Trek Across Maine brings cyclists from Maine and beyond together to benefit American Lung Association

Cyclist, Ron Hise, said, "Everyone who has someone in their family who has suffered from lung disease, different pulmonary problems, we are riding for you guys."

More than 1,500 cyclists embarked on a journey over Father's Day Weekend.

Hise said, 'The first two miles are down a hill and a piece of cake and then, the work starts."

It's all part of the 34th annual Trek Across Maine.

"It always kind of overwhelms you, especially when you see hundreds of riders, riding along and cheering each other along the way," said Seyler.

Riders have traveled roughly 60 miles per day keeping two things as motivation in mind- the finish line and supporting the American Lung Association. Organizers said the funds raised go towards their "life-saving mission."

Chief Divison Officer of the American Lung Association Jeff Seyler said, "From important things like healthy air to Lung Cancer-the leading cancer killer in the U.S. to Chronic Lung Disease and asthma and also keep keeping from picking up the tobacco habitat."

Cyclist Ron Hise has been riding for several years now, all thanks to some encouragement from a co-worker.

"He said come on you can do it you can do it I said okay fine I'll give it a try and it's just there's a certain life to it. It's really hard to explain," explained Hise.

Now, Heis shares this experience with his children. He said, "They are awesome. Abbey is always the powerhouse. Bryson is the reserve energy."

His daughter Abbey added, "I think dad probably does most of the work but, we definitely help him get up the hills."

Seyler said, "A lot of individuals, a lot of families throughout the weekend -this is their tradition to spend Father's Day, this way pedaling for a good cause."

We're told the trek brought in more than $1.3 million for the American Lung Association.

To learn more about the association or to sign up for next year's race, visit http://www.lung.org/about-us/local-associations/maine.html