On the 26th.November I, Richard Bates - a resident of Thursley - am due to tackle the Lake Taupo Challenge, a 160km(100 mile) ride around the lake in the north island of New Zealand. The challenge is to complete it in under 10 hours, which would be reasonable but for a continuous series of big, big hills for about 60% of the way.

Last year I made the attempt along with about 7,000 riders from around the world but, due to atrocious weather, hundreds of cyclists were pulled out of the ride because of health and safety issues, me included. However, our son who lives in New Zealand, managed to complete the ride in a good time so it's a good excuse to ride with him again even though he disappeared from view after the first 100 yards !

My long distance cycling record goes back to my early 20's when I rode to the top of Arctic Norway. During subsequent years I've ridden around New Zealand, across Australia west to east, south to north and north to south. Also across Canada. However, in recent years I've stuck to long rides in Europe following canals and rivers, mainly because there are fewer hills !

So, I have had two knee replacements and will be about twice the age of the majority of riders but I think it's worth having a go. I shall aim to complete it in under the 10 hours and hope you will support the Clockhouse Social Day Centre to benefit local people should I manage it, or even if I don't !