A NOVICE cyclist from West Devon, who has only learned to ride a bicycle over the last few weeks, is preparing to take on the coast to coast challenge from Ilfracombe to Plymouth with the help of Devon County Council's cycle instructors.

Former Tavistock College student Allie Bathie, 21, is receiving free cycling training from the county council's Cycle Devon project in order to brush up on her skills before attempting the 102-miles across the length of the county, using National Cycle Network Routes 27 and 3.

The one-to-one cycle training, delivered by professional national standard cycle instructors, is being provided in the county until the end of the month.

Allie aims to raise funds for a Raleigh International volunteering expedition in Borneo, where she will help community projects and monitor endangered rainforest and its wildlife.

She is undergoing training on parts of Drakes Trail and at Meadowlands in Tavistock.

Allie said: 'I couldn't ride a bike two weeks ago. I didn't learn when I was young as I kept falling off and I was scared, so it's something I feel I've missed out on.

'This is a personal challenge for me but I'm determined to do this and perseverance is helping. My main problem is my confidence but the training is really helping with that and I'm taking it a step at a time.

'The training has shown me what a novice I was but Ziggy the instructor is improving my control and he has coped with me crashing into him a little bit.

'Cycling is an important life skill and I'm really enjoying it. It will be nice to cycle with friends on a sunny day.

'The furthest I've cycled now is five miles so attempting 100 is going to be interesting. I'm looking forward to it.'

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for Highways and Transportation, said: 'Well done to Allie for not just wanting to learn how to ride a bike, but for also having the courage to take on this challenge. You can learn to ride or improve your cycling skills no matter whether you're 21, 81 or any age.

'It's often a matter of gaining confidence — it opens up so many opportunities which can benefit your health and save you money. And in Allie's case it sounds like it's going to help her to help others. We wish her luck.'

The Devon coast to coast route largely follows former railway lines along National Cycle Network 27 and 3. Around 70% of the route is traffic-free.

Allie is aiming to reach her fundraising total by the end of May in order to join the expedition in June.

For more information or to sponsor Allie, visit http://www.justgiving.com/alliegoestoborneo">www.justgiving.com/alliegoestoborneo For more information on cycle training and cycle routes in Devon, visit http://www.cycledevon.info">www.cycledevon.info