TWO people, one bike, 4,300 miles. That’s the challenge facing husband and wife team Tim and Ruth Dunsby as they limber up ready to take on the rough roads of the United States, riding from West to East in a 64-day test of their endurance.

The Christchurch couple will start their journey on Monday in Seaside, Oregon, from there pedalling through the states of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colarado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and finishing in Yorktown, Virginia, at the end of July.

The duo, who leave the UK today, are both cycling the 4,300 miles to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, for whom Tim is a driver.

Tim, 63, who last year cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats for the same worthy cause, said the pair both had a few butterflies now the trip was imminent.

“Apparently it is downhill all the way, the wind will be on our backs, there won’t be any rain and with over 127 years of experience propelling the tandem, it should be a bit of a breeze – we hope”, he said.

Tim will take up position at the front of the bike – the captain’s role – while Ruth, 64, will sit behind him, although she dispels any notions of putting her feet up while her husband does all the hard work.

She said: “I am what is called the ‘stoker’, riding at the back, and despite all opinions to the contrary, will contribute my fair share of the energy required to propel us from the Pacific to the Atlantic.”

Joining the couple along the way will be their friend Jane Mardon who is driving the camping equipment and food the couple will need.

To donate money, go to justgiving.co.uk/timdunsby