Michigan Man Biking From California To Florida For Veterans

GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ/AP) - A Michigan man plans to bike more than 3,500 miles from California to Florida to raise money for a national nonprofit that supports injured veterans.

Grant Bergsma, of Grandville, is set to embark Nov. 1 from Los Angeles and pedal his way to Marco Island, Florida, by Dec. 7.

"It's going to be a long trip but it's a short amount of time compared to troops that will suffer from battle wounds mental and physical for the rest of their lives," Bergsma wrote on his fundraising website.

Bergsma hopes to raise $100,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that offers support and services to veterans who have suffered physical or mental injuries to help them readjust to civilian life.

"Many of these inspiring individuals come home with wounds you can and can't see, like a missing limb, combat stress, or depression,"  he said. "Because they've risked everything for us, I'm committed to raising awareness and funds for these wounded service members and their caregivers."

Bergsma is no stranger to marathon bike riding. He completed a 1,700-mile bicycle trek from Grandville to Marco Island in 2013 to raise money for Lou Gehrig's disease in honor of a late family friend.

To donate toward Bergsma's goal, click here.

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