The fundraising cyclists follow the canal trail out of London

 The fundraising cyclists follow the canal trail out of London

These folks were taking part in the truly great British Bike Off, a 300-mile sponsored ride from London to Cheshire which raised almost £40,000 and was sponsored by Express newspapers.

Triggering from the Olympic Park in London, the 31 riders wheeled their way north along roads and cycleways parallel to canals and rivers that form a network that was once the key transport system in great britain.

En route they passed such sights as Hatton Locks, 21 locks which allow boats on the Grand Union Canal to go up up 148ft in less than two miles. It's nicknamed the "stairway to heaven" but sweating cyclists might think of it as something more important.

However, their three-day journey aids towards preserving our industrial heritage.

Ruth Ruderham, in the Canal & River Trust, said: "Our canals and rivers are a national treasure. They have had a renaissance previously few decades but we must raise more cash to take care of them."