The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Port Edward

Prince Harry and Prince William on Saturday began a 1,000-mile motorbike race across South Africa to raise money for charity.

The two brothers joined more than 80 other riders from around the world for the almost entirely off-road trek from Durban to Port Elizabeth in the Enduro Africa '08 charity race along South Africa's Wild Coast. "It's not just a bimble (joy ride) across the countryside, that's for sure," Harry told reporters before setting off. The race is intended to raise 300,000 pounds for the UN children's fund UNICEF, the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, and Sentebale-a charity founded in 2006 by Prince Harry and Lesotho's Prince Seeiso to help AIDS orphans. The money will help fund projects in South Africa and Lesotho. The princes suited up on Saturday in Port Edward, about 95 miles southwest of Durban, greeting children as they mounted their bikes for the long journey.

From Port Edward, they will cover approximately 150 miles per day on the light 200cc Honda CRF 230's supplied by the organisers.

They will face steep inclines, race down down slopes and go over 72 river crossings. William said they were prepared to fall in, having "packed their armbands."