TWO cyclists are set to “smash” the Guinness World Record for the largest GPS drawing by spelling out Refugees Welcome to raise funds for charity.

David Charles, from Bournemouth, and his compatriot Georgie Cottle, 26 from Glasgow, are part of Thighs Of Steel, a community of cyclists who take on challenges annually to raise money for charity Choose Love.

Having started their challenge on August 17, more than £39,000 has been raised and the word ‘Refugee’ has been spelled out.

The cycling duo have already broken the Guinness World Record for the largest GPS drawing by bicycle (team), which was 761km and are set to “smash it” further, according to David Charles.

The 39-year-old said: “We have already cycled 1,100km and will be riding another 1,200km.”

“The situation in Afghanistan was hitting the news just as we left. It’s certainly been uppermost in everyone’s minds while we’ve been riding.

“Everyone we meet seems to be aware of the horror of what’s happening, and it’s been heartening to find that most people we’ve met show great compassion towards those forced to flee their homes.”

The pair had the pleasure of meeting Jon Cousins, the mayor of Glastonbury, after they beat the previous world record distance on the Somerset Levels.

Bournemouth Echo: Undated handout photo issued by Thighs Of Steel of Naomi Pratt, Georgie Cottle and David Charles in East Looe, after completing letter R. Two cyclists are set to "smash" the Guinness World Record for the largest GPS drawing by spelling out

In terms of planning the route, Thighs Of Steel founders Harri Symes and Oli Kasteel-Hare came up with the idea to do a GPS drawing of Refugees Welcome.

David said: “Georgie did most of the planning and we use Komoot to plan the rides.

The south of England was the obvious place to plan the ride because Dover is the port of entry for many refugees, the route sends a very direct message of compassion, and because the letters fit nicely,” he added.

“There was an awful lot to consider, both in terms of cycling and logistical constraints such as easy access to overnight accommodation and railway stations.”

The pair also spoke about challenges they have faced, such as suffering from excruciating knee pain, despite being experienced riders.

They said: “It takes a lot of mental as well as physical energy to keep going day after day after day.

“The compensations are being able to eat as much as we like and, of course, the incredibly generous donations from people back home.”

Keen cyclists can also join the team at Thighs Of Steel to spell out any of the welcome letters over September 5-18: https://www.thighsofsteel.com/worldrecord.html

The donation link can be found here: donate.chooselove.org/supporters/lets-spell-it-out/1023/.