Monday, May 12th, 2008

Fry Family YMCA, Naperville, IL

"A Story With a Heart"
George E. Hood

Around 6:00 a.m. this morning, George E. Hood sets new Guinness World Record for "spinning" 176 hours on a stationary spin bike at the Fry Family YMCA. The setting of this new record and beating of the current record of 175:50 hours, was witnessed by the Official Guinness World Record Adjudicator on-site this morning as his 3 sons, 100s of friends, volunteers and media representatives gathered around George expressing sheer joy and astonishment.

After further review by the GWR Adjudicator of required log data, event paperwork and technical data, George may be awarded a couple more hours for "spinning" which would bring the new Guinness World Record to a total of 178 hours on his LeMond Revmaster "spin" bike.

During the 9-day event, stats to date show George rode a total of 2616.35 miles, burned almost 47,000 calories, took a total of 57 breaks of which total break time elapsed was 12 hours and 40 minutes and 9 hours and 36 minutes of that time were sleep breaks, since the ride started last Sunday night, May 4th at 9:00 p.m. at the Fry Family YMCA, a branch of the Heritage YMCA serving Aurora, Naperville, and Oswego communities.

Not only was George's goal to break a new record but he also wanted to raise awareness about the great things the YMCA does for children and families. A collaborative effort came together between George and the Heritage YMCA resulting in this "life changing" 176+ hour charity fundraiser on behalf of the Heritage YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. "I learned a lesson about life recently and that is life is not about me it is about every morning waking up and thinking about what I can do for others today. I hope this event has given someone the inspiration to know that they can set goals, break records and make a difference in their own life and others. I am thrilled to hear the event has raised thousands of dollars for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, I hope my sons have learned something from this event and that they realize how proud I am of them and that life is about doing good for others. This event is a "story with a heart," said George as he was spinning to the finish line.

Record breaking ceremonies concluded with a count-down of the clock, words from George and other officials connected to this great event, a brief press conference, and then George was headed for a hot shower, fresh clothes and as a precautionary measure, George was then off to Edward Hospital to seek medical attention for the purpose of replenishing fluids and obtaining lab work for use at his post event physical with his personal Doctor.

After being stretched out one last time by his team of trainers that have been by his side 24/7, George had a few final upbeat and witty comments to share, he thanked the team for being "flexible and willing to change event strategies upon being given notice on Friday that the new record to beat was 175:50 hours not 132:00 hours, he thanked the media and community for being so supportive, and he literally left the room he had been spinning in for 9-days straight with a huge smile on his face, walking with slight help, and said "this is a story with a heart."

Event Resources
Check out www.heritageymca.org or www.ridegeorgeride.org to donate to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign and learn more about the programs and services at the Heritage YMCA where we build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

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Dee Dee McDevitt
Director of Marketing & Customer Satisfaction
Heritage YMCA Group
34 S. Washington St.
Naperville, IL 60540
www.heritageymca.org
dmcdevitt@heritageymca.org
630.420.3411 office
630.420.0458 fax