Pedal power and determination will be needed by Harvey Turner and Michael Nippe on their trip of a lifetime cycling across America, starting from the west coast.

Biking 60 miles a day, six days a week for 10 weeks is the aim and the ride will also raise cash for Red Cross.

Mr Turner, of St Monica’s Road, Kingsdown, said: "We have already raised £3,000 and people can sponsor us as well."

The idea for the 3,500 mile journey from San Francisco to York Town, just south of Washington, started with a conversation in a pub.

Mr Turner and Mr Nippe, both 22, are former pupils at Sir Roger Manwood’s School, Sandwich, and were discussing a possible trip when the idea for a cycling challenge emerged.

Bar manager Mr Nippe, from Minster, said: "We will have no support team or back up, no nutritionists or massages to ease the pain! We will aim to camp for 80 per cent of the trip, as the route we take covers some of the country’s most stunning scenery and wildlife.

"The real tricky parts come when rationing enough water and food to overcome such hurdles as 11,000ft mountain passes in Colorado, 110 degree plus heat in Nevada, potentially getting caught in the Rockies on summits which snow year round and navigating roads like "the loneliest road in America" 180miles of desolate raw landscape. No shops, no water, no sympathy."

Mr Turner, who has just finished a degree in engineering at university in Swansea, said the highlight of the journey for him will be the trip across the Rocky Mountains.

"I am keen on photography so we will be setting up a website so family and friends can follow our progress."

The two friends, who set off next week, have already paid for the trip, as well as raising the £3,000 at a fundraising event in Canterbury.