"The key thing about colorectal cancer is that it is a preventable disease in almost all cases," Dr. McConnell explains.  "If you are vigilant and careful about your screenings, it's a disease no one has to get."

Colorectal cancers develop slowly over many years. Most of these cancers begin as a polyp, or tissue growth, which may or may not become cancerous. Through regular screenings polyps can be found and removed before they have the chance to turn into cancer. "There are a fairly large number of genetic cancers, so it's important to know your family history," he explains. "With a good medical history, you can identify patients at high risk. A simple blood test can be done to see if you are at high risk."

"The easiest way to prevent colon cancer is to get a regular colonoscopy," he explains. "It may not be something that you want to do, but it's a quick, easy and safe test that could save your life. It shouldn't be avoided just because of fear."

That's the message the doctor will spread as he pedals from Fairbanks, Alaska, crossing through Yukon Territory, British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, into North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia before arriving in Key West, Florida. His wife, Marjie, will accompany him in a 23-foot Phoenix Cruiser recreation vehicle, complete with air conditioning, a comfortable bed, a bathroom and shower, and kitchen with a refrigerator.

"We're not really roughing it," he notes. "It's quite comfortable, really, with all the amenities you'd want in a house. It's small, but complete."

He plans to ride for about six hours a day, covering a little more than 100 miles per day and taking every tenth day off to rest. After he's finished riding for the day, he'll set up a table outside the RV at the campsite and offer literature and advice about colorectal and other types of cancers, as well as genetic testing for cancer.

This isn't the first time Dr. McConnell has undertaken such a journey. He took his first cross country bike ride in medical school, when he "was young and foolish," traveling from Boston, Mass., to Miami, Fla. In 2001, he rode 3,400 miles from Los Angeles, Calif., to Boston, in 32 days and, in 2003, he biked 2,900 miles from Los Angeles to Savanna, Ga., in 26 days, raising money for The Daniel and Gloria Blumenthal Cancer Center at Valley Hospital.

"I've always enjoyed bike riding and doing strenuous physical activity," he says. "I'm not fast, just durable. I had the desire to ride cross country. I did it once and got bitten by the bug."

To prepare for his journey, he gets out on the road as often as his can, biking around north Jersey and New York. On days when he can't get out, he works out on a stationary bike. For his trip, he'll take two bicycles with him, the Serotta road bike he's had since 2001 and a Fuji he picked up last year.

You can follow Dr. McConnell's journey on a day-to-day basis on his blog at www.valleydocride.com, which will include pictures and stories from his trip as well as the opportunity to donate to The Valley Hospital Foundation Pedaling for Prevention. Simply click on "Make a Donation," to pay by credit card or send a check payable to The Valley Hospital Foundation, with the notation "McConnell bike ride" to Valley Hospital Foundation, 223 N. Van Dien Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450.

Funds raised will go to support oncology programs and ongoing research at the Blumenthal Cancer Center.

The Valley Hospital

Valley is proud to be your not-for-profit hospital serving the healthcare needs of more than 400,000 people in our region. As a not-for-profit hospital, Valley is committed to giving back to the community.  Valley serves the community by providing thousands of hours of healthcare education and screenings, support groups and classes to assist those in need, and care to all those who come through our doors, regardless of their ability to pay. The Valley Hospital is proud of its history of quality patient care and community service, and looks forward to serving you and your family in the future.