Cyclist Hours Away From Breaking World Record Today

It's the home stretch for George Hood, who is hours away from breaking a Guinness World Record for the longest ride on a stationary bike. As of 11 a.m. Sunday morning, Hood has been riding for nearly 190 hours straight. He is on schedule to break the current record of 200 hours at around 10 p.m. Sunday night. Click here for a previous Patch article on Hood. 

"He's good, look at him," said Preston Bokos, owner of Urban Tri Gear Friday night. Bokos is part of Hood's support crew.

Hood earns 5-minute breaks for every hour he completes on the bike. According to Bokos, the longest break Hood has taken so far was 28 minutes during which he slept for 15 minutes and stretched for the remainder. 

Hood began the ride on Saturday, Oct. 23 and rode for 25 hours straight, which Hood said is a personal best for him.

"I've learned so much about myself," said Hood, as he pedaled along, listening to dance music on his boom box. "I can execute this flawlessly."

Among the small group of friends hanging out with Hood and Bokos at the store Friday night was Chris Hotchkin, mother of Hinsdale Central graduate Gunnar Hotchkin, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in June. Hood's ride is doubling as a fundraiser for the Gunnar Hotchkin Memorial Fund, which is raising money for Gunnar Hotchkin's three small children.    

When the ride is over "I plan on telling [Hood] how much this means," said Chris Hotchkin. "It means a lot." She added that she hopes the event raises awareness of what's happening in Afghanistan.

As of Friday night, Bokos, who had been friends with Gunnar Hotchkin since childhood, said they had raised about $14,500 toward their goal of $25,000. They are holding a silent auction consisting of gift baskets from local stores and Blackhawks memorabilia. 

Hood said he's greatful for the connections he's made along the way and, as a veteran himself, he's honored to be linked to the fundraising event.

"It's been a remarkable ride," said Hood.