THREE local men are about to mount their bicycles and set off on the adventure of a lifetime to raise money for a South West children's charity.
John Crossley, 57, from Dousland, Stewart Pearce, 55, and David Pickles, 36, both from Crapstone, are hoping to raise around £2,000 for Children's Hospice South West by cycling across America.
Their epic journey will take them from coast to coast starting in Astoria, Oregon, and finishing 75 days and 5,000 miles later in Boston.
Stewart, a retired policeman, is 'excited but apprehensive' as their July 18 flight to Seattle looms, although he is no stranger to adventure or feats of endurance.
Last year he cycled across China raising funds for Mencap, and in 1998 he pedalled his way from Land's End to John O' Groats in aid of the British Heart Foundation.
He said: 'This is different to the expeditions I've done before because there will be no back-up vehicles carrying kit and helping us out.
'We will be completely self-supporting, carrying all our gear, including tents, on our backs and in panniers.
'I am excited but apprehensive because I know what an awesome ride we have ahead of us. It's about four times the distance of the John O' Groats trip.'