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HOLLYWOOD (CBS) Thirty-five New York City firefighters departed Tuesday from a Hollywood fire station on a 3,300-mile cross-country bicycle trek to raise money for the families of colleagues killed in the line of duty.
The riders left Fire Station 27 on Cole Avenue, escorted by Los Angeles firefighters in trucks and on bikes.
The New York firefighters are expected to arrive in San Bernardino Tuesday evening before departing Wednesday for Barstow.
"Most of the way, they will be staying at fire stations along the route," said Kristie Tomkins, a spokesperson for the event.
The ride is an "unprecedented 42-day, coast-to-coast trek, with flag-waving whistle stops at some 40 firehouses across the nation," ending Oct. 25 in Patterson, N.J., with a "hometown finale in Lower Manhattan," organizers said.
"As we reflect on the tragic events of Sept. 11 this season, our FDNY brotherhood of firefighters wanted to pay tribute to our fallen friends and colleagues, while supporting their survivors," said New York firefighter and team captain Joshua Gallo.
"Through the generous support of more than 30 sponsors and countless other contributors, we are able to realize a personal dream while saluting our brave colleagues and their survivors."
The trek involves stops in Denver, Chicago and Cleveland. Funds raised by the ride will go to the New York-based Uniformed Firefighter's Association Widows' and Children's Fund. The association was founded in 1917.
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