ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- For these three Irishmen this has been the trip of a lifetime.

"It kind of started back in 2006, Mark's dad passed away from bowel cancer. Myself and Mark did a cycle around Ireland for two weeks in 2007 and we managed to raise about 2000 Euro for the Irish Cancer Society," said Eoin McNamara, cyclist.

"The cycle is really about turning something negative into something positive," said Mark Leonard, cyclist.

The guys are travelling 37 hundred miles, that's six thousand kilometers for them, from Seattle to Washington D.C. It's all to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society and the Livestrong Foundation.

"It's always been a dream to cycle across America, to see such a wonderful and beautiful country," said William Kerwin, cyclist.

Tonight they're making a stop in Rockford, getting a taste of home at the Tilted Kilt. But, with each kilometer the guys remember why they are the road, and why it's important for them to keep going.

"The inspiration is my father, but we've all been affected by cancer at some point, it's something that visits virtually every family. And we're no different to that," Leonard said.

So far, the guys have raised over 22 thousand dollars during their trip in the states.

To follow them, or to find out to donate here's a link.

Cycleofamerica2010.com