Swidzinski and Kosciesza both have good senses of humor, which will come in
handy on their monthlong adventure, which begins June 2.
"We're just going to be four guys with a lot of video equipment out on the road,"
Kosciesza said, counting in two cameramen. "A lot can happen."
While sixth-graders at Nelson School in Niles, Swidzinski and Kosciesza made their
first movie together -- a short, homemade Batman film. Since then, they've made
numerous films with classmates at Maine East High School. A few have won awards.
Kosciesza now studies television at Columbia College, and Swidzinski at Oakton
Community College. There's little doubt they can make a creative, compelling film. But can they skateboard
850 miles? Over the Appalachian Mountains? Aware of the intense physical challenge, they've begun to run laps at the gym and ride their skateboards for hours at a time along bike paths and skate parks when weather permits.
Lagen, too, has started training for his camera-carrying, bicycle-riding journey.
"The more I get involved in this trip, the crazier it sounds. But the more I wanna go," Lagen said.
Swidzinski and Kosciesza are still mapping out their exact route, and plan to carry a GPS device with them. They want to ride on as many bike paths, sidewalks and side streets as possible.
Skateboarding along certain streets is dangerous if not illegal, and while they plan to avoid busy roads, they don't seem fearful of a police encounter.
"That'll be good for the documentary," Swidzinski said.
The duo's already lined up a half-dozen sponsors to provide them with clothes, skateboards and a little cash. They're still
hunting for a few more. The trip itself isn't very expensive because they don't have to buy gas or hotel rooms -- just food and
a plane ticket home. They plan to donate a portion of their proceeds to the Tribune Foundation's Neediest Children's Fund.
