Ken Hodge says the purpose of the trip is to raise money for a Rotary Club program in his home town of Newport News. The club previously collected money to build bridges in Zambia, Honduras and Peru and wants to build much-needed bridges in other countries.

Hodge said he needed permission from his wife to make the trip in Peru, the Newport News (Va.) Daily Press said Monday.

"If you want your wife to let you go, you tell her you're taking the kids," Hodge said. He'll be accompanied by his daughter, Katie, stepson, Ryan Anderson and alternate rider Jeff Dagenhart.

The riders said they hope to complete the journey from the Lima to the city of Cusco in less than six weeks.