FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

DULUTH - Their bags were packed, they were ready to go.

"We've come a long way and we have a ton of support and we're really honored to be at this point," Kris McNeal said.

UMD grads Kris McNeal and Zach Chase have a long road ahead of them.

On Tuesday, they geared up for day one of their bike trip around the Great Lakes.

"We're really excited to take off," McNeal said.

Friends, family, and supporters met the two in Duluth to see them off and wish them good luck.

Their trip around the Great Lakes will be about 5,300 miles, including the St. Lawrence Seaway.

The two said it should take them about 97 days, but it's worth it for a good cause.

"We hope to make a connection between the people that live around the lakes and the people that live all over the world," McNeal said.

They hope to share the importance of the Great Lakes; pedaling about 60 miles a day.

"We've seen this area and we love it and just want to get a closer look at what else there is to see because we know there's a lot out there," Chase said.

It is a somewhat daunting task, but they say a few miles on the open road should put their worries aside.

"Once we get on the bikes I think everything's gonna fade to the background," Chase said.

To follow their travels, you can check out their website at bigwaterbike.com or find their page on Facebook.