When the going gets tough, the tough get going!

It's a thought Copford cyclist David Flack will fix in his mind as he prepares to tackle the biggest challenge of his life.

David, 53, of London Road, has signed up for September's Grand Canyon Bike Away - a gruelling 400km five-day ride across some of America's most uncomfortable terrain.

He hopes his aches and pains will raise at least £2,500 for Scope, formerly the Spastics Society, and its work with cerebral palsy sufferers.

Together with 100 other UK cyclists, David will be Cycling eastward through Nevada, Utah and Colorado.

The team will take on difficult gravel tracks, arid desert and finally a pine-scented landscape to the south rim of the canyon.

David, a London-based IT practice manager, said: "I have four healthy children who are now fairly settled on their plans for the future.

"I feel I can afford to push myself to get very fit to do something for people who are less fortunate."

He has put his money where his mouth is by donating £200 to the Scope fund and, on top of training, is busy seeking out potential sponsors.

Cycling has been in David's blood since he was a youngster with a Saturday job in a bike shop.

His road and trackracing is over now, but he is a regular sight cycling round Copford.

"I am taking the challenge very seriously and will fit in the training to build up my ability to do at least 120km a day which will be required during the event," he added.

Anyone interested in helping David can reach him on 0171 355 1101 (day) or 01206 212373 (evenings and weekends).

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.