Athlete begins USA charity cycle

Kenny Herriot will cycle across 16 states during his 4,000 mile cycle

A Scottish wheelchair cyclist is set to begin an epic 4,000 mile journey across America to raise money for children's charities.

Kenny Herriot will cross the continent on a specially-designed hand cycle, covering an average of 89 miles a day.

He will set off from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge on Monday at 0900 local time (1700 BST) and aims to finish in New York on 7 June.

Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy said Mr Herriot's effort was inspirational.

"Kenny is a well-known and inspirational figure among the sporting community and he has always given 100% dedication to helping charities and people who need support and help," he said.

This challenging journey will push me to my limits as I cycle an average of 89 miles every day Kenny Herriot

"This fundraising effort from the Pacific to Atlantic is a massive undertaking and will cover a range of challenging landscapes. Kenny's target of cycling 4,000 miles in only 42 days will be an incredible feat."

Mr Herriot hopes to raise tens of thousands of pounds for Northsound Radio's Cash for Kids appeal, which distributes money to children's groups and projects in north east Scotland, and Alex's Lemonade Stand, an American childhood cancer charity.

Originally from Edinburgh, but now based in Aberdeen, Mr Herriot became disabled as the result of a motorbike accident in 2000. He has since competed in marathons across the world and broke the British record for the marathon in 2005.

Deserts and canyons

He said: "After my accident, I was determined to regain my fitness and not let my disability hold me back in life so I have pushed hard to get to where I am as one of the world's top ranked wheelchair athletes.

"This challenging journey will push me to my limits as I cycle an average of 89 miles every day, but over the last seven years of racing I have been given fantastic opportunities and travelled the world, so now it's my time to give something back."

Accompanied by two friends, including his cousin John Snedden - who will drive his support vehicle - Mr Herriot will cross terrain ranging from deserts to steep hills and canyons.

Billed the Great Lemon Ride, the cycle will follow the Western Express Route to Pueblo, Colorado, before taking US Highway 50 to Washington DC and, finally, US Highway 1 to New York City.

Nevada, Utah, Kansas, Illinois, Ohio and Pennsylvania are among the states to be visited.

Mr Herriot's previous fundraising efforts include a 1,000 mile cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats in aid of Cash for Kids last year.