Levittown native Marc Kantor will take an awe-inspiring journey to raise money for the American Heart Association by bicycling across the country. However, the inspiration that got the wheel spinning is another story itself.

Kantor, 19, who graduated from Island Trees High School in 2004 and attended SUNY Purchase last year, has a family history of heart disease on both sides of his family. He realized that he could do something about it when the topic of marathons came up in a conversation with his uncle, a marathon runner himself, three weeks ago.

"I don't really ride a bicycle very often," Kantor admitted. "I figured it's easier than running."

The lifelong Levittown resident will begin the 5,600-mile trip from his family's house on Meridian Road, pedaling his way to downtown San Diego, CA. Although he hasn't plotted the exact route yet, he is anticipating that the trip will take two months, depending on the weather and how often he stops to rest.

There are other issues that have to be addressed as well. Kantor is still working on obtaining a bicycle and the exact starting date is also not set in stone yet, although he is hoping to leave before Sept. 10.

"The air will be a little cooler, but not too cold," he said, "and I'd like to be back before it starts snowing."

Even the few details that are finalized, such as his fundraising target aren't free from criticisms.

"I set a goal at $10,000 and a lot of people say it's really low," Kantor said.

Currently, he's looking to collect donations from companies through letters and individuals through his personal website, www.MarcAcrossAmerica.com, and his MySpace.com account. Kantor has not counted the total donations and will not until days before he leaves.

"I like to be surprised," he said.

As of early June, Kantor said he had not found a riding partner and is expecting to make the trip by himself. However, the support he is receiving, especially from his family and friends, ensure that he is by no means alone.

"I've got people across the country offering me places to stay and half their paychecks," he said.

His parents, who Kantor said were skeptical at first, are assisting with the planning and safety aspects of the trip.

"They're trying to figure how much it would cost for someone to ride with me, what trails to take, etc," he said.

Meanwhile, Kantor's friends are helping him train and get in shape during the remainder of the summer, another factor in his date of departure.

He's also chosen one friend in particular to serve as his trip manager. Joe Argosta, 22, of Mount Sinai, and Kantor met four years ago playing in a band together. Now, Argosta is helping his friend spread the word about the trip and organizing shows to raise additional funds.

Kantor has also received moral support from the American Heart Association.

"We're trying to be more aggressive in combating childhood obesity, so if he can raise money actively, he's actually getting two of our messages out there," spokesperson Mark Hurly said. "We wish him the best of luck."

In contrast, Argosta, who is unable to ride due to a knee injury and band obligations, was more confident about his friend's abilities.

"Marc, he's out of his mind, and I know he can do it," he said.