Forty-five local cyclists have been training for the trip of a lifetime -- 4,500 miles from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska.

The Texas 4000 is the world's longest charity bicycle ride. It covers 12 states in 70 days for one reason - cancer.

Each rider has been touched by cancer. They split into two groups - half following the Rockies - half tracing the west coast as a way to spread the message to more communities.

The goal for each rider is to spread hope, knowledge, and charity. "It's an outlet. It's a way for these young riders who have been touched by cancer to fight back," says Chris Condit, who had Hodgkin's lymphoma at age 11.

To learn about the cyclists, their mission or to donate, visit texas4000.org.

The Texas 4000 kicked off Friday, June 6 from the UT campus.

You can join the first leg of their journey, from Cedar Park to Lampasas on June 7. It's called the Atlas Ride. Click on atlasride.org for more information.

Check back for updates and photos from the cyclists as they make the big journey.