A challenge between a couple of lifelong friends has turned into a big fundraiser for the Chatham-Kent Hospice.
Brad McAuliffe, part owner of VanHoof Siding in Chatham, challenged Jeff Thibert to ride 1,000 km in 75 hours.
Jeff agreed, but only if Brad could raise $10 for every km.
"July 4th to the 6th, I'll leave about 3 o'clock in the afternoon" said Jeff. "I'm going to ride from Tilbury to Goderich, Goderich to Stratford, and Stratford back to Tilbury, twice."
Jeff added that the distance will be a challenge because it's about double his longest ride to date.
"In March I drove down to Florida and got out at Homestead-Miami Florida and I rode from there to Key West. That was like 225 km," said Brad of his training regimen . "Do some spin classes, do squats, play some hockey. But lately I'm been riding somewhere between 50 and 100 km per night."
They chose the Chatham-Kent Hospice as the charity to donate to because it's such an important part of the community.
"So it's my job to raise all the money, it's his job to just bike his... off, and get it all done," said Brad. "It's gonna be great, we're here to support him, I've always supported him. He's going to be on the bike, and I'll be sitting there eating my butter tarts and watching him do a good job."
Brad added that he will be posting updates on Jeff's progress on social media so everyone can follow along.
Donations can be dropped off at VanHoof on St. Clair Street in Chatham, or though the Hospice Foundation's website at https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/, and select "Bike for Hospice by Van Hoof Siding Ltd" from the drop down menu.