A CYCLING leader is preparing to set off on the challenge of his life this month.

Graham Gregory, chairman of Weaver Valley Cycling Club, is taking on the classic Land's End to John O' Groats (LEJOG) journey on May 28.

Along with Carl Ruebotham, Jason Black and Warren Phillips, Graham aims to do a longer LEJOG, coving 1,000 miles in just 10 days.

"It's quite a challenge," he said.

"100 miles a day for 10 days.

"The longest I've ridden in a single day is 160 miles but I've never done 10 days consecutively like this.

"From reading about it, training is about time in the saddle – not the speed you're doing but being able to ride hour after hour."

Graham, 61, and the team are doing the challenge with a company called Peak Tours, which organises a LEJOG trip every month from April to September.

This means the group do not have to worry about accommodation, transporting luggage or emergencies as there will be a support vehicle on hand.

"All we have got to do is ride our bikes," he said.

As well as training for the body, there is also plenty of preparation taking place for the bike.

"I've spent a small fortune on making sure the bike is in good condition and buying spare kit," Graham said.

"You want spare shoes etc in case it rains, you don't want to be putting wet kit on the next day.

"It's costing quite a bit but it's one off the bucket list."

Weaver Valley Cycling Club members are planning to ride out to meet the team when they pass through Cheshire on the fourth day.

Graham, who lives in Antrobus and has been a member of Weaver Valley Cycling Club since 1969, said: "They say the first two days are the hardest, getting out of Devon and Cornwall because they're very hilly.

"The third day you're absolutely shattered but by the fourth day you've started coming round a bit."

Graham is cycling LEJOG in aid of the British Heart Foundation after having two heart operations himself.

"I want to do it while I can and do it for the British Heart Foundation," he said.

Anyone else planning a long distance bike ride can ask Graham for tips and advice at the Weaver Valley Cycling Club stand at the Pedal Power Festival in Northwich town centre on Sunday, June 14.

To sponsor him visit virginmoneygiving.com and search for Graham Gregory.