From L-R: Keith, Stewart, Tim, and Laurie.

A GROUP of Hitchin businessmen have returned from their own version of the Coast to Coast cycle ride, after deciding to take on the challenge just over a week before setting off.

Keith Yexley, Stewart Peart, Laurie Hill, Tim Tate, Fred McBreen and John Stavely all work for Comet country based businesses.

They set off on the 210 mile journey from Hitchin market square, and after heading up north on the train, cycled round national cycle routes and climbed up more than 1,900ft to the top of the Hartside Pass.

They also finished their ride in the town, which led them to name the feat Hitchin to Hitchin.

Although it didn’t start out as a charity event, the men decided to raise the money for Teenage Cancer Trust, Medic Malawi and Greenacres Education Trust as the idea took off. So far, they have raised more than £5,500 for these causes.

“Although it didn’t start out as a charity event, we thought it a good idea to raise a bit of cash along the way,” said Keith.

“I’d love to take the credit, however, the original idea came from Stewart who essentially organised the whole thing, from train tickets to the route we took.

“We were basically just a group of local people that went out as business associates and came back as friends.”

Stewart, Fred and John are also running the Beachy Head Marathon as part of their final challenge.

To sponsor any of the men, visit www.justgiving.com/keith-yexley www.justgiving.com/blaze4malwai or www.justgiving.com/tim-tate