CLAD in Lycra with their pristine bikes ready for the off, a motley crew of 11 men kicked off an intense physical challenge to raise money for the Steve Bernard Foundation yesterday.

The group, including Steve’s dad Tony and brother Jacques, set off from Christchurch Football Club for Land’s End on Friday with the aim of cycling more than 950 miles to John O’Groats in Scotland in nine days.

But once they reach their Highlands destination the exertion won’t be over.

For after they have ridden more than 100 miles a day, the team will then haul their aching limbs up Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and then Snowdon to complete the Three Peaks Challenge.

The Steve Bernard Foundation was set-up in memory of the youngster who died in a car accident in 2005 and has raised thousands of pounds for local sporting projects.

Yesterday, once reaching Land’s End the team would have ridden 40 miles to Okehampton with today’s schedule taking them to Bristol via Taunton and Bridgewater.

Steve’s father, Tony, who is managing director of the foundation, said Jacques came up with the plan about a year ago.

“We’ve been planning this for a year and in training for six months, so we’re really ready to go and get started now.

“It was all Jacques’ idea. He said he wanted to do something extreme and I said I’d join him.

“It all took off from there and here we are now with nine others.

“People think we’re mad and at this moment in time.

“I’d say they were probably right.”

Tony added: “I know Steve will be with us all the way.”

As a way of keeping supporters updated, the lads will be blogging all about journey throughout the trip.

For details about sponsoring the lads and to read the blog go to stevebernardfoundation.com