A KEEN cyclist set himself a challenge to ride almost 900 miles in just six days in celebration of his 60th birthday.

Chillaton man Jim Wilkinson rode unsupported from John O'Groats to Land's End as he set himself the target of riding six days for six decades.

Jim cycled the reverse, from Land's End to John O'Groats, over nine days in 2008, but felt it did not challenge him enough.

He said: 'I raised a lot of money for charity but felt that the ride, while interesting, didn't stretch me. So before I hit that certain birthday, I figured that six days would be an ideal challenge — proving some kind of point to myself I guess.'

After raising more than £10,000 for charity in total from many years of cycling and marathon running, he decided to do this ride as a personal challenge.

Jim successfully completed his task, finishing the ride in 59 hours and 54 minutes, averaging 150 miles a day.

Not finding the ride too demanding after training around West Devon, he said: 'The training in this area toughens you up with all the hills — I think I've been up them all.

'Mostly it was about staying on route and getting through traffic, though day six was a nightmare of a wet and windy day.

'I punctured on day six, the only one thank goodness, but overall I was happy after each day albeit sore and tired.'

Jim said he was pleased to have finished the challenge: 'On the last day and in sight of the end, I was really elated and flew down to the finish running on emotions, since I'd really run down on strength and energy by that time.

'I guess I was so relieved that I'd done it because in spite of all the detailed planning beforehand, you can never be sure what might actually happen or know how your body will react to long, fast rides day after day for six days.'

Jim was greeted at Lands End by family and friends and is now in 'rest mode with no big plans for the future'.