A FORMER Brierley Hill man is due to set out on a beast of a charity cycle challenge taking him from the west to the east coast of America.

Richard Slusarczyk is set to start the 3,000-mile bike ride on Sunday (May 15) from Disneyland, California, and he’s planning to wind up at Disneyworld in Florida 55 days later.

The gutsy 52-year-old who lives in Phoenix, Arizona, is hoping the epic cycle ride will help raise awareness and much-needed funds for Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge.

He decided to take on the challenge for the hospice in memory of his dad who passed away last year.

So far he has raised more than £1,000 but ambitious Richard, a casino worker, is hoping he might be able to pull in up to £25,000 for the charity.

He said: "The people who work there are fantastic, hardworking and dedicated people who work tirelessly to bring joy and happiness to those they come in contact with."

Wolves fan Richard, who has been holding his breath in frustration in support of his struggling team for the last 34 weeks, added: “I can finally exhale after beating the Baggies, so cycling across America will seem like a piece of cake compared to staying in the Premier league.”

Richard, who is undertaking the challenge with pal Ian Dodd from Birmingham (cycling for Make-A-Wish Foundation), dipped the rear wheel of his bike in the Pacific Ocean before setting off, as tradition dictates with a TransAm ride.

And on completion of the adventure he plans to dunk the front wheel in the Atlantic.

Janet Jones, fundraising manager at Mary Stevens Hospice, said she was “thrilled” Richard was taking on the challenge in aid of the Oldswinford based charity.

She added: “We wish him well and look forward to catching up with his travels.”

To follow Richard’s adventures check out his blog at www.americaend2endbybike.wordpress.com