Tim Ward presents state Rep. David Prestin, R-Escanaba, with a T-shirt made to resemble the jersey Ward is wearing on his 2,400-mile “Trace Michigan” tour. The journey is raising awareness for Chance for Life, a nonprofit that proclaims to “go the extra mile.” (Escanaba Daily Press photo)

ESCANABA — Monday, July 24, 2023, was Stage 13 of Timothy Ward’s 22-day “Trace Michigan” bicycle tour. His journey, which outlines both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, is not just a challenge for the sake of exercise — Ward is raising awareness for Chance for Life, a nonprofit organization that implements behavioral and life skills training in Michigan correctional facilities.

On Monday, Ward passed through Escanaba and met with Michigan State Representative David Prestin at the Municipal Dock.

“It’s quite an undertaking, but it’s very rewarding,” Ward told Prestin.

Chance for Life began its first “Transformation Project” in 1999 when 25 individuals incarcerated at Mound Correctional Facility in Detroit were selected to partake in the program and receive lessons on mediation and communication. Those people we’re coached on how to pass learned skills to others, triggering a behavioral shift in the population. After one year of the program, Mound reported that violent incidents were reduced by 40%.

“They (CFL) teach inmates how to think differently, how to resolve conflicts, how to do that through mediation,” Ward explained. “When they go in for the first time they sit down with the gang leaders, because that’s who runs the prison. And so they get their buy-in, and they let them know that everybody is going to be treated with respect and equally and they’re not there for any one side.”

The nonprofit aims to “empower people to do for themselves through education and opportunity.” Executive Director Jessica Taylor is trained in conflict resolution and mediation, and founder and president John Adams also runs a staffing agency. Ward says that CFL program participants benefit from the same assistance that the agency’s job candidates do.

“Those skillsets that they gain through the program then come with them,” said Ward. “They have services when they become returned citizens. Not only actual services for housing and jobs and stuff like that, but if they ever need to talk, they have Tom’s cell phone number. They have Jessica’s cell phone number… It’s services for life.”

“Path to a purpose,” remarked Rep. Prestin. “That’s a great story you have to tell.” Prestin, of Cedar River, represents District 108 in the Michigan House.

Ward, the president of lobbying firm Michigan Legislative Consultants out of Lansing, first connected with CFL when they became one of his clients a few years ago. According to a release from Trace Michigan, “after 35 years of political consulting, government service, and advocacy experience, Ward values societal reform that features innovation and strategic thinking.”

At 59 years old, Ward said he has only really gotten into serious cycling in his fifties. But he has dived headlong into this journey, which began in Detroit on July 10 and is scheduled to conclude 2,400 miles later on Aug. 3. He mapped out a route that hugs the state’s borders as near as possible, which means that he’s gotten to enjoy Michigan’s famous lakeshores and fresh air.

Ward remarked upon how “gorgeous” the U.P. was and wondered aloud whether residents are able to take the time to get out and enjoy it much. “I’m sure they appreciate it,” he was quick to clarify, and noted that he has been able to see landscapes from a different perspective and with deeper admiration when riding as opposed to driving. “It allows you to take in a lot more.”

Three bicycles have been on rotation during Ward’s tour. One is built for gravel, one for hills — and the one he was using in Escanaba was the “workhorse,” as crew chief Malcolm Campbell put it. Campbell has been driving an RV that carries the other bikes, a shower, sleeping quarters, and other supplies. He was recently joined on the road by Ward’s sister and brother-in-law.

“He’s been killing it. On average, more than a hundred miles a day,” Campbell. “He’s just doing such a great job.”

Prior to the stop in Escanaba, Trace Michigan had encountered a few days of rain, plus thick, visibility-reducing fog for 58 miles. “That was unnerving,” Ward admitted. He said he got to enjoy the sun breaking through the clouds as he crossed the Porcupine Mountains.

Sundays have been rest days, so Monday’s ride began refreshed. The trip took off from Stephenson that morning, leading south down US 41 until it met 35, at which point they turned and headed to Escanaba. After the meeting at the Municipal Dock, which included a moment of group laughter as Rep. Prestin lifted Ward’s streamlined bicycle with a single finger, Ward set off for Rapid River, where Trace Michigan was scheduled to spend the night before continuing the journey towards Mackinac County.