Cycling lovebirds to ride round world for charity

LAST month we told the story of cycle-mad couple Helen Clarkson and Mike Langridge, who fell head over handlebars for each other after meeting on dating app Tinder.

The couple, who live in Glasgow, got their wheels in a whirl when they realised they shared a lifelong ambition to pedal around the globe.

And, after a whirlwind romance, they began to plan their dream trip in tandem.

Their epic adventure – on bikes they built themselves – will begin in April, and see the biking bugs travel through the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, America and back to Britain after 16 months.

It’s all very exciting – but just weeks ago, Helen and Mike decided to put a new spin on their adventure… by announcing they would tie the knot during the journey.

They became engaged just a few weeks ago, after Mike got down on one knee during a trip to London to celebrate his 30th birthday.

And where better to exchange vows than the stunning surroundings of Yosemite National Park, the destination they’re scheduled to reach a year into the charity cycle?

Almost 5000 miles away from home, it will be a very private affair with just the bride, groom and a few witnesses present.

Helen may even have to say her vows in her cycling gear, as she can’t fit a fancy frock in her tiny backpack.

Sadly both families will miss the big day – but they’ll be able to join in the celebrations at a special party to welcome the newlyweds home.

And it will definitely be a knees-up to remember.

The couple have booked out a big farm near Leven in Fife for September 2018, not long after they return.

And cycling is almost certain to be the theme.

Mike is already cracking jokes about biking his best men into the reception, and the couple imagine their figurines on top of the cake will have two wheels in tow.

Helen hopes it will be a real family affair, with her brother flipping burgers on the barbie, and to recycle her sister-inlaw’s wedding dress, provided it fits of course!

It will definitely be a world away from the gruelling 26,000mile round-the-world cycle they’re currently preparing for, which they hope will raise £26,000 for mental health charity MIND.

And it will be a fab party... just as long as the love birds aren’t too “tyred”!