Take over half of the academic staff at SMH, equip them all with bikes they can barely ride, issue them with a map and a challenge to get 170 miles under their own steam from one side of England to the other in three days this May half term and you have the 2017 SMH C2C Challenge!

After treating our resident Australian gap student, Mr Sgorous, to an early morning dip in Morecambe Bay on the first day of half term the assembled peloton of 22 riders will set out across the shoulder of England from the Irish Sea at Morecambe in the west to the North Sea in the east arriving (hopefully) in Bridlington three gruelling days later. Not wanting Mr Sgorous to miss out on all the British coastline has to offer we will also, for good measure, pop him into the North Sea at the end of our quest as well!

The route itself cuts across some of the most breathtaking scenery that northern England can boast including the Lune Valley, the Yorkshire Dales, Nidderdale and the Yorkshire Wolds. This is interspersed with the peleton calling through the beautiful market towns and villages of Settle, Grassington, Appletreewick, Pateley Bridge, Ripon. There is even time to take in the ruins at Fountains Abbey, before passing past the front door of York Minster on day two.

With a combined riding age rivalling that of the College's Egyptian Mummy combined with cycling experience amounting to zero there are certainly challenges ahead but the fellowship are going about things in the right manner. In true Ignatian fashion they intend to stop en route, reflect and take stock and do so in various hostelries across Lancashire and Yorkshire.

All of the combined blood, sweat and tears are for two very worthwhile charitable causes close to the riders’ hearts. If you do feel you can support us then your donation will be gratefully and humbly received.

To see how prime athletes prepare for such an undertaking or just want to see embarrassing photos of teachers in lycra see below!