Inspired by Hollywood actor Ewan McGregor and his mate Charley Boorman’s motorcycle trip from London to New York, two men are about to embark on their own odyssey – from Leeds to Azerbaijan.

Michael Griffin and Bob McPherson hope to make it in time for curtain up on the European Song Contest being held in the capital, Baku, on Saturday, May 26.

And they have also set their own challenge of visiting 28 countries in the 28 days they estimate it will take to ride to Baku and back.

They will set off from Leeds on May 12.

Michael, 46, who recently lived in Aldersley Avenue, Skipton, and Bob, 56, of Calverley, who will pitch a tent or find other accommodation along the way, are aiming to raise £20,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

“I got the idea after reading The Long Way Round about Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman’s trip while I was on holiday in Portugal. As I got home I heard that Azerbaijan had won the European Song Contest and I thought that’s as good a place as any,” said Michael, who will be riding a Triumph 800 adventure bike.

“We’ll arrive in time for the contest stay the night and set off for the return trip the next day arriving back in Leeds on June 10.

On the outward 4,000 mile journey they will travel through Holland, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan, returning through Armenia, Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, Kosova, Montenegro, Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy Liechtenstein, Austria, Switzerland France and Belgium.

While in Baku they are planning to meet Graham Norton who will be hosting the show for the BBC to tell him of their adventure.

The two men have arranged a fundraiser at Skipton Working Men’s Club, next Friday, April 20, starting at 7.30pm.

It will feature the band Operator 6 who have toured with Paul Weller and Ocean Colour Scene.

They have already raised £1,500 at a previous event.

People wanting to keep tracks on them can do so at thereandbaku.