A CYCLIST from Northwich is preparing to take on the toughest challenge of his life this year.

Chris Craggs plans to cycle 1,000 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats in a gruelling 12 days starting on May 5.

The trip will see the Weaver Valley Cycling Club member cover an average of between 80 and 100 miles a day until he reaches his destination.

"I've wanted to do it for years but didn't have the opportunity, or the fitness either," he said.

"I just decided last year that I was going to do it this year.

"It's a huge challenge."

Chris, from Manchester Road, aims to take advantage of weather and terrain on his trip, which starts in Cornwall and ends in Scotland.

"It's the right way to do it because if you've got any prevailing weather it tends to be southwesterly so if you ride down you're heading into it." he said.

"Another reason you start at Land's End is because apparently the toughest two counties to get through are Cornwall and Devon because they're hilly."

Chris, as a British Cycling Sky Ride leader and accredited race marshal for British Cycling and Weaver Valley Cycling Club, is already an experienced cyclist but is on a mission to up his training to 200 miles a week in preparation for the trip.

During the challenge itself he plans to eat proper meals full of protein and carbohydrates, as well as on-the-go foods like malt loaf, bananas and fig rolls.

He also aims to get as much sleep as he can and carry out stretching exercises before and after each day's ride.

For some, a two-wheeled journey like this may sound like a nightmare but Chris, who got seriously bitten by the cycling bug around 10 years ago, cannot get enough of it.

"Cycling is addictive," he said.

"You start and it hurts but you persevere and at some point you're riding along and all you can hear is your tyres on the road, birds tweeting and the wind in your ears and you spend the rest of your life looking for the same moment again.

"And it takes you back to being a kid – that's part of it – and it clears your head, aside from the fact it's so good for you."

Chris is embarking on the challenge to raise money for Northwich charity The Joshua Tree, which aims to build a holiday home and support centre in Sandiway for children with a life-threatening illness.

He will be fundraising at the next artisan market in Northwich, on February 14, with a six-hour stint on a spin bike.

Collection boxes are also available at LA Fitness, Jack Gee Cycles, Tandoori Relish, in Castle Street, G&B Accessories, in Castle, Dave Hinde and County Motors.

Or to sponsor him visit justgiving.com/Chris-Craggs/