A group of sailors from the future pride of the Royal Navy fleet will be sticking solidly to dry land for the next five days.
The 15-strong bunch from the under construction HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier in Rosyth, Fife, are to cycle 500 miles from Edinburgh to London from today in aid of the navy and marines charity.
They are due to leave Edinburgh Castle this morning, after Lord Provost Donald Wilson wished them luck.
Both cities are affiliated to the carrier, which has a price tag of £3.1 billion.
Mr Wilson said: “The journey celebrates HMS Queen Elizabeth’s affiliation with both Capital cities.
"As the largest ship ever built for the Navy, HMS Elizabeth may be a feat of engineering but this challenge will be a feat of strength and endurance for those taking part. I wish everyone taking part the best of luck.
The ride ends outside London’s Guildhall on Wednesday afternoon.
Team captain, Petty Officer ‘Mini’ Cooper, 38, said: “This is a fantastic event for the ship and we are delighted to be undertaking it with our friends from industry.
"There’s no doubt it will be tough, but we have trained hard and are ready for it. It is all for a great cause.”
The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity is the principal charity of the Royal Navy. It exists to support sailors, marines and their families, for life. Last year it gave £8 million to people most in need including serving personnel, veterans and families.
The future aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, are currently being built in Rosyth, Fife.
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