A 69-year-old councillor is relying on pedal power to complete a 3,640-mile trip across America.
Durham county councillor Len O'Donnell will embark on the challenge to raise funds to replace fire fighting equipment destroyed on September 11.
The former chairman of Durham and Darlington Fire Authority aims to be in the saddle for 50 miles a day as he cycles from Los Angeles to Washington DC.
He is being sponsored by Cycle Force of Durham, which presented him with a new bike last week, and American supermarket chain Wal-Mart, which will provide him with refreshments.
Coun O'Donnell has already completed Britain's Coast to Coast challenge twice and two years ago, rode from Lands End to John O'Groats.
But the retired coal miner said his latest challenge will be his toughest.
During the trip, Coun O'Donnell will stay overnight at firehouses every 50 miles, where meals, showers and beds will be provided.
A special event is planned to mark his passage through North Carolina, twinned with Durham
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article