It's 2 p.m. on Thursday and after more than 80 straight hours of pedaling on their stationary bikes with no sleep, Mike "Mad Dog" Gallagher and John "Blue Dog" Jurczynski look down from their stage at Laconia Athletic and Swim Club at what must seem like circus.

They are surrounded by Christmas lights, more than a dozen relay cyclists who are feverishly pedaling next to them, and the Gilford High School band and chorus have just arrived and have launched into a version of Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" — a theme song from the Rocky movies. Oh yes, and Boston Bruins hockey legend Derek Sanderson just arrived to sign autographs and cheer them on.

Jurczynski still has a smile on his face as he stands to avoid having his posterior touch a seat that he has become all too familiar with since he and Gallagher began their attempt to beat the Guinness World Record for indoor stationary cycling.

The man known as "Mass. Dog" is in good spirits, but appears to be in more than a little discomfort as he repeatedly shakes his head to keep from nodding off and a doctor approaches to take his vitals.

This year's "Cycle Mania World Record 2007" is aiming to raise $50,000 for the ongoing Children's Auction and while the local athletic club is full of supporters who are helping keep the two men going, their march to break the record (111 hours, 11 minutes and 11 seconds) has certainly become a personal challenge that has their minds working hard to keep the legs moving at the mandatory 12 mph average that must be maintained throughout the feat.

Gallagher, a Gilford resident, is still positive about his chances of beating the record despite a sore backside and some tight muscles.

"At this point you are just battling aches and pains ... at this point it just hurts," said Gallagher.

The mountain bike enthusiast puts his head down for a moment to change positions and notes that the days seem to be easier with much activity surrounding them, but he said nights would be tough if it weren't for the throngs of people who come in to support them even in the early morning hours.

"It's like a slumber party in here ... the night is (difficult) and it's the easiest time to lose it," said Gallagher.

Jurczynski of Holderness appears to be at home on his bike despite the long hours and, like Gallagher, has only taken breaks to go to the bathroom and take a quick shower, which is allowed under a Guinness set of rules that lets them bank five minutes of downtime for each hour that they ride.

The longtime camp director was a top placer in a race that took him across the country, and he said it felt really good when they passed the halfway mark.

However, that ride saw him virtually alone. The bustle of activity at the gym is something he is still getting a used to.

"We get applauded for going to the bathroom," said Jurczynski with a big smile.

Jurczynski has a small envelope in front of them with various numbers scribbled on it that give him a visual reminder of when he will hit certain marks.

"We aren't as sharp as we could be," he notes.

The pair of riders got a call on Wednesday from George Hood — the Illinois man who current holds the record — who told them that they are doing well to have passed the midway point. Hood said his attempt has helped launch him into a career in which he speaks before crowds.

Jurczynski said he is feeling good despite having felt a little light-headed at one point, and said a late-night viewing of a movie based on a Stephen King novel helped keep him more alert on Wednesday night.

HOCKEY LEGEND Derek Sanderson autographs a Bruins book for Pat Dolan during a stop at the Laconia Athletic and Swim Club Thursday. (DARYL CARLSON/CITIZEN PHOTO) * Order a print of this photo

He said he doesn't watch horror films often, but expressed appreciation that it helped him take his mind of the incessant pedaling and his body's yearning for sleep.

"It's surprising what your body can do," remarked Jurczynski.

Jurczynski said his goal is just to break the record. But he does have more lofty goals should he feel up to it once they reach the feat sometime around 8:17 p.m. on Friday evening.

He has his eye on the time of 133 hours, 33 minutes and 33 seconds, which would take him to 6:38 p.m. on Saturday or about 21 hours past the current record.

However, he admitted that is a long way away, and only the coming hours will tell whether mind will officially triumph over matter.

On Thursday, former Boston Bruins center Derek Sanderson appeared at the gym to sign autographs and contribute to the fundraising effort. The Massachusetts resident was encouraged to take part in the event by Bob and Gary Bahre of the New Hampshire International Speedway who Sanderson came to know through working with an organization that helps represent professional athletes, including stock car drivers.

Sanderson played for the Bruins between 1968 to 1978, sometimes with Bobby Orr. He turned pro at age 18.

He conversed with locals at the athletic club and expressed amazement at the number of hours the two men have been spinning as part of their world record attempt.

"I couldn't stay awake on a coach for 70 hours ... its amazing," said Sanderson with a big laugh.