Man Looks to Set Stationary Bike Record

BURR RIDGE, Ill. -- George Hood was working to spin his way into the Guinness Book of World records by Saturday night. The 49-year-old Aurora resident and Drug Enforcement Administration supervisor began riding a stationary bike at the Five Seasons Sports Club in Burr Ridge on Wednesday morning and still was pedaling as of 9:30 p.m. Friday, a club employee said.

Hood hoped to continue to ride until about 9 p.m. Saturday and break the current world record of 82 hours set last year by Brian Overkaer of Denmark.

Hood, a 23-year federal law enforcement veteran, also 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.

"I'm feeling pretty good," Hood told the (Arlington Heights) Daily Herald on Friday. "I'm a little stiff when I get up. I need my calves stretched. ... But we're going to make it all the way to the record."

Hood has taken a few brief power naps and has been on a mainly liquid protein diet. Guinness Book rules allow a five-minute break for every completed hour of cycling. Hood has banked much of the time, which also is permitted.

Hood got a morale boost and appropriate good luck charm during a Friday visit from White Sox pitcher and fellow Five Seasons club member Bobby Jenks, who offered Hood his pick of rings to wear from Jenks' personal collection.

Passing over the 2005 World Series championship ring, Hood chose a Sept. 11, 2001 Memorial ring, calling it a fitting accessory.

"It represents the losses and the families that are still grieving," Hood said. "They are survivors, and that's what we're here for."