Two adventure-hungry friends are preparing to become the world's first people to cycle, row and run almost non-stop from Los Angeles to London.

The mammoth challenge, dubbed LA2London, will see Simon Prior from Potton, and friend Kris Bearryman cycle 6,000km across the United States, before rowing across the Atlantic ocean to Cornwall, then finishing off with a 320-mile run from Lands End to London.

They will cover almost 5,500 miles in the epic task lasting five tortuous months and hope to raise £50,000 for charity.

Simon, 27, of Catherines Close, said: "Only 24 people have ever rowed from west to east across the Atlantic, but no-one has ever done the cycle and run at the same time.

"We are both unbelievably excited by the prospect of this trip. Of course, we are nervous but life should all be about the experience and there can't be too many experiences better than this."

He and Kris, a policeman from Gravesend in Kent, both cycled 3,400 miles across Australia in 2005. But their latest challenge is set to be the toughest yet.

Beginning on the LA coast it will take in Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and end in New York.

After a short rest, they will set sail in a small seven-metre boat for the next two months, rowing up to 90km a day with potential obstacles including sharks, whales, high seas and oil tankers.

On reaching land, Simon and Kris, who went to university together, will then run the equivalent of a marathon a day to take them from Land's End to the finishing post in London.

They aim to set off on March 1 next year. Family and supporters back home will be able to track their progress through a live GPS link on their special website which is currently being created.

Simon and Kris are now looking for local businesses to back them.
Call Simon to find out more on 07835 410159.

See the March 4 Biggleswade Chronicle for the full story.