A TEAM of cyclists are planning an epic 12-day bike ride in aid of a children’s hospice which will see them climb almost 35,000 metres, nearly as much as the riders in the Tour de France.

This August 2013 challenge will see five close friends take on 12 days or so in the saddle as they pedal from Chorley to Nice, via the Alps and cover more than a thousand miles in aid of the hospice Derian House.

The riders will be supported by Barnoldswick-based bike component manufacturer Hope Technology.

Pedal de Alps will cover a distance of 1,018 miles with an elevation gain of 34,757m, the Tour de France last year climbed 38,440m over three weeks.

The team consists of former world motorcycle trials champion Dougie Lampkin, his manager Jake Miller, builder Paul Dixon, plumber James Lampkin, plus Hope's progress manager Woody Hole. With the full support of Hope, the team have been building up the miles over the last few months.

Last weekend saw the Pedal de Alps squad endure another tough training session fought against low temperatures and strong winds as they made their way on the almost 80-mile journey from North Yorkshire to the Lake District. The team cycled west towards Clitheroe before taking in the testing hills of the Trough of Bowland.

Adding even more elevation to the route, they climbed further as they pedalled almost across to Lancaster before turning north to Carnforth then on to the coastal town of Arnside. Dougie Lampkin MBE said: “It was a really great chance to ride as such a big group and a support car in tow. It almost made us look like we knew what we were doing.

“A big thanks needs to go to the Hope crew for making it happen and for their on going support of Pedal de Alps.”

To find out more, visit www.pedal-de-alps.com.