HARTFORD, Conn. -- A New England firefighter's cross-country bike ride to raise money for burn survivors led him to Hartford Wednesday.

Mike Manning began his ride in Boston Tuesday. The ride is meant to raise awareness and funding for the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors.

Manning is hoping to raise $100,000.

"People understand that our time here is 90 or 100 years, it's finite, and for many people it's an easy ride, for myself I can say it sure has been, and I'd like to make it easier for people that need it to be easier," Manning said. "That's what this bike ride is all about."

Manning will stay at firehouses across the country so that all the money he raises will go directly to the charity.

The ride is set to end in San Jose, Calif.

To track Manning's progress or make a donation, visit his blog.

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