TWO cyclists hope to pedal their way across 650 miles to raise money for The Comet s charity of the year. Martin Rowe, from Stotfold, and friend Steve Theaker will travel from St Malo in north west France through the French countryside, up and over the Py

TWO cyclists hope to pedal their way across 650 miles to raise money for The Comet's charity of the year.

Martin Rowe, from Stotfold, and friend Steve Theaker will travel from St Malo in north west France through the French countryside, up and over the Pyrenees and down into Bilbao in northern Spain.

The journey is Mr Rowe's third long distance cycle ride for charity and this time he is raising money for the Garden House Hospice in Letchworth GC.

The two men will be starting off from St Malo on July 12 and, give or take the odd wrong turn, will be hoping to catch a ferry back to England from near Bilbao on July 20.

Mr Rowe said: "All being well we should have enough time for some good days on the road and plenty of time for refuelling in the evening.

"I am not looking forward to the Pyrenees at all. Fortunately we don't get to them until later on so I am hoping that I have either eased myself into it by then or I may be so numb I don't notice the pain.

"My normal training route doesn't involve too many mountains but I feel very good about the flat bits.

"My father was looked after by the Garden House Hospice during a long battle with cancer.

"The love and care that the staff at the hospice give to everyone can't fail to touch people who are involved with them. My Dad passed away in the hospice and his last days were made as comfortable as they could possibly be."

Both cyclists have completed two other lengthy rides. One was the length of Ireland and the other was from Land's End to John O'Groats.

Mr Rowe said: "This was slightly longer than expected. After a lengthy malt whisky tasting session in Scotland we got up in a bit of a mess and cycled 20 miles back home before we recovered our bearings and started heading north again!"

The trip is completely self-funded and every penny donated goes directly to the hospice.

The two men are hoping to raise at least £1,000 for the hospice and donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/martinrowe or sent directly to the hospice.

In another event aimed at raising money for the hospice the partners behind The Retreat hair and beauty spa in London Road, Biggleswade, have organised a charity ball which also marks the 10th anniversary of the opening of the spa.

The birthday ball is due to take place on October 10.