THIS week 400 children at a school will cheer on three cyclists as they attempt to cycle the height of earth's tallest mountain. 

The children, at Jericho Primary School in Whitehaven, will show their support for Gerard McCarten, 85, who is cycling the height of Mauna Kea. 

Mauna Kea, located in Hawaii, is the tallest mountain on earth when measured from below sea level. 

Gerard has spent the past month cycling a slope beside his house to reach the combined height of the super-sized volcano. 

He will be joined by his friends and veteran cyclists Ged Brear and Mike Cowley as he cycles the final 30 metres of the challenge. 

Mr McCarten said: "I have spent October cycling to a height of 10,175 metres but going no further than 50 metres from my front door. Every circuit completed a height gain of 5.875 metres. 

"Now 1,732 metres later, I will conclude my challenge for the UK charities Macula Society and Sorsby Fundus Dystrophy when I ride the final metres to the resounding singing of 'The Grand Old Duke of York by 400 children at Jericho Primary School.

"I will be accompanied for the grand arrival by 1964 Tokyo Olympian Mike Cowley and local cycling champion Ged Brear."

Sorby Fundus Dystrophy is a condition that Gerard's wife Margaret suffered from since the 1980s until her death last year. 

The challenge will take place on Tuesday, November 5.