A charity cycle ride in aid of a men’s cancer charity is heading for Galashiels this summer – and organisers are looking for local support for the riders – and cyclists to take part - as they travel from London to Edinburgh.

Orchid, the UK’s male cancer charity, is organising an epic 37 hour unique relay charity cycle ride from Buckingham Palace, London to Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh to raise awareness for the 37,000 men diagnosed each year with a male specific cancer. So if you fancy a challenge of Olympic proportions for 2012 or just want to boost your fitness and raise money for a great cause, why not sign up and get cycling!

The Palace to Palace challenge begins on Friday 22^nd June 2012, at Green Park, Central London where relay teams of two will set off from Buckingham Palace to embark on the 400 mile journey. The cyclists will take it in turns to alternatively pedal through night and day with each rider cycling up to 200 miles during this fast paced 37 hour challenge.

All cyclists will set off together leaving London via Hyde Park heading North. The route then skirts around Peterborough and Lincoln, across the Humber River and heads on towards York. Riding through the night challengers will cross the Scottish border via Galashiels on the Saturday and carry onwards to Edinburgh. The group will then reconvene on the outskirts of Edinburgh before entering the city together, arriving en masse at Holyrood Palace.

To commemorate the completion of this gruelling challenge participants will spend Saturday night in Edinburgh in a 2/3* hotel and will be rewarded with well deserved celebratory meal in the evening.

This demanding challenge is not for the faint hearted, high levels of fitness, stamina and mental determination will be a must for all participants. Cyclists will also need good road sense as the route will incorporate many ‘A’ and ‘B’ roads. Cyclists will be supported by experienced Discovery Adventure leaders/drivers, a cycle guide at night and mechanic support. The route will be marked and snacks and drinks will be available at the regular team swapping points.

To take part, each team of two will need to raise a minimum sponsorship of £1,900 per team of two. To register visit www.orchid-cancer.org.uk or contact events@orchid-cancer.org.uk or call 0203 4657 197/ 0203 4657 293.

If you would like more information about Orchid and how you can help fight male cancer visit their website www.orchid-cancer.org.uk