Two friends embark on 850-mile trek to 'Shred America'

"We're as ready as we can be," said Swidzinski, a film student at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, "but I'm starting to freak out a little bit. We're going to try and go 50 miles a day. But one day after another? That's going to be pretty tough. I think we're going to throw in a day of rest. We'll have to."

Kosciesza and Swidzinski, both 20-year-old Niles residents, are childhood friends who have made movies together since their days at Maine East High School. They'll be accompanied on their trip by two cameramen riding bicycles, James Lagen of Des Plaines and Tony Michal of Park Ridge.

Since it's illegal to ride skateboards and bicycles on highways, the route they've mapped utilizes bike paths and side streets through small towns. They plan to stop at the Indiana Dunes, in Amish country, and at the World Trade Center site, among other sites.

At night, they'll either camp out or crash on friends' couches. They've refused vehicular back-up in order to maintain authenticity.

While they don't have a final destination in New York, Kosciesza said they'll probably stay for a day or two and see the sites, and then take a Greyhound Bus home.

After months of preparation, which included lining up sponsors and endurance training, Kosciesza said there's nothing left to do but go for it.

"We're still worried about the Appalachian Mountains," he said, "but we're confident that we can do this."