Mad Dog cycles for 36 hours for children's auction

Mike "Mad Dog" Gallagher will be continuing his quest this morning to ride a stationary bike for 36 consecutive hours. The 37-year-old Gilford man is attempting to raise as much money as possible for the ongoing WLNH Children's Auction by highlighting the "Cycle Mania" event hosted by the Laconia Athletic & Swim Club.

Swim Club assistant manager Donna Wardner said at least 11 different relay teams will ride with Gallagher right to the 8 p.m. (Friday) conclusion. Additional space is still available. Each team raised a minimum of $1,000 in contributions and more are still being accepted. All the funds collected will be counted on Friday night and presented to auction officials on Saturday morning.

"I wouldn't do this for no reason," said Gallagher while riding the "spinning" bike yesterday, "but I'll do it for this."

"It's a personal challenge," he added, "but mainly it's for the cause itself. . .I'm willing to kill myself for this."

Gallagher takes but a 5-minute break every hour to prevent cramping. He has been drinking Gatorade, and protein smoothies (from Awakenings Cafe) and eating protein bars, energy gels and bananas." The smoothies, he said, have "special shots" to keep him awake.

A former member of the Team Michelin mountain-bike racing program, Gallagher is no stranger to the Cycle Mania event. Two years ago he cycled for 16 consecutive hours for the Children's Auction.

Many area businesses have donated their products and services to the organizers of the event. More than 300 volunteers are needed to make it work.

"If you have never seen an extreme endurance effort, you're in for a treat," said Swim Club owner Tom Oakley. "It's quite inspirational, especially during the Christmas season."

Oakley invited participants, donors and general spectators to the club to watch Cycle Mania speed toward its conclusion. The club is located at 827 North Main Street and the phone number is 524-9252.