THEY’RE pedalling an epic 1,000 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats for charity – and had no problems until they came down Holme Moss.

Cycling trio, Adam Hirst, Mark Howlett and Mike Carter found time for a break in Huddersfield to update friends and family on their progress.

The group are doing the popular “LeJoG” challenge to raise cash for Wooden Spoon, a rugby charity for children.

And the St George’s Square stop-off came at just the right time after one of the group had a nasty smash coming down the notorious Holme Moss descent.

Adam Hirst’s chain jammed as he sped down the steep Holme Valley road, throwing him over the handlebars.

But he was not seriously injured and pedalled on to town to meet up with supporters.

The retired Huddersfield Rugby Union Club player’s accident came only moments after the group had been met by family at the top of the hill.

Sarah Dixon, sister of Mark Howlett, said they had surprised them with a homemade banner.

She said: “My husband made the sign and the kids painted it.

“We wanted to give them a lift, so we were at the top of Holme Moss trying to hold it up in the wind when they arrived.

“They were in high spirits. They were tired but they were really enjoying it.

“Up to the crash they hadn’t had any serious problems.”

Writing on their LeJog blog, Merlot’s Mates, the cyclists revealed the smash had delayed their arrival at Huddersfield town centre.

It said: “Grazed elbows and a severe winding was only the start.

“Both wheels buckled and frame cracked.

“Adam got off lightly. We had to get Mike’s broken bike out for Adam to limp along.”

The trio’s spirits were soon lifted again when family and friends of Adam and Mark, who both hail from Huddersfield, turned out to meet them at St George’s Square.

The group hope to complete their week-long challenge tomorrow, raising more than £5,000 in the process.

It is the third time the rugby lovers have taken on a gruelling challenge for the charity.

In 2008 they raised £4,400 by climbing four of the highest peaks in the UK and Ireland within 48 hours.

In 2009 they canoed the 10.5 mile length of Lake Windermere, cycled 46 miles over England’s steepest road pass, the 1:3 gradient Wrynose, and finally conquered Scafell Pike on foot – all in less than 12 hours.

This raised a further £4,000.

All money raised by the event will be used to make a positive impact on the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in Yorkshire.

They are updating their blog daily.

It can be found at: http://merlotsmates.blogspot.co.uk/

A link to their JustGiving webpage where you can make a donation can be found on the blog.