GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Two West Michigan men are nearing the finish line after embarking on a cross-country trip on their bikes. 

Tommy Gehl and Michael Vansuilichem, two best friends, have spent the last month biking from Grand Rapids to Los Angeles, California, while raising money. The two have a goal of raising $50,000 for the L.A. Fire Department Foundation.  

It all started with an idea back in high school and it didn’t become a reality until this year.  Now, their mission is a brand called Pedal to the Rescue. The both of them have turned to their platform and social media to document their journey and share their story. 

As of Saturday, the two are in Arizona and have travelled just under 1,800 miles of their just over 2,400-mile venture. 

"Each state has its own challenges, and each state is unique in its own capacity.  But even then, every day is unique in its own capacity," Gehl said.  

They originally planned a 3,400-mile route...but during their trip they changed course. 

"3,400 miles down to 24 hundred miles. So instead of the mountains we decided to fight the desert," Vansuilichem said. 

Gehl said one of the best parts of the trip has been the people they have met along the way.  He said meeting people at places like local coffee shops, restaurants, and shops have all been supportive of their journey and mission.

"One of the more fun things about this trip is meeting new people and with my communications degree, I like to chat, I like to talk to people and we just meet super cool people along the way," Gehl said.  

But with any endurance event, comes its challenges. The two said they were not expecting as much heat and wind along their rides. 

"We spent about 10 days in Kansas and it was probably the hardest to date," Vansuilichem said.  

They have had to take more breaks along the way to adjust to the challenges.  On top of that, the two said the physicality is difficult too. Adding to that sometimes making it the entire route for the day is a challenge, but one that pushes through and finishes every time. 

If everything goes according to planned, the two said they will make it to the LA Fire Department on Sunday July 20th.  

If you’d like to contribute, Gehl and Vansuilichem have set up a GoFundMe.