Friends Lorraine Clayton, from Fakenham, and Karina Waite, from Great Massingham, are gearing up to cycle their way across 230 miles of rough roads in Cuba in March 2009.

So far their preparations to get fit have been fairly low key with gym and swimming sessions, but that is all set to change with the better weather. Cycling longer distances will then come into play and from September they begin a more rigorous six-month training programme.

The two mums, who met through their children's attendance at Colkirk Primary School, have been motivated to put themselves on the line by the charity Women to Women. Part of the deal is for each of them to raise £3,000 towards its research programme.

Mrs Clayton said: "We came across the Cuba Cycle Challenge by accident really. We were talking about getting fit and how we both needed motivation for that to happen. We looked on the Internet for inspiration and stumbled on the infertility expert Sir Robert Winston talking about his recent TV series.

"Then we discovered he was patron of Women to Women, which funds research into the causes of miscarriage, cancer, pre-eclampsia and premature delivery.

"This really inspired us as we both have experience of supporting children and families in the community and Karina is a midwife at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital."

The link between the charity and the sponsored bike ride was just too good to ignore and the decision to take part quickly followed.

After initial reactions of disbelief from their families, both Mrs Clayton and Mrs Waite have received overwhelming support.

As they have to raise all the money by Christmas, a series of fundraising activities has been scheduled. The first of these, a jumble sale at Fakenham Methodist Hall, raised £240.

There's also a jazz night at Walsingham on Saturday, June 7, with a curry evening, a family fun day and a quiz night coming up later.

Anyone who can sponsor these redoubtable ladies can contact Lorraine on 07974 773256 or via lclayton@orange.net