A pair of nude cyclists who were spotted riding a tandem bike in the Lake District have revealed the reasons for their 'cheeky' bike ride.

The couple caused quite a stir when reports came in on social media that a naked couple were riding through Windermere, Bowness and Ambleside on Saturday.

The pair have now revealed themselves to be Colin Unsworth, 54, from Bolton and Sadie Tann, 34, from Sheffield, who call themselves the Free Wilders.

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Both naturists and naturalists, Colin teaches mushroom foraging and runs the UK's largest mushroom Facebook group called Mushroom Spotters UK whilst Sadie is a full-time student of environmental biology. 

Colin, who has two grown-up children, said: "Each year we take on a challenge to raise money for good causes which includes both bike rides and walks.

"This year, we chose the Lakes which is a very special place to me. I've been camping here since I was five and it was home from home for my kids as they grew up. 

"We wanted to raise money for two important causes important which are Rewilding Britain and MIND.

"Having a connection to nature is so important, not only for the mental and physical health benefits but also for the future of the human race essentially.

"I also chose MIND as I'm not afraid to say that a few years ago I went through a very bad period which included a relationship breakdown. For around 18 months I was suicidal.

"You feel that you can't reach out to anyone even though there are people to talk to, so it's important to raise awareness of the likes of MIND which is here to help."

In 2022, they and another couple were the first people to cycle naked from John O' Groats to Lands End and raise money for the causes.

(Image: Free Wilders) Things took a turn for the worst however when a couple in a car deliberately drove into them just outside Perth, said Colin.

This did not deter the pair however who cracked on with their epic charity challenge. 

Colin said: "We're very aware that what we do can divide opinion however the extra attention helps fundraising - and the tandem bike does add a sense of comedy.

"After the incident in Scotland, once people had heard of what had happened, our fundraising skyrocketed from around £1,000 to £10,000.

"What we do isn't sexual and we're very much about promoting body positivity, as body shaming really puts people under pressure and is so damaging in our society.

"In terms of the law, it's very much related to intent so as long as we're not harassing or intimidating anybody, for example even riding around them several times whilst naked, we can undertake these challenges.

(Image: Free Wilders) "We do get a lot of people who say they wish they could be like we are and I've noticed much more positivity in the media around this kind of thing - so I think as a society we may be ready to have this conversation about body shaming. 

"There will always be people who get angry, and to drive into us because you're that offended by a human body is just crazy to me. 

"We've helped people feel more comfortable in their own skin with activities such as naked foraging, and one member of the mushroom group said it quite literally 'saved his life' during lockdown, so we'll keep doing what we're going." 

Links to the couple's chosen charities are provided on the Free Wilders website.