A WEST Devon businessman has just returned from an 'amazing' cycle ride through South Africa's Drakensberg Mountains. Adam Fox Edwards, a former RAF pilot and owner of the Arundell Arms at Lifton, took part in the ride with friend from the RAF. Organised through Virgin Unite, the charity cycle was held to raise money for villagers in the surrounding area, and for the Alzheimer's Association. From June 2 to June 5, Adam cycled on terrain at more than 6,000 ft above sea level with 50 other cyclists, crossing through the Kruger National Park and at one time passing a pride of lions just 25 yards away. They camped wild in the South African winter before donating their bikes to villagers in Dumfries, helping a community nurse swap the hour-long walk between villages for a ten minute bike ride. Adam's own bike went to a villager keen to set up a food distribution business. The cyclists also enjoyed a game of football with the villagers — the first time Adam himself has played the game in over 25 years. Mr Fox Edwards said: 'Taking part in this charity cycle ride was one of the most amazing things I've ever done, as well as one of the most physically demanding. 'I was thrilled to be doing this for charity, helping someone in South Africa with a bicycle to set up their own food distribution business and also raising over £1,000 for the Alzheimer's Association. 'To cycle the mountains, to be 25 yards from lions and to play football with the locals are all life experiences I will never forget.'