The cycle, from John o' Groats to Land's End, will raise funds for the Davy Crabb Mearns Foundation.

Davy was a stalwart of the Mearns United club for many years as a player, then later as manager/committee member.

Davy died in December 2007 aged 47 and his son Ryan is one of the quartet who will tackle the marathon cycle.

Ryan, together with Grant Morris, Chris Kirkland and Andrew Beel, will leave from John o' Groats on July 30 and will arrive at Land's End nine days later, on August 7.

The four will cycle on their own, with no support vehicle providing back-up. They have their route and schedule carefully planned out and will stay in hotels on two of the nights and on campsites the remainder of the time.

Since Davy's untimely death, his friends associated with Mearns United have been raising cash for deserving causes. They donated an ice machine to the Kincardine Community Hospital and also made a contribution to the Anchor Unit.

The money has been raised at various fundraising nights held in the Station Hotel, including a Deal or No Deal, a Stonehaven's Got Talent and a Stars in their Eyes.

Ryan says they are waiting for the Davy Crabb Mearns Foundation to be officially granted charitable status. Money raised by the cycle ride will go to a local good cause or causes, most likely to be a group or groups who assisted his dad when he was ill.

The four originally wanted to cycle the length of Britain on tandems, but that looks unlikely to happen unless a major sponsor gets on board to assist with the cost. It would cost £600 to hire two tandems for the nine days.

If the tandem plan fails to materialise, Ryan, Grant, Chris and Andrew will ride their own bikes.

Letters have gone out to local businesses seeking sponsorship, either by way of a financial contribution or by providing some of the equipment needed.

The lads are paying for their own food/accomodation in order that everything pledged in sponsorship goes to charity.

Ryan said: "Any business sponsoring us would get their company name on our shirts and on our sponsor forms. We would welcome any assistance, large or small."

Chris Kirkland's employers, KCA Deutag pledged £500 as soon as they heard what he was going to do and the four hope to raise between £2,500 and £3,000.

Ryan added: "There is still plenty of time for the public to give us their support. Sponsor forms are in the Station Hotel, or people can ring me on 07701 050184."

The four lads have been training hard. Chris works offshore but has been working on an exercise bike while on the rig.

The other three have been cycling ten miles a day for some time, as they build themselves up for what will be a gruelling challenge.
The total distance is 916 miles, meaning the lads will have to cover an average of 102 miles per day.