Grandparents are a special breed.

They offer strength, love and wisdom to grandchildren in a multitude of different ways.

Catasauqua High School student Josiah Kaeppel's grandfather, Phillip Hunsberger of Moore Township, has offered to his grandson companionship and a deep familial bond while training the past three months for the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure, set to begin this Father's Day weekend.

Josiah and Hunsberger will take part in the one-week GOBA bicycle tour through Ohio, Saturday through June 21.

The tour will consist of biking 50 miles or four hours each day across Ohio, then camping out at night. Hunsberger said at each stop there are family-friendly activities for riders to enjoy.

Hunsberger said last year he asked Josiah if he would participate in the Ohio bicycle tour with him.

"I've enjoyed it," Hunsberger said of bicycling. "Now I have a grandson who is big enough and strong enough to do it."

Josiah did not hesitate when his grandfather asked if he was interested in the Ohio ride. His response was simple.

"Yes and yes," he said.

Hunsberger and Josiah train twice a week. Their rides range from 20 to 30 miles. Josiah's first long-distance ride took him to the Outer Banks, S.C,. with his grandfather last year.

"It was fun, so I was like, I could train myself and build up to that," he said.

Through the bicycling experience, Josiah has matured, both physically and mentally.

According to Josiah, his participation on the CHS track and field team as a pole vaulter has been beneficial to his cycling.

"Track definitely helped a lot with this," he said.

Bicycling and the twice weekly training regimen have brought Josiah and his grandfather closer together.

"I've heard stories of his riding experiences," Josiah said of his grandfather. "I've learned to trust him more."

Josiah's father Keith Kaeppel said it's gratifying to watch his son and Hunsberger bond.

"It's good that he's able to do something with his grandpa," he said.

Hunsberger has enjoyed every second of taking to the road with Josiah.

"It is wonderful to do activities with your friends," Hunsberger said. "It is even more wonderful when it's your grandson."