Two hundred "mad" cyclists are storming through the West, calling in at rugby clubs as they head from Land's End to Twickenham to support service and sporting heroes.

They called in at Ivel Barbarians Rugby Club at Yeovil yesterday.

The Lexus Great British Bike Race aims to boost Help for Heroes which raises cash to help injured service men and women, the Rugby Football Union Injured Players Foundation and the Rugby Professionals Association Benevolent Fund

The ride will become an annual event hoping to raise £1.5 million in five years.

Rugby legend Richard Hill, the former Saracens, England and British Lions player, is the ride's high-profile ambassador, although knee surgery has forced him to abandon plans to cycle.

Former England captain Martin Johnson was expected to ride out with the squad yesterday on the next leg of their journey, which ends on Saturday.

Darren Clayton, from Exeter, who played for Plymouth Rugby Club last season, is the organiser of the event and his father, Barry, is director.

"There are 200 mad cyclists riding over four days, and it's going really well." he said. "We've got support from the Army who are putting us up in tented camps along the way, calling in at rugby clubs as we go we are showing support for grass roots rugby.

To make a donation, visit www.greatbritishbikeride.com.