ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — OK, most of us get a little winded after a few miles on our bikes. Now think of doing a 500-plus mile trip. It gets tiring just thinking about it.

But Curt Williams, founder and director of Youth-Reach was riding for a cause. There was an opportunity to raise about $20,000 or more for his ministry serving troubled young men in Houston and soon in on 83 acres along County Road 38 Summerdale. So, Williams got on his bike and started pedaling.

“Actually I started training about a year ago,” said Williams. “I rode five miles and was so sore the next day, I was ready to quit.”

But something kept Williams on his bike, gradually increasing his distances, and about six months later, he felt ready for a bigger trip.

Williams has made the trip between Houston and Summerdale many times, but always in a car on an Interstate highway. Bikes are not permitted along the Interstate. Williams had to get out his map. On April 3, he began riding, and completed his journey April 10.

“We had to take Highway 90 then (State) 190 to Gulfport and Biloxi,” Williams said. “I know I have been sleeping in the RV for a week.”

“We went through every town,” agreed Derrall Mayfield, who drove Williams’ “chase vehicle,” a donated RV along the route behind Williams. Mayfield took over “chase” duties in Baton Rouge, La., on Sunday, April 6. He is also slated to be the director of the Summerfield facility when it opens. The two men finished this journey on April 10.

But, for both, the journey has been longer.

“I am originally from Mobile,” said Williams. “I left home in 1979 and went to Texas. My story is that of the Prodigal Son. My name is on the side of that story.”

However, after several years in Houston, Williams said, he “returned to the faith my parents taught me.”

Williams says he felt a “heart-pull” to kids on the streets, and began talking to them.

“Some began to talk to me,” said Williams. “I began to take some of the kids home with me. I thought someone in the church would take in kids.”

Williams was wrong. There was no one to take those kids in. Eventually, a house was donated, and Williams started putting together a staff. The seeds of Youth-Reach were sewn.

“It’s old school thinking,” said Williams. “It’s hard work, clear boundaries, clear goals and the rules are not suggestions.” Williams added that in this area, he has made contact with Judges Edmond Naman and Carmen Bosch.

“Billy Berrey (a City of Gulf Shores juvenile officer) started calling us and asking if we could take kids in,” said Williams. “That is why we have so many from this area.”

Mayfield came to Texas from Alabama and was the first from this state to go to Youth-Reach. He decided to leave the program and finish his education in Iowa.

“It seemed like the Lord wanted to continue to deal with him,” Williams said.

Mayfield finished his education in Des Moines, and has been with Youth-Reach for the past 12 years after stints with several youth ministries in the Des Moines area. According to the Youth-Reach Web site, he has been the operations coordinator in Houston, overseeing the daily operations of the home.

“We offer a clean card, a fresh slate,” said Mayfield. “There’s no leeway, but we don’t hold your past against you. You have to earn privileges, and with those privileges comes more responsibility.”

Williams came to the conclusion that there was a need for a Youth-Reach home in this area.

“For the last four years, 60 percent of our beds (in Houston) were filled by boys from Mobile and Baldwin County.”

So, when a delegation of businessmen and pastors from this area came wanting to tour the Houston facility, Williams was only too happy to show them around. He was equally happy to take a look at this area.

“They asked tough questions,” recalled Williams, “But I have been astounded by their support. There are about 25 local churches behind us.”

Joe Raley of Raley Builders along with his son Scott, have been staunch supporters, Williams says.

He’s also received a great deal of community support. The Christian Life Church of Orange Beach and the First Baptist Church of Gulf Shores built the Stage 1 and Stage 2 homes. Joe Raley built the offices, and Benchmark built the staff homes, where Mayfield, his wife Kelli and their daughters, Annie, Alli and Emilee live. When the first phase of buildings are completed it is expected to have housing for 18 young men. The program is free of charge to the families.

“The major obstacle (to opening in Summerdale) is the cafeteria building,” Williams said. “We have to raise the remaining funds. We are ready to get started, and I know there are people out there who will put us over the top.”

Williams added that the cafeteria building will also house the facility’s school.

“Right now, we are training the staff,” Mayfield said. “Everything is going to come together.”