George Hood DOES IT!
Aurora's Hood Cycling into the Record Books

If his first and second attempts weren't both exhilarating and exhausting enough, the third time around will sure to make for a breathtaking experience.

George Hood, 50, kicked off his third attempt at setting a new Guinness World Record Sunday evening at the Fry YMCA, 2120 W. 95th St, Naperville. The Aurora resident is in the midst of riding his stationary LeMond Revmaster spin bike for nearly seven days, pedaling for over 133 hours straight.

"This will be the third attempt and probably the final attempt and we really hope to put the record at a point that it will stand for a while," said Hood. "Like everything else I do, I like to take it to the extreme, and link it to a world record attempt."

Hood, not foreign to such a task, embarked on a similar feat in July of 2007 where his record 111 hours, 11 minutes, 11 seconds ride stood for only weeks before a Tasmania cyclist set the bar at an unprecedented 133 hour mark, just recently certified as the Guinness World Record.

The week long ride, however, means more to Hood than attaining personal accolades and maintaining a pristine physic. Partnering with the Heritage YMCA group, Hood is supporting the not-for-profit organization in an attempt to raise $50,000 for the Spin for Kids event, part of the "Y's" Strong Kids Campaign. Profits provide local children and families fee assistance at Heritage YMCA facilities. The $500,000 2008 overall goal was surpassed this past week.

"I have a sincere desire to really come home to the YMCA and raise money for their Strong Kids Campaign. It's in Naperville, I've lived here for the better part of 13 years, my kids go to school here... and there is a lot of support here," Hood said.

Sunday's Opening Ceremony welcomed Mayor George Pradel, Heritage YMCA Group's President and CEO Tom Beernsten, and Naperville Police Chief, David Dial.

"George Hood is a hero. But George will tell you this event that begins shortly is not about him. It's about the power of example. It's about leadership. It's about all those good things that you and I believe to have
made this country great," said Beernsten. "Heroes don't do heroic things because it advances their agenda...it's about and it's for the kids."

Hood is slated to finish 9 a.m. May 11 and visitors are encouraged to attend the event all week long to witness the setting of a Guinness World Record.

NCTV17's Caroline Rowland reports.