Man Rides Stationary Bike For Over 85 Hours

George Hood may have peddled his way into the Guinness Book of World Records on Saturday night.

The 49-year-old Aurora resident began riding a stationary bike at the Five Seasons Sports Club in Burr Ridge at 4 a.m. Wednesday and surpassed the previous record of 82 hours by 8:28 p.m. Saturday. He stopped several minutes before midnight after completing his goal of 85 hours.

"He's very grateful — and very tired," said Matt Baron, a spokesman for Five Seasons.

Baron said Hood was talking and thanking his supporters right up to the end, but was taken by paramedics to a hospital as a precaution after he got off the bike.

"He'll be under observation for a while, and they're going to administer fluids," Baron said.

The record of 82 hours was set last year by Brian Overkaer of Denmark.

Getting Hood's accomplishment into Guinness Book may take several weeks as officials need to certify it, Baron said.

As Hood neared the 82nd hour — and spun more than 1,000 miles — he sped up.

The Drug Enforcement Administration supervisor and 23-year federal law enforcement veteran had been averaging 12.7 mph. Coming down the final stretch, he cycled at 13.5 mph.

About 200 people gathered at the club to cheer him on.

Hood hoped the feat would help raise thousands of dollars for the Illinois chapter of COPS, an organization that helps the families of slain police officers. Illinois COPS president Jennifer Morales has said Hood could be the largest single fundraiser the local group has had.

Baron said Hood raised $25,000 for the group — $5,000 more than his goal.

Hood took a few brief power naps along the way. Guinness Book rules allow a five-minute break for every completed hour of cycling.

Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press

Guinness World Records 2007

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