In March 2002, Stephen Janes and his wife Rhonda will drive to San Diego, California, where Stephen will begin his Ride Across America to Wilmington, NC, in an effort to raise funds for the Youth Assistance Program (YAP) of Cleveland County, NC. The planned ride will last through April 2002.

The Youth Assistance Program (YAP) of Cleveland County, NC, is a One on One program established by Governor Jim Hunt. Since being founded in 1988, it has come in contact with 700 youth. When established, the staff consisted of one full-time director and one part-time secretary. As of 2001 it has expanded to six qualified full-time staff members.

The success rate of YAP, which is measured by the percentage of participating youth who have shown marked improvement in becoming productive citizens, is at 87%. The goal for 2002 is to raise the rate to 90%. Although Cleveland County has one of the highest rates of delinquency in the North Carolina, the county has moved from 10th worst to 14th since the program began.

The program is designed to match volunteers with "at-risk" youth in the community. One youth and one volunteer commit to spending quality time with each other every week for one year.

As you read this, there are 80 youth waiting to be matched with mentors. The goal for 2002 is to successfully match all 80 youth with a mentor.

"I intend to raise funds for YAP by riding my bicycle across the continental United States," says Stephen. "I chose YAP because it is a growing program that has a positive effect on today's youth and tomorrow's adults. I realize the needs of America's youth and desire to help them in any way I can. Thus, I plan to begin my journey in the Spring of 2002."

Throughout the trip, Rhonda will be driving supply and gear (SAG). They will be taking the southern tier route, provided by the Adventure Cycling Association, for the majority of the trip. They will eventually leave the suggested rout for a north easterly route that will take them through Shelby, NC (their hometown) and finally, Wilmington, NC, the location of Youth Assistance Program.

Stephen plans to average 70 miles a day. The entire distance of the trip will total approximately 3500 miles!

In order to keep costs at a minimum, Stephen and Rhonda will be camping out and cooking for themselves for most of the trip.

The Ride Across America route will take Stephen through these major cities:

- San Diego, CA
- Tempe, AZ
- El Paso, TX
- Del Rio, TX
- Navasota, TX
- St. Francisville, LA
- Tupelo, MS
- Shelby, NC
- Wilmington, NC