British Lions in Douglas during sponsored cycle

But that’s exactly what happened on Friday when stars, including Scotland’s 1990 Five Nations Grand Slam winner Craig Chalmers, rode up to the St Bride’s Centre as part of a 600-mile, week-long charity ride aimed at raising £100,000 for Walking Wounded.

Craig (45), who won 60 caps for Scotland at fly half and centre between 1989 and 1999, said: “It’s been tough, but everybody on this cycle has done well. We pull each other along.”

Fellow rider and ex-Scotland star Rodger Arniel, who is Craig’s elder by 25 years, joked: “Doing this is a lot easier when you are 70 years old.

“The most difficult part has been trying to help Roger Baird up the hills!”

The other Scot among the cycling party was the aforementioned Baird, who won 27 caps playing on the wing between 1981 and 1988.

He said: “It is great to share the workload and a bit of banter.”

For more on this story pick up a copy of the Carluke and Lanark Gazette, which is in the shops now.