Twelve Kirklees freemasons will have the race of their lives when they take on a 280 mile challenge in three days around the county to raise money for their Yorkshire festival.

Former mayor of Kirklees, Clr Martyn Bolt, will be amongst the intrepid team who will cycle around the perimeter of the Yorkshire West Riding Masonic Provinces with 30 other riders from the county on August bank holiday weekend.

Martyn, a member of Woodsmoke Lodge at Mirfield ,and Greenhead Road’s Connaught and Truth member, Craig Johnson, came up with the idea for their grand tour to draw on cycle fever that has taken hold in the area due to the arrival of the Tour De France in the region.

They will have a whistlestop visit to 24 lodges along their route, which will start at Tapton Hall in Sheffield on August 23 before heading north to High Bentham, across to Ripon and then south through Goole and back to Sheffield on August 25.

All proceeds raised will go towards the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (RMBI), the organisation’s main fundraising body, which has been raising money to help fund support for its carehomes, which help free mason families and other members of the public.

Martyn, who helped design the initial route for the Yorkshire Grand Depart, Craig and Lindley Concord branch member, David Wright, will attend fundraising events at Lodges meeting at Holmfirth, Meltham and Uppermill during their epic adventure, called the Provincial Perimeter Pedal.

Martyn said: “I had the original idea three years ago but it’s taken a while to bring together but it will be good to ride on the back of the extra interest in cycling that the Grand Depart brought.

“Cycling is not something normally associated with freemasons and it’s quite a formidable challenge-the first two days are comparable with the Tour de France but the riders won’t be comparable.

“But I’ve been encouraging people to put the training in so hope it will be a great trip.”

Lodge member John Gledhill, said: “Yorkshire, West Riding Freemasons are noted for their tremendous fund-raising efforts and their major charity also supports many worthy causes in local communities, including the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, hospices and skate parks.”

To donate to their effort, go to: www.everydayhero.co.uk/event/E2057A