There was a buzz of excitement in Weymouth on Friday as Greg James visited the town to launch his mammoth charity challenge.

DJ Greg James starts his Radio 1’s Longest Ride Comic Relief challenge outside Weymouth Pavilion for his 1000km ride to Edinburgh. Greg James having selfies with the crowd. 13th March 2026. Picture Credit: Graham Hunt Photography (Image: Graham Hunt Photography)

Greg arrived in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, today on day four of his challenge and is now on his way north to York.

The first donations total has also been revealed, with Greg so far raising a whopping £192,020 for Comic Relief.

The presenter’s initial reaction was a look of shock, followed by ‘are you joking?’

DJ Greg James starts his Radio 1’s Longest Ride Comic Relief challenge outside Weymouth Pavilion for his 1000km ride to Edinburgh. Greg James sets off from the start line. 13th March 2026. Picture Credit: Graham Hunt Photography (Image: Graham Hunt Photography)

Once the initial shock had set in, Greg said: “I actually am baffled by that. And I think the bike is as well because the chain’s falling off.”

As reported, Greg set off along Weymouth Esplanade before heading towards Dorchester, Sherborne, and into Somerset, passing through Bruton, Shepton Mallet and Bristol on the first leg of the journey.

Hundreds of people turned out to support the presenter who will be spending eight days on the saddle cycling all the way to Edinburgh for Red Nose Day.

He is aiming to ride around 1,000km, spending roughly eight hours a day on the bike, and at points will be joined by fellow Radio 1 presenters, guests and listeners.

DJ Greg James starts his Radio 1’s Longest Ride Comic Relief challenge outside Weymouth Pavilion for his 1000km ride to Edinburgh. Radio 1 presenter Mollie King talking to Greg James on the start line. 13th March 2026. Picture Credit: Graham (Image: Graham Hunt Photography)

Speaking to the Echo, Greg said that he will be ‘taking the challenge one stage at a time.’

“It’s a long time, so I’ve just got to take every mile as it comes. I’ve just got to stay focused and hydrated,” he said.

READ MORE:

From Worksop he willl be riding to York, then to Sunderland, Galashiels and finally to Edinburgh on Friday – Red Nose Day.

As he passed a school, and one pupil had a sign which said ‘never give up.’

Reflecting on this, Greg said: “And I thought ‘I’m never going to give up, so I feel good. I’m locking that feeling in. The donations are making the pain go away.”

The final amount raised by Greg will be revealed on Comic Relief on Friday night and can be watched on BBC 1 from 7pm.