KEEN cyclists from Portishead will take on a mammoth 700-mile ride through Vietnam with the aim of raising thousands of pounds for charity.
Lee Benneworth and Michael Evely will fly out tomorrow (Sun) and they expect to take eight days to complete the challenge, cycling 85-90 miles per day over a wide range of terrain.
The friends are aiming to raise �6,000 for the Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign. They decided to raise money for the cause after Michael, of Martingale Way, began working at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in Surrey.
Lee, aged 31, and 28-year-old Michael, have been cycling for many years but have taken on some additional training to prepare for the ride.
On September 4 they completed the Keilder 100, a 100-mile off-road race in Northumberland.
Lee, of Newfoundland Way, said: “It was extremely difficult. It is supposed to be one of the toughest races to be held in England.
“We have done smaller rides but Vietnam will be the first major overseas ride we have done for charity.
“It’s going to be very demanding, especially with the humidity.”
Lee and Michael will be joined by 28 other riders for the challenge at the end of the month. So far they have raised �3,400. To sponsor them and donate to the Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign visit the website www.justgiving.com/vietnam2010
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