Western Pennsylvania's terrain took its toll on Phil Keoghan, host of CBS's "The Amazing Race," as he rode his Specialized Roubaix bike into Pittsburgh Thursday evening.

"It kicked my butt a little bit," Keoghan said. "These hills, they're steep, short, rolling and really take it out of you."

Add rain pelting his road-rash-covered body and it was an unpleasant ride.

"It was not one of those days where you go, 'Oh, what a lovely bike ride through the countryside,' " he said. "It was more like, 'Oh, when is this bike ride going to end? Please end soon.' "

Keoghan, a New Zealand native who's about to begin the process of applying for U.S. citizenship, embarked on this cross-country bike trip March 27 in Los Angeles. He'll arrive in New York Friday in time for the May 10 "Race" season finale.

The ride aims for a publicity hat trick: promoting the show, Keoghan's meal-replacement bar sold at GNC and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. So far the trip has raised more than $300,000 for the charity, blowing past the initial $250,000 goal.

Keoghan also appeared at a casting session yesterday afternoon at the Meadows Racetrack & Casino and will participate in a local MS Ride that begins this morning at 9:30 at the GNC store in Robinson Town Centre.

Because he can't bike on the interstate, Keoghan's trek has already added an extra 300 miles. He's accompanied by his father, who drives a vehicle that pulls an Airstream trailer behind him, and a motorcyclist who rides on the road's shoulder ahead of him, offering some protection. But there have been mishaps: a gash on this right cheek from a tumble while riding over railroad tracks in Jackson Center, Ohio; a visit to a hospital for dehydration.

When Keoghan arrived at the GNC on Wood Street at noon yesterday, about two dozen fans -- mostly women -- lined up to greet him, including Mary Jo and Donna Bednar of Swissvale, who brought him a box of homemade sugar cookies. Keoghan greeted the sisters like old friends -- because they are. The pair travel to New York to watch the "Race" finale with other fans who discuss the show on Web sites, including TARflies.com. Keoghan has been a guest at these gatherings.

Louise, Keoghan's wife of more than 15 years, has ridden portions of the trip with her husband. She takes the female fan appreciation with good humor.

"I can't imagine him without tons of fans around him," she said. "They're so good to him. They think he's cute, even when he's all banged up. I think they want to take him home and look after him."

Co-workers Laura Rossi, 41, and Rachael Mostoller, 27, stopped by GNC on their lunch hour. They discuss "TAR" every Monday and which teams make it to the Pit Stop, running onto the mat where Keoghan greets contestants.

"Where's the mat?" Rossi asked, looking down to the floor when it was their turn at the table where Keoghan signed autographs. "We wanted to jump on it."

Ryan Fielder, 26, of South Fayette suggested the series should kick off a season in Pittsburgh. Keoghan put on his TV voice: "Teams must go and hang out with the Steelers ..."

Fielder continued the possible assignment "... and one team member must take a tackle from Troy Polamalu."