A TRIO of self-confessed cycle nuts are setting off on an epic 310-mile journey this weekend.

Tom Pilcher, from Northwich, and friends George Woodrow and Chris Evans were undeterred when an official charity event from Falmouth to London was cancelled in June – instead electing to undertake the challenge themselves.

Setting off from Falmouth in Cornwall at 7pm on Friday, July 5, the team is aiming to arrive at Trafalgar Square within 24 hours.

The 310-mile – or 500km – trip is known as the Trafalgar Way, following the route of dispatches containing news from the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. It took them more than 37 hours and 21 horse changes.

To put the distance into context, the longest stage of the 2018 Tour de France was 231km – 134 miles – long. It would take more than five and a half hours to drive from Falmouth to London.

But Tom, George and Chris will keep the wheels turning knowing they are raising money for Cycling Fighting Cancer, with more than £2,500 already pledged online.

The Macclesfield-based charity, which has a shop in Prestbury, gives new and restored bikes, tandems, specially-adapted trikes and more to children and families affected by cancer throughout the UK.

Physical activity is seen as a key element in rehabilitation from treatments, and cycling helps build fitness, strength and confidence.

The experienced cyclists have been hard at work preparing for the challenge, getting the miles in during long-distance trips in Snowdonia, the Lake District, and the Pyrenees.