They have admitted they find life easier on the pitch than at the pedal.
But four former Scotland rugby stars will swap boots for bikes on Friday when they begin the mammoth challenge of cycling the 234-mile Caledonia Way from Campbeltown to Inverness in the space of just 36 hours.
Ruaridh Jackson, the Aberdeen-born stand-off is among those who realise they will be putting their bodies through the wringer and entering uncharted territory.
But Scotland internationalists Richie Vernon, Ryan Grant and Jackson and Scotland 7s internationalist Andrew Easson are embarking on the challenge to raise funds for The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and Unite Against Cancer.
The four, who have admitted they are not exactly built for long-distance cycling have previously been involved in gruelling gym sessions, but appreciate this new initiative will be an entirely different proposition.
Yet, undeterred, they have been putting in the training miles in preparation for the challenge.
Starting on Friday August 21, at Earadale in Cambeltown, the route steers the quartet along the entire Kintyre Peninsula north to Tarbert, through Lochgilphead with the objective of reaching Oban by the end of the first day.
After an overnight recovery, the long second day follows a route to Fort William, Fort Augustus, the south side of Loch Ness to Foyers and on to finish at the Highland Rugby Club in Inverness late on Saturday afternoon.
EYEWITNESS: Ruaridh Jackson talks about his favourite rugby memories from 1990 to 2019
Jackson said: “I think everybody has been inspired by how Doddie has responded to being told he has motor neurone disease and we want to show him how his example has given succour to so many others.
“I also want to back the efforts of the people involved with Unite Against Cancer, because they are doing a terrific job, but not getting much publicity.
Vernon added: “We are doing this to raise money for two charities which are close to our hearts.
“The trip takes each of us well outside our comfort zone so if anyone can spare a few quid to sponsor us, I’m sure it will make the pain a little more bearable.”
“We set our fundraising target at £5,000 and that has already been passed. We are very grateful to those who have already given, and we really would appreciate any donation large or small as every penny can help to make a difference.”
Fans of rugby and supporters can cheer on the group’s progress by checking their whereabouts on the live event tracker at
http://yb.tl/tries2trials
Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/cycling-the-caledonian-way
