CYCLISTS gathered in Huddersfield last night for their last preparation meeting before a gruelling charity ride.

Three hundred people are due to take part in Pedal for Pounds 3 in aid of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Huddersfield Town’s academy.

They will set off on the 260-mile route from Yeovil to Huddersfield on Wednesday.

The riders, who will split into teams of 20 for the four-day ride, picked up their coloured shirts at last night’s meeting at the Cedar Court Hotel at Ainley Top.

Town legend Andy Booth will be a member of blue team again this year.

He said: “We’re an intermediate team, we just take it steady, we don’t rush to get there.”

Andy was one of 23 riders who took part in the first Pedal for Pounds ride to Southend in 2010.

“It was brilliant. We all had meals together and went out for a drink at the end of the day,” he said.

“Last year was different and we split into teams of 20. You get to know the people in your team and a lot of us are in the same team this year.

“You get quite close to people and some great friendships have developed.”

Andy fears his lack of training could be a problem on the ride from Yeovil.

“I’ve not done as much training as I would like to do,” he said.

“I had bad knees in my playing days. I’ve weaned myself off the tablets and I can walk pain-free but I can’t do exercise.

“I’ve never had any problems on the bike though.

“I’m dreading the ride a little bit but it’ll be fun when we get started.”