'Men in Lycra' cycle to Belgium for charity

Three Lycra-clad cyclists are preparing to pedal two gruelling rides for charity – tackling a Texan desert and a 150km-a-day slog from London to Brussels, writes Matt Reason. The trio will take on the 565km journey from England to Belgium on September 25, but before that, two of the intrepid team will take on the "toughest ride on earth" known as Hotter 'n Hell Hundred. Mike Ball, of Ingatestone, Essex, is one of the pair taking on the ride on August 24, a 160km slog starting and ending at Wichita Falls in Texas. "It will be hard, we know that,” he said. “It was a spur of the moment decision. We were having a few drinks and I just said I would go. Just as well, because if I have too much time to think about it I might not do it! It will be an incredible experience and I really cannot wait to get over there." The second ride, in which all three men, who dubbed themselves ‘The Three Men in Lycra’, will ride from the Olympic Stadium, in Stratford, to their final destination in Brussels. Taking four days, the journey will take in three countries, each presenting its own challenging terrain. Mike Ball will be riding with friends Jason Griffin and Brent Coulson on the September ride and with just Mr Coulson in America. The rides will both be for the charity Cure Parkinson's Trust and a charity auction took place in Ingatestone, Essex last Friday to help boost funds.