A CYCLING enthusiast is battling the elements as he rides 965 miles.

Geoff Bowen, of Saffron Garden, Wethersfield, is on day seven of the nine day challenge which sees him ride from Land’s End to John O’ Groats.

The 44-year-old is willing to put himself through the gruelling ride in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support after a friend’s wife died from cancer aged just 33.

As he states on his JustGiving page, he is fundraising £5,000 “because cancer sucks”.

And with just under £300 to raise before he hits his target, Geoff is hoping he can reach his goal before returning home on Sunday.

Judged as the hardest ride in the UK, the gruelling cycle will see Geoff completely 969 miles, more than 100-a-day.

His wife Lauren said: “The weather has been horrendous, they have to sleep in tents each night and up at 5am to cycle and many people out of the 800 have dropped out due to injury or illness.

"The company are looking after everyone well though with good food and safety briefings each evening.”

Visit justgiving.com/GeoffBowen