TWO Newport cyclists yesterday pedalled off for the ride of a lifetime on an 18,000 mile trip.

Ryan Farley, 25 from Monnow Way and Rob Shipley 24, of Pant Road are cycling around the world to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

They will need to ride an average of 50–60 miles a day to finish the trip in approximately one year.

Before they took off, Mr Shipley said: “The bikes have been ready for a week now and we’ve been out and about on them. We went for our last cycle on Tuesday. We don’t want to injure ourselves before we go.”

After some last minute toiletry shopping on Thursday and some final vaccinations, Mr Shipley said the pair were as ready as they’re going to be for the ride.

“We’re just excited now. It’s been six to seven months of planning it and the last few weeks have gone so fast. In the last few weeks everyone has come out to help us and donate,” he said. “It’s a weight off our shoulders.”

So far, the pair have raised £4,500 of their £18,000 target – that’s one pound for every mile.

The planned route will take them through 31 countries and will be at least 18,000 miles.

Mr Shipley said: “I’ve got friends in Canada and Australia, so will be great to see them. The situation in Russia will have hopefully calmed down by the time we get there.

Each cyclist has a trailer and panniers, but with minimal space Mr Shipley said there will only be room for a couple of changes of clothes, underwear and electronics.

The pair plan to keep everyone at home updated throughout the trip via their website and social media. They’ll also have a GPS tracker with them, meaning people can follow their route.

“If it doesn’t go off for a couple of days, you’ll know we’re in trouble,” said Mr Shipley.

Yesterday, the pair met other cyclists at the Tiny Rebel brewery in Maesglas.

The Newport brewers are one of the men’s main sponsors and hosted the early meet up before all the cyclists rode together to the velodrome.

There, they met more supporters on bikes and in cars, who accompanied them to the Severn Bridge for a full send-off.

To follow their journey or donate, go to c4cruk.co.uk