Zack Helminen got a head start on his summer vacation. Along with his parents, the ten-year-old has traveled over 600 miles, so far, on a 6 week journey from southeast Michigan to the Upper Peninsula and back.
"A typical day is 50 miles," said Eva Helminen, Zack's mom. "We get up, we have a hearty breakfast, we start riding, take a few stops along the way and see a few sights. We usually pull over about 6 or 7 in the evening."
Their dog Duchess is also along for the ride, cruising in a trailer outfitted with Memory Foam.
"She's loving every minute of it because she does not like to be left alone," said Eva Helminen.
The family is riding for the Great Cycle Challenge, a fundraiser benefiting the Children's Cancer Research Fund.
"We hope to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer. That's our main goal here," said Eva Helminen. "There's a ton of research they're trying to get done, and you know hey, it's all about the kids at the end of the day."
Karl lost his dad to cancer. Eva's sister is a 20 year survivor. People along the way are showing their support.
"We get a lot of honks and high five's," said Karl Helminen. "It's all been real positive."
The family hopes to raise $10,000.
To visit their fundraising page, click here
To follow their journey on Instagram, click here.