By Sherry Koonce

The News staff writer

BEAUMONT — Halfway through their 3,300 mile trek across America, six bicyclists from the Golden Triangle were welcomed home in a manner as heartfelt as the cause that keeps them peddling from one city to the next.

Joe Haeggquuist, Tom Simon, Charlie Dixon, Eric Laing, Richard James and Britt Gober make up the LiveStrong Across America team. The group of local cyclists began their journey across the southern United States on July 1 with the intention of bicycling 3,300 miles from San Diego, Calif., to Washington D.C. in 33 days.

Their goal is to raise money for cancer research through the Lance Armstrong Foundation while attempting to break the Guinness record for the fastest transcontinental crossing average speed by bicycles.

“I’m just a goofy kid. I can’t offer much, but I can raise money for cancer research by riding my bike,” Eric Laing, 29, said.

Originally from Port Neches, the now Beaumont resident joined his teammates at the Fire Museum of Texas Friday for a city-wide reception. Mayor Becky Ames congratulated the team for their efforts.

“We are so proud of you. Thirty-three hundred miles in the July heat is quite an undertaking, so we are all proud,” Ames said.

Along with representatives from the Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ames proclaimed July 17 and 18 as LiveStrong Across America Days.

From their places on a make-shift stage, the cyclists stated why they were taking on the grueling ride.

“My uncle is battling cancer right now. I think about him everyday,” Brit Gober said.

Laing recognized his friend, Jodi Esquivel, 26, of Groves, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer in November, and attended Friday’s reception for the cyclists.

“I am honored that people will ride for this. It is just amazing,” Esquivel said.