Red Dwarf star Danny John-Jules in charity endurance ride

Danny John-Jules plays The Cat in cult sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf, wandering the universe in a decrepit spaceship. But in real life you’re more likely to find him on a motorcycle. And this month he’s setting off on a 7,000 mile journey to raise money for Sport Relief, with endurance rider Graham Hoskins. And you’ll be able to follow their trip, as they blog about their experiences here on the Get On website.

Hoskins created the “Iron Butt Challenge” in 2005, when he rode 4,000 miles in six days for BBC Children in Need. That trip was London to Moscow return. This time, Hoskins and John-Jules will ride around the Mediterranean in 15 days, covering three continents on their Honda Transalp 700 motorbikes.

“I can’t wait to get the trip started,” says John-Jules. “I’ve been a passionate rider for over a decade, but have never taken on a challenge like this. Riding offers such a great sense of fun and freedom and this trip should be the ultimate of all rides.” The pair will set off on Saturday 27th February from Alexandra Palace in north London during the Ace Café’s 2010 Ally Pally Bike Show.

They will then cross to France, down to Algeria by ferry, through Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Turkey and back up to Germany, through France, returning to the UK on the 14th March. John-Jules and Hoskins will cover 480 miles on their shortest day and 630 miles on their longest.

 “It’s great to be able to help raise money for such an amazing project as Sport Relief and hopefully encourage some more people to get on two wheels via the Get On campaign,” says Danny John-Jules. To sponsor the pair for Sport Relief, please go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ironbutts.

If you’re inspired to plan your own adventure on two wheels, take your first step by booking your free ride now. And you can look forward to seeing Danny John-Jules back on screen later this year in a new series of Red Dwarf.