YOU may think roller coaster maniac Richard Rodriguez has gone round the bend.

But he aims to go round a lot more bends to smash his own world record for roller coaster marathons by riding on the Big Dipper at Blackpool Pleasure Beach for an amazing 2,000 hours -- which means he will finally finish in early September!

As crowds braved the lashing rain to cheer him off on Friday (June 9) at just after 2pm Richard explained his reason for his madcap attempt.

He said: "I guess I just like a challenge and I hope to set the world record once and for all. And riding for 2,000 hours is a great way to celebrate the Millennium.

"I love this ride and Blackpool Pleasure Beach has always been good to me so this is the ideal place to set a record."

Richard added: "I am confident I can double my previous record. It seems like a long time but I have had plenty of practice and experience of marathon rides in the past."

He thinks the toughest part will be coping with G-force and wind friction especially the strong winds comes straight off the Irish Sea.

"I will have to cover myself up because the wind can swell your face and hands. But it can be as bad no matter what the weather because of the speed you are travelling." Although Richard will be allowed five minutes break every hour for the rest of the 83 days, he will be sleeping, eating and drinking on the ride -- but he doesn't think sleeping will be much of a problem.

"Your body gets used to it after a while. I guess it is like someone sailing across the Atlantic single handed.

"Eventually you get used to the rides and rolls and manage to sleep through it.

"I will be keeping my strength up by eating lots of energy bars. I can actually build up my five minute breaks so every few hours I can have a decent meal and a bit of exercise.

"I have a personal stereo so I will be listening to some tapes. And I will use the time when the car slows down to stop and start again to do some reading and write some postcards home to my friends."

Richard, who is from New York, has been on roller coasters across the world and set his previous record of 1,000 hours on Blackpool's Big Dipper in 1998.

His record attempt is being supported by preserve manufacturers F Duerr and Sons Ltd of Manchester and will raise money for the charity Give Kids The World which helps children with life-threatening illnesses.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach are seeking people to ride with Richard for 2,000 minute "min-marathons" to raise money for the charity.

PICTURED: Richard (front) sets off on his marathon which will take him 83 days.