DO?not be alarmed if you saw Superman trade in flying for cycling this week — some 'superhero cyclists' passed through Okehampton on Tuesday.
The team of James McDonald, Ton Naylor and Oliver Vernon-Harcourt are undertaking the mammoth cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats for the charity Passing it On, to raise money to build, maintain and support three school and orphanage initiatives in Kenya, Ghana and the Gambia.
The superhero theme ties in with the charity's Heroes Run event that takes place in Brighton every year, where fun-runners dress as superheroes to raise money for the charity.
James, one of the three riders, said: 'A team of three of us are cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats and one of us will be dressed as a superhero at all times during the ride.'
Oliver was looking forward to the views throughout Britain as much as the cycle: 'I've always enjoyed cycling and this seemed a great way to raise some money for the charity and get to see Great Britain from all angles.
'My youngest child was born only ten weeks ago, so fitting the training in has been tough but also a lot of fun. I'm just looking forward to getting started now.'
Comedienne Miranda Hart is supporting the efforts of James, Oliver and Tom following her charity cycle for Sport Relief in 2010: 'As someone who has done the John O'Groats to Land's End bicycle ride, I can assure you that it is a real challenge.
'Not only some hardcore hills to mentally and physically get over, but cycling brings its whole range of problems, mainly in the chaffing department.
'So for that alone, these guys need your support. And how wonderful to get the chance to contribute to such a wonderful charity that will make such a difference to a local region in Africa. So dig deep, as they will have to, to get up those hills.'
To find out more and to support James, Oliver and Tom, visit http://www.passingiton.org.uk">www.passingiton.org.uk