ELEVEN cyclists today started a 550-mile charity ride from Bradford to the "most famous cycling town in the world" - despite one of them forgetting their bike.

The group - minus the forgetful cyclist - left City Park for a six-day challenge to Roubaix, in north-east France at about 9.30am.

They travelled out of Bradford up Wakefield Road - where they picked up the 11th member on route - as they started their journey to Hull.

The ride is in aid of two charities - Bradford-based Cycling 4 All and Yorkshire Cancer Research. Money raised will be split equally between the two organisations.

Cycling 4 All runs free inclusive cycling sessions for students in West Yorkshire, including those with disabilities.

One of the cyclists taking part in the Bradford to Roubaix challenge is 26-year-old George Herd, of Baildon. He is a member of Cycling 4 All, which is run by Adam Tasker.

Mr Tasker said funding for Cycling 4 All was coming to an end in August, making fundraising pivotal.

"It is really important group and it promotes Bradford in a positive light by involving disabled people in bike rides."

Mr Herd said he lost the use of his legs after getting leukaemia when he was aged 14. He is using a hand cycle for the ride and has previously done a Morecambe to Flamborough Head cycling challenge.

"I am excited," said Mr Herd, who admitted he had not done "quite as much" preparation as he would like, and added: "When I get going, it will be all right."

Mr Herd got into cycling through Cycling 4 All. He said: "I had never really done anything until about three years ago. I met Adam by accident and started from there.

"I was just sat at home feeling bored, so I made an effort to do something.

"Adam said he was doing this cycling group on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so I went to it and kept going. It is a good way of keeping fit."

On the ride and Mr Herd taking part, Mr Tasker, who is also doing the challenge, said: "It is showing just what disabled people can manage and it raises awareness of what we are doing."

Taras Stefanyszyn, 53, who is one of the riders, said: "We are looking forward to it.

"We are trying to raise as much as possible - we don't have a fixed amount."

He added: "Roubaix is the cycling capital of France. It is the most famous cycling town in the world. We want to make Bradford the cycling capital of the UK."

The cyclists will also visit World War One sites and deliver two wreaths of poppies made by pupils from Bowling Park Primary School in tribute to two Bradford Northern players who died in the conflict, but have no known grave.

Another rider - in a group of nine men and two women - is Michael Webster, 56, of Thornton. He had a hip resurfacing operation last April at Bradford Royal Infirmary and was unable to walk for three months after.

His wife Julie said: "I am really proud of him."

Today the group is cycling to Hull to catch an overnight ferry to Bruges, before a ride to Roubaix. After a couple of days of either resting or tackling a Roubaix to Paris ride, they head back next Monday, arriving in Bradford next Tuesday.

To sponsor the cyclists, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TheHellOfTheNorthRiders.