It began as a bet, but has now become something of an annual pilgrimage.

Seven years ago two friends had the bright, if somewhat unusual idea, of cycling the End to End sporting dresses to raise money for charity.

Since then the number of brave souls willing to put their dignity on the line in the name of charity has spiralled to more than 20 and the outfits have ranged from cave men to chickens and last year Star Wars characters.

This year the First Atlantic Commerce and Friends team led by Chris Burns will be donning Angry Birds costumes before jumping on their bikes in St George’s and completing the journey.

“It started out as a bet,” said Mr Burns.

“My friend Craig and I were both working for First Atlantic Commerce at the time in 2008 and decided at the last minute to cycle the End to End.

“As we were looking for sponsorship a couple of friends said they would sponsor us $500 if we did it in dresses. How could we refuse?

“We had a great day and we were hooked on the event.

“The following year Craig was off Island so I recruited other colleagues and friends and team First Atlantic Commerce and Friends was born.”

For seven years the First Atlantic Commerce team has been right at the top of the top fundraising teams competing in the annual event and has raised nearly $100,000 for charities in Bermuda.

Mr Burns added: “This will be the team’s eighth event and the fancy dress theme lives on.

“You’ll see a flock of Angry Birds being catapulted from one end of the Island to the other this year.

“Thanks to very generous friends and family the team has raised nearly $100,000 for the Catlin End to End.

The event really does showcase all the best aspects of Bermuda and its people and we hope to be part of it for as long as our legs will carry us.”

• If you would like to sponsor the First Atlantic Commerce team go to: www.bermudaendtoend.bm/teams/first-atlantic-commerce-and-friends