Trio's fund-raising pedal power as they take on 1,000 miles in six days challenge

From left, Jon Archer, Jack Quinlan and Joe Hunter during their final training ride. RMT Accountants is meeting all their hotel and support vehicle costs.

Jon Archer, Joe Hunter and Jack Quinlan will attempt the challenge of cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats – including extra distance from the normal route to make it 1,000 miles in total – over six days.

They will be setting off from the tip of Cornwall on Friday, July 23 and aim to arrive at the top of Scotland on the following Wednesday by riding an average of about 170 miles every day.

The trio recently completed their final long training session by riding 245 miles from Alnmouth to Maryport on the West Cumbrian coast and back again in around 18 hours.

Alnwick resident Jack is a PE teacher at King Edward VI School in Morpeth. Jon, who works for RMT Accountants in Gosforth, also lives in the town and Joe, a firefighter working out of Pegswood Fire Station, lives in Shilbottle.

They are raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society charity in honour of family members who have been affected by dementia.

Jack said: “We’ve enjoyed cycling for many years and since the Covid restrictions came into effect in spring 2020, being unable to do a range of things meant we’ve been able to step things up and go for long rides together when restrictions have allowed.

“From this, the idea was developed to really push ourselves by attempting to ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats in six days and making it 1,000 miles rather than the traditional 874-mile distance, and doing it for a good cause.

“We’ve been training for the challenge since last October and often the rides are more than 100 miles. The Alnmouth to Maryport and back ride was obviously a long day, but was a very useful experience.

“We’re really looking forward to going on this adventure, although we do recognise that it will be a huge challenge to keep doing about 170 miles each day.

“We will have Joe’s dad accompanying us in a support van.

“We’re very pleased to have raised more than £2,200 so far. Our target is £5,000 and people can make a donation at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lejog-july2021”