of amazing on this journey, from planning to execution.
Jay would like to extend his deepest gratitude, as well as the rest of the team, for everything that Craig has done to make this trip amazing.
Happy Birthday, Mom! What a nice present for mom’s 89th birthday to have Jay and the crew roll into Horseshoe Lake from Shawano. They were joined by dad, Jay’s wife, Sabien, Jay’s son Fletcher (miss you, Dustin!), and Betsy’s daughter Curran (miss you Clare!). A contingency of Dellios cousins are on their heels, along with mom’s sister Patricia, to spend a few well deserved rest days at the Lake.
The land that we enjoy as Horseshoe Lake are the ancestral lands that the Ojibwe (Chippewa) Indians occupied for centuries. The Ojibwe constitute one of the largest native groups north of Mexico. We are blessed to have grown up in these woods and on this lake, and respect and honor those that came before us.
Such a great day full of smiles at the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin! Youth Services Director and Staff Joyce and Camay had everything organized and the kids had a blast on the course. 15 of the youth got to take home new bikes today. Samuel went from training wheels to no training wheels today and got himself this new bike!! DeAnne was able to join us today and lend a hand (and a push).
Resting up at our RV park tonight, so excited for the final miles tomorrow to our 4-day break at Horseshoe Lake with family.
Father’s Day Feels! Early start (5:20am) for a long 154-mile* day to the Dells of the Eau Claire, within reach of our family home, Antigo. Passed through some of our favorite small towns (Owen, Withee, Abbotsford, Mosinee, and Colby).
*Route glitches today due to road construction and GPS error, turned one of the longest routes of the tour into one of Jay’s longest distances ever. Amazing effort. "Only " 44 miles to our event at the Menominee tomorrow.
Ended the day at one of our favorite childhood swimming areas, the “Eau Claire Dells”, which made for a wonderful cooling off spot.
Fun Fromage Fact: Colby cheese is named after the city of Colby, WI where it was first manufactured in 1885!
73 miles today on very familiar looking roads from Oakland to Chetek, Wisconsin. A few re-routes required to get to the final destination, the RV park at Potato Lake.
Looking forward to visiting the Menominee on Monday!
There’s no place like home! What a way to celebrate riding into Wisconsin and being greeted by such warmth, love, and joy. An absolutely amazing day at the St. Croix Chippewa today. Our contact Casey Denver arranged a police escort for Jay's arrival, and we even got hand-crafted swag.
The tribe was able to acquire additional bikes so that 70 kids (and a few adults) received new bikes today. At least one entire family got bikes and plan to ride them together.
Chenoasongetay did not get off her bike the whole time we were there, was killing it on the obstacle course! And her little sister Chloe was also unstoppable on her bike!
Jay was presented with a medallion by the St. Croix Chippewa staff. Thank you, so much St. Croix – you made Jay's 97 miles so worth it!
The team took full advantage of the rest day and started at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, where they have excellent exhibits about early and current Mille Lacs life including a guided tour of the amazing life size dioramas with native made artifacts.
The other destination was a hike at the Heritage Trail that highlights early native settlements in these lands, including incredible views from the fire tower.
It's a rest day for Jay and the Sag Wagon, but it feels like one of our Team never rests! Huge thank you to DeAnne, for all her help as our Fundraising Lead. She's been working so hard on grants, private donations, and is leading the GoFundMe effort. On top of that, she's responsible for procuring all the bikes and helmets and getting them shipped to their locations (including renting a van and driving 15 of them to Crandon from Milwaukee herself), and planning the events in Antigo on June 23rd. She is truly amazing and such an integral part of this team. We can't thank you enough, Annie - you are awesome!
What a day! Crossed the Mississippi today at Little Falls, Minnesota, on a 75-mile day to our event at the Mille Lacs Band of the Ojibwe community. Carlos and his crew gave us a great welcome and some came from as far as 90-miles away. The kids crushed it on the obstacle course and 15 kids took home new bikes. We had a great time and are spending one night at the tribe's Grand Casino Hotel.
Bittersweet also, as it is the end of the road for Mark, who has ridden approximately 1,200 miles with Jay and is joining his family in Minneapolis.
105 miles to Long Prairie – MINNESOTA! Strong tail wind today for a change. That makes 2,430 miles to date which is about halfway!
Getting ready for our event with the Mille Lacs Band of the Ojibwe community tomorrow, which will also be Mark’s last day riding with Jay.
A total of 79 miles today, including a 7-mile detour and strong headwinds. Started in Sisseton and ended in Wahpeton, North Dakota. The extra mileage made for a well-deserved local diner breakfast in Wahpeton, which didn’t last long.
103 miles to our event at the Sisseton Wahpeton Tribe, with Jay and Mark battling ferocious headwinds. Very hard going but made worth it by the phenomenal welcome we received from Youth Director Derrick McCauley and his team and so many great kids.
Rainbows and Retreads! 102 miles today from Mobridge to Aberdeen, South Dakota. Started early and outrunning a storm most of the day, feeling a little rain, and two flats. Thank goodness we have Craig for bike support! Had to restock tubes in Aberdeen.
Another 100+ mile day tomorrow and the event with the Sisseton Wahpeton – so excited!
Jay hit the 2,000-mile mark today! 65 miles from Watauga to Mobridge, South Dakota. We also crossed into the Central Time Zone! Passing prairie dog towns and antelope along the way, the temperatures are high, so the guys are starting out early each day.
Afterwards, the Sag Wagon Team gets some down time, and everyone enjoys a scrambled egg dinner with Huckleberry Jam from Montana on toast. Living large!
It so warms our heart to recieve ths message from one of the Crow Nation parents. We wish we could provide bikes to each and every child. It's been cool to see that while our intent was for the bikes to be a community resource for as many young people's use as possible, some are being given to deserving youth. We can all appreciate how much joy that brings to all.
Approximately 60 miles today in hot weather but mercifully less wind from Hettinger, North Dakota to Watauga, South Dakota where we have our first hotel stay! Woohoo! Absolutely beautiful lands of the Cheyenne, Sihaspa, Itazipco, and Ochethi Sakowin.
Another long, hot day on the road, as Jay and Mark biked 99 miles from Plevna, Montana to Hettinger, North Dakota, our fourth state! A little shot of the morning oatmeal that provides fuel for the ride.
After riding into the sunset over the Yellowstone River yesterday, the boys got an early start for a 114 mile day – one of the longest to date – in high, unfavorable winds and temperatures in the 80’s.
Way to endure a tough day in the saddle!
Gorgeous country and weather as Jay and Mark ride through Crow and Northern Cheyenne lands (also Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla, and Ochethi Sakowin).
46 miles today as we rode to the event at the Crow Nation (Lodgegrass School). The kids were amazing and super helpful! A really fun day with a great group.
Thanks to Josh Stewart for helping coordinate, and to all the kids for making our day.
Some time to chill out afterwards – the kids wore us out!
93 miles from Billings to near Ft. Smith, largely in the beautiful lands of the Crow Reservation. We visit the Crow community on Saturday, after a well-earned rest day tomorrow. Big Sky Country indeed.
84 miles today from Big Timber to Billings (and the World’s Best KOA!). Down from the Rockies into the planes, with the Yellowstone River meandering through the terrain. Making our way to the Crow Nation!
Time for a Weekly Update! Find out what Jay and the Sag Wagon are up to. And ask your questions in the reply for Jay to answer in the next update.
Jay was joined today by Mark McMonigal, a former distance runner and teammate of Jay’s on the University of Oregon track team. Mark will be with the team over the next two weeks through the rest of Montana and into the Dakotas. Today they rode from Bozeman to Big Timber, trying to stay off I-90, and crossing over the Yellowstone River.
80 miles today past headwaters of the Missouri River, three forks of the Missouri (Jefferson, Madison, Gallatin Rivers) to Bozeman. Long before Lewis and Clark this area was very important to native peoples including the Blackfeet and Shoshoni.
Amazing and challenging 85-mile ride today, over the Continental Divide, to Townsend, MT. Rewarded with a rainbow.
"As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, I thought I would expand on some of what we are attempting to do with the NAIT4HYP project.
Lots of people spend hours a week honing their physical health, but how many folks work on their mental fitness? Our brains and thoughts can be trained in similar ways to physical fitness. The average human has appx. 5000 thoughts a day, many of which we are unaware of. Of course there are organic, traumatic and a host of other factors that can shape our thinking and mental wellbeing. In any case we are trying to raise awareness through NAIT4HYP of the mountain of evidence that physical activity generally improves mental wellbeing, regardless of life experiences. And that the habits we form as young people often stay with us as adults.
We had a fantastic visit with the Salish Kootenai community on Wednesday. The school principal Rodney Bird, who along with his staff is doing amazing work there told us about a documentary shot there at the high school 4 years ago. It is called "For Walter and Josiah" (Amazon Prime Video, $4.99) and documents youth suicide and the predisposing factors: intergenerational trauma, loss of culture, land, value system. While it is difficult to watch, this is representative of indigenous cultures the world over who have experienced the same. It is also a story of hope and reclaiming their self-determination and cultural wisdom. Seeing Rodney, DJ, Jamie, Arlene and others there creating a space for young people to take advantage of opportunities and have a voice is incredibly encouraging".
Regards, Jay
88 miles today from Missoula to Lincoln, MT, outrunning the rain the whole way.
To date, we are at 1146 miles!
Yesterday's 61 mile ride was a bit rainy from Polson, MT, just outside of Pablo where our event was yesterday, to Missoula. The Flathead Indian Reservation is home to three tribes, the Bitterroot Salish, Upper Pend d’Oreille, and the Kootenai. The territories of these three tribes covered all of western Montana and extended into parts of Idaho, British Columbia and Wyoming.
Couldn't help but take some photos of some classic signs for the fam. Beautiful country.
Today’s rest day ride in Polson, Montana was 3 miles round trip for the whole team, to a coffee shop and grocery store!!
Big day today. 5:00am start in the dark for a 103 miles to the Confederated Salish Kootenai Pend d'Oreille Community at Two Eagle River School. Such great energy there! Six of the wonderful kids got new bikes to take home and the other nine will be kept for community use.
That takes Jay over the 1,000 mile mark! Well deserved rest day tomorrow :)
Today Jay rode from Wallace ID to Thompson Falls, MT through The Lolo National Forest and Thompson Pass. Beautiful country! About 60 miles (mostly uphill).
Long ride to Confederated Salish Kootenai event tomorrow.
Short video for an otherwise long day in the saddle. 60+ miles from Plummer to Wallace, Idaho.
Beautiful scenery along the way, with gorgeous spots for the sag wagon team to wait for Jay along the route.
Heading into Montana tomorrow!
Rest day today, so time for an update from Jay on the tour so far!
It’s not to late to donate!
Become part of the Tour today. See how to Get Involved above.
Great event at the Nez Perce in Lapwai, Idaho.
Huge shout out to Marissa Verducci for helping us organize it and for Josh, who helped assemble bikes ahead of time. Also to Craig, who helped fix some of the kids existing bikes even though we were not set up for this. Got to meet Community Clinic Director Roberta Brisbee and Media Coordinator Cara Wilson also. What fun in the heat!
74 miles today into Troy, Idaho. Looking forward to meeting with the Nez Perce tomorrow. Here's an update on the overall map.
Jay headed 74 more miles east this morning on his way to the Nez Perce for their event on the 19th.
Check out the progress summary so far!
Keep it up Jay, you are insipring us all.
Wow! The Spokane Tribe was amazing today. Jay was moved by the enthusiastic welcome, as several youth joined him to bike into the school site with others greeting them at the finish.
"It was really heartwarming and really helps keep me moving forward!"
What a great way to finish the Washington portion of the tour!
Jay started the day at the Confederated Tribes of the Colville with a very warm welcome from Tashina Gorr and the staff of Paschal Sherman Indian School. Since the Colville took over this former Catholic mission school in the 1970's, they have been building a very positive present and future from a difficult past. Enjoyed the beautiful building, and energetic, engaged kids.
We didn't have time today to visit all of the several important native landmarks in the area but we did take time to pay our respects at the gravesite of Chief Joseph in Nespelem.
From there, he rode to Harrington and had the first flats of the tour. Thanks Craig for your technical support!
104 Miles yesterday as Jay moved from old growth rain forest and mountain peaks to dry, desert Columbia River basin.
Today is a much appreciated Rest Day (and time to call mom).
Tomorrow on to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville for the event in Omak.
Not sure about this support team!
"Helping" Jay get to the top of Washington Pass and through the Cascades.
No respect :)
Epic day over the North Cascades on Hwy 20!
Opened just two days ago, Jay was treated to sunny skies, snow ladened mountain tops, and a raging Skagit River. Up, down, up, down, up and down again, over 10,000 vertical feet of climb and then descent into the Methow Valley. One of the most scenic rides in Indian Country.
Way to go, brother!
Today’s 53-mile ride up from Mount Vernon to Marblemount, Washington is dedicated to Jay’s uncle Dr. Louis Dellios, who passed last night.
Pedaling up the beautiful Skagit Valley with a heavy heart today. Louis was a model for physical fitness and an avid bike rider (as well as an passionate tennis player). The entire team sends our love to the Dellios family.
We need your help!
As Jay prepares for his first major ascent of the tour, we still have a bit of a hill to climb to raise our fundraising goal.
As many of you have already donated (thank you!), we ask you to reach out to a couple friends or share our story on your social media so we can reach the summit.
Thank you for all you've done so far in supporting Jay reach these kids! Their interest and appreciation has been tremendous.
Today's visit to the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community was incredible! Big thanks to Angela and her team, and all the kids who participated and grinded it up the inclines on the Swadabs Park Trail. What a fun afternoon.
As Jay rode out of the Village, some of the same youth were practicing their canoe skills under the Rainbow Bridge!
A 72-mile day today from Blyn to Anacortes, including a ferry ride from Port Townsend to Coupeville. Beautiful skies again for this glorious ride. Ready for tomorrow's visit at the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.
We visited the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe today and were treated to a Welcome Song by all the kids, who also managed to crush the bike skills course even in tight quarters!
Big thanks to Jessica, Bristol, Cindy, and Steph for helping us plan our stop and for all the work they do for their youth.
So much fun and some really great riders!
We were honored to be welcomed at the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, the Strong People, today. Blessed with fantastic weather, a wonderful tournout, and a meaningful greating from the Song and Dance group, our hearts are filled.
Thank you to Jessica, Jason, and Jared for helping make this event happen, and for all you are doing for the youth in your community. You have fueled our tanks for the journey east!
And so it begins!
After an incredible day with the Makah Tribe - the Cape People, Jay dipped his wheels in the beautiful waters of Makah Bay at Hobuck Beach and heads out for a 76 mile day to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe in Port Angeles.
Your support has gotten us here and your support will get us to the end! The last video might be blurry, but the focus is crystal clear!
Amazing day at the Boys and Girls Club of the Makah Tribe! Huge thanks to all the kids as well as Lechelle and her team for making today's bike rodeo, lunch, and raffle a success. What a fabulous and memorable start the Tour.
We’re Off! The first day of the Tour starts in Neah Bay at the Makah Tiribe. The RV is full, the team is pumped, and the skies are blue! What a great start to this incredible journey!
Bike Assembly Effort in WA
Friends and family of Julie helped to put bikes together this weekend in Mount Vernon, Washington. These bikes are headed to the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community in La Conner for the May 10th event.
A huge thanks to Marla and Myke McAlpin, Jacque Beamer, Lena Beamer-Sevieri, Scott Sevieri and number one helper, Everett Sevieri!
Up in the Air!
Before he bikes nearly 5,000 miles from Washington to Connecticut, Jay has to fly 7,332 miles from Nelson, New Zealand to Seattle. He lifted off last night with bike in tow and will be arriving soon to start acclimating and prepping the RV for the Tour.
Let’s make sure we have all the bikes and gear we need to complete our commitment - we still need your support to get us all the way.
Makah Tribe Kids Help Move Bikes to Event Location
Lechelle McCarty, Makah Tribe Community Gymnasium & Fitness Center Manager and Boys & Girls Club of the Makah Tribe Chief Executive Officer, led a group of youngsters to move the bikes in preparation of the May 6th event. These donated bikes will be raffled off to fifteen lucky youngsters at our first event.
We couldn’t be more grateful for LeChelle and her assistance bringing this event to life!
Big Thanks to Skagit Cycle for Helping To Bring Two Small Bikes to the Swinomish!
The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community requested a few smaller bikes to be added to their 15 junior bikes and Skagit Cycle helped us with a very nice donation towards these two awesome Trek’s and the helmets to go with them.
Thank you Cody Santiago, and the entire Skagit Cycle team for participating in this giant effort!
Bikes Delivered to the Forest County Potawatomi Youth Center
This week 30 bikes and helmets were delivered to the Forest County Potawatomi Community for a joint event with the Sokaogon Chippewa Community on June 24th. Stephany Shepard was kind enough to receive the bikes and give Board member DeAnne Blazek and volunteer Matt Shinners a tour of the Potawatomi’s Youth Center.
Looking forward to this one as it is so close to our hometown of Antigo, WI, and a great opportunity to celebrate with our local tribal communities!
Help us make sure we have bikes and helmets for each community! Donate now.
The Map is Set!
We are so honored an blessed to have the commitment of twenty community partners across the northern regions! Our team has been meeting with each of these communities and working with local youth program and wellness staff to plan events at each stop. Our gratitude for their interest, time, and engagement could not be expressed enough. We can’t wait for each stop!
Billboards for the Antigo, WI Event are Up!
A big thank you goes out to Northern Advertising, who donated and installed two billboards for the Tour and event on June 23 in Antigo, Wisconsin, Jay’s hometown. This will be a special celebration for the Tour and an opportunity to thank many members of the community and organizations who have helped fund our efforts. If you are in the area, come join us for a short ride and food and a chance to learn more about NAIT4HYP!
It’s not too late to join the effort. Make a donation today!
Helmets are Arriving!
The first delivery of helmets arrived in Wisconsin and are being prepped for our Midwest region partners.
Want to provide a helmet? Make a donation today!
One Month Out!
Help us get the final bikes
We are just about one month out from the start of the tour and we have 2/3’s of the bikes secured thanks to your generous donations. We are 2/3 to the fundraising goal and still need 100 more bikes to fulfill our commitment. Please join us today with whatever donation amount you can to get these bikes in the hands of our youth.
We are almost there - make a donation today!
Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe receives their bikes
Thank you to Brandon at the Jamestown S’Klallam Youth Center for coordinating our bike drop-off with volunteer Steve. And thanks to Steve, we have the first three stops ready with new bikes!
Looking forward to seeing you May 8!
Bikes Deployed to the first stop on the Tour - the Makah!
Thank you to volunteer Steve for driving the 15 bikes to the Makah Tribal in Neah Bay. This is the very first community of the tour.
Looking forward to seeing you May 6!
Bikes Deployed to the Lower Elwha Klallam!
So exciting to see our first delivery of bicycles drop at the Lower Elwha Klallam: Jason and Lester Wheeler in their offices.
Looking forward to seeing you May 7!
As Tour Nears, Training Amps Up
Long training ride (85 miles including Takaka Hill) today as we are rapidly approaching 3 months until the start of the tour. Saw George Bennett (UAE pro peloton and one of the world's best climbers) also out there training.
We've solidified dates and visits and continue to buy bikes with donations. Thanks to everyone who has helped us and our amazing team in organizing everything. Lots more news to follow!
More Bikes Arrive in Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula!
A shipment of bikes that we were able to purchase with donations in 2022 arrived in Port Angeles, Washington, this month. Jay’s good friend Steve agreed to “host” the large volume of boxed bikes and help with the deployment of them to the Makah Tribe, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe. These communities represent the first three stops on the tour.
With bikes now located in Washington, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, we are focusing on getting enough bikes to the Mountain, Plains, and East Coast locations.
Help us by donating now!
Top Ten Benefits of Cycling for
our Youth
2. The Memories
Are your memories of riding bikes as kids some of your favorite? They are for me, and for many of my generation. Your face lights up, thinking abou the freedom and fun you had riding around the neighborhood, going to the corner store, and completing your paper route. These memories can be built, in a new way, for the youth of America with access to bikes and safe routes.
A huge thank you to everyone who has donated to this effort this year.
We are 33% there.
We are grateful beyond words for each and every contribution and look forward to reaching our goal in 2023 to bring bikes, gear, and heart-felt communal joy to native american youth across the northern US. It’s not to late to join us. Consider a donation today.
Top 10 Benefits of Cycling for our Youth
3. The Cycling Fun Is So Real
A cycle is a toy, machine, joy, reward, and much more for kids. They get endless pleasure while riding and controlling their bike. It is a free activity that kids can enjoy with their family andfriends.
The more parents can trust in their kids, and train them to cycle confidently all around their neighborhoods, villages, and towns, the more fun and independence children will have.
Thinking of making a year-end donation?
Help us buy some bikes and gear for next year’s tour.
Jay Blazek Honored to Speak at Graduation Ceremony
NAIT4HYP founder Jay Blazek recently completed a life-long dream of receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand. He was chosen to speak to his fellow graduates at the ceremony in Wellington.
“My personal journey with study has not been direct. I left university in the United States, mu country of origin, as a young man after four years of study in psychology with no qualification…I was at a stage in my life where I had the desire to contibute in a more meaningful way, and I gravitated towards helping young people.”
-excerpt from Jay’s speech.
Watch and listen to Jay’s journey here.
Top Ten Benefits of Cycling for our Youth
4. Energizes Children Holistically
Cycling balances children completely. Following are some cycle learning benefits for kids that prove to have amazing health benefits:
Children get out of their homes into the sunlight. This exposes them to the natural source of Vitamin D from the sun. They get fresh air, which rejuvenates and calms them down. They tend to sleep well.
As they enjoy going out more, they reduce their gadget obsession and TV addiction.
Stepping out of home, cycling, and moving around confidently also adds to the balancing and coordination of their bodies.
They learn about the layout they reside in and the surrounding areas. They tend to explore more and enhance their know-how about the environment around them.
They tend to be more active in school and perform other activities with zeal.
Top Ten Benefits of Cycling for our Youth
5. Exercises Cardiovascular Muscles
Cycling is an fantastic workout for the large muscles in the legs. When the leg muscles are exercised, the heart rate increases, thereby accelerating the stamina in the body. It exercises the cardiovascular muscles and keeps a check on the weight of young children, helping them maintain physical and mental well-being.
Good day of training--notorious Takaka Hill, used by the likes of George Bennett and Jack Bauer to train for big tours.
More Bikes! Pictured here is Jay’s father, Dean Blazek, with the arrival of 15 new bikes that were shipped to Antigo, WI.
These bikes, and hopefully many more, will be deployed to tribal communities in and around Jay’s hometown in northern Wisconsin.
Shout out to @schwinnbikes and @mongoosebikes for helping us secure these bikes for the tour!
Help us get to our goal of providing 15 bikes to each of our twenty tribal partners!
Celebrating Indigenous Artists
As a way to honor and celebrate the wonderful Indigenous People of North America, check out some of the finest dancers, singers, and artists here.
Learn, Honor, Celebrate
The Smithonian has put together five individual and family ideas for learning more and celebrating the Indigenous Peoples of the World.
Find it here.
Celebrating National Recovery Month
To all those suffering with addiction or in recovery, and to the many family members and countless people supporting them in their journey--may the road to wellbeing be filled with peace and love".
Top Ten Benefits of Cycling for our Youth
6. Strengthens Emotional Wellness
Cycling boosts confidence in children. Their confidence helps them in being comfortable when they are out of the home. Children tend to enjoy their rides more and make wonderful memories, which make them more positive.
Excitement! Board Member Dr. Betsy Blazek-O’Neill shown here with our second shipment of new bikes that were shipped to Pittsburgh, PA.
These bikes will be deployed to tribal communities along the route in the east.
Shout out to @schwinnbikes and @mongoosebikes for helping us secure these bikes and for @pacificcycle in Madison, WI for coordination.
Top Ten Benefits of Cycling for our Youth
7. Enhances Socialization Skills
Cycling increases childrens social contacts and brings people closer and it also plays a massive role in their emotional development. While cyclin, children quickly establish a strong bond with friends and their neighbors.
Super stoked to start receiving the first shipment of new bikes that we are deploying across the country. Shout out to @schwinnbikes and @mongoosebikes for helping us secure these bikes and for @pacificcycle in Madison, WI for coordination.
Pictured here is Board Member Dr. DeAnne Blazek with 15 bikes that will be deployed to native communities along the route next summer.
We’ve only had our donation site open for a month and we are already 1/10th of the way to our fundraising goal. This money will help us buy bicycles and biking supplies to donate to native youth across the country.
Please consider making a donation today to help us reach our goal.
And stay tuned for some exciting news related to those bikes!
Enjoying an epic day of riding to Nelson Lakes National Park and hiking up Mt. Robert.
Big ups to Sabien, my best friend and incredible support for the upcoming youth wellness bike tour.
Top Ten Benefits of Cycling for our Youth
8. Builds Muscle Mass
Although it’s a known fact that cycling is a good exercise for the legs, it strengthens the entire body. It builds and strengthens muscles slowly and steadily. Even at a slow pace, cycling is an effective activity that helps your child stay fit and healthy.
Top Ten Benefits of Cycling for our Youth
9. Keeps then Active
Cycling is one of the best activites to keep kids active and reduce weight that can lead to childhood obesity. Cycling gets the kids outdoors and helps them exercise their legs, toning their body and remaining healthy.
Matariki national holiday
Last Saturday we were thrilled to celebrate the first annaul Matariki national holiday.
This is the Maori New Year--a big day for Aotearoa New Zealand!
I was able to get in a training ride to Marahau, along with and a hike in the national park.
Absolutely stunning scenery.
To new beginnings and honoring those that have gone before us.
Jay
Top Ten Benefits of Cycling for our Youth
10. Stress Reliever
Cycling is one of the best stress busters around. After a long, draining day at school, a bicycle ride can help kids recharge, forget their worries, and provide a calming antedote to the day.
Help us bring happiness and stress relief to our young people!
One of our partner communities is the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, which honors the ancestors of four aboriginal bands; the Swinomish, Samish, Lower Skagit, and Kikiallus.
These bands originally lived in the Skagit Valley and Samish River Valley, the coastal areas surrounding Skagit, Padilla, and Fidalgo bays, Saratoga Passage, and numerous islands including Fidalgo, Camano, Whidbey, and the San Juan Islands.
We appreciate the Swinomish helping us with early planning of logistics and appropriateness and we can't wait to ride across the Rainbow Bridge with them next year!
Our fundraising effort is launched!
Help us reach our goals to bring at least ten bikes to at least 20 Northern American Indian communities along the tour. Donate bikes for youth in good condition by emailing us or donate to our Gofundme site to help us purchase bikes from local bike shops along the route.
Every bike matters!
A recent article in Stuff, New Zealand, feature’s Jay’s thoughts on the subject of teen drinking and the risks it poses to life-long struggles with substance use. Growing up in Wisconsin, Jay knows all too well how alcohol is normalized in our society, often at the cost of our youth’s early exposure.
Read the entire story here.