A NAIL-BITING bus ride five years ago has led to a 500 kilometre charity cycle ride this summer.

In 2000, Matthew Lowe, Richie Williams and Sam Groves took a two-day bus journey across the Leh Manali Highway in the Himalayas.

Due to the dubious skills of the driver, the three felt they did not fully appreciate the beauty of the mountain range and decided they had to go back. The plan developed into a 500 kilometre charity cycle and expanded to include Oli Sheldrake and Dan Payne.

Their course includes two of the highest roads in the world, so it will be a double challenge to cope with the mountainous terrain and the altitude. "Living at sea level we can't do much to prepare for the altitude, so we are concentrating on training 60 to 100 miles a week," said Matthew Lowe.

The 12-day cycle starts in the city of Leh mid August and will take them over the Khardang La Pass and Great Himalaya range to the Kullu Valley.

The five Pembrokeshire friends are using the trip to raise money for the Bucketful of Hope charity set up by leukaemia sufferer Adam Evans-Thomas, who died last year. With the strenuous nature of their challenge, and a local, well supported charity, they hope individuals and businesses will get behind their efforts.

Matthew said: "We have already paid for our airline tickets and local guide, so all the money raised will go straight to the charity." Anybody wishing to sponsor the group can call Matthew on 0776 7480637.

Pictured: From the left are Matthew Lowe, Dan Payne, Sam Groves, Richard Williams and Oli Sheldrake. PICTURE: Western Telegraph (WTNO633H05).