A CYCLING group are set to embark on a 100-mile journey from Winsford to Wales and back – with a trek up Snowdon lodged in between.

Mel Duxbury, 46, and five other riders will set off from Winsford on Sunday, June 21 at 7.30am, towards Talybont, the final destination.

Incredibly, despite taking on the gruelling journey, the majority of the group only began cycling in 2014.

Mel, managing director of D & R Pipe Fabrications Ltd, in Winsford, said: “Two of the team have been cycling for years but the rest of us are new to it.

“We’re all dead excited. It’s not going to be easy. I expect there will be a few aches and pains. I think my bottom will come off worse and my legs of course.

“The most I’ve done is 72 miles when we went on a pre-run to Corwen. When I got back I was just exhausted. I was absolutely shattered.

“We’ve done a lot of training since then though so I’m feeling good. I’ve been trying to get in 40 miles a week so I feel ready.”

The group will be greeted with a spread at The Sands Leisure Complex, which will also be raffling off a holiday to raise funds for the groups to charities, St Luke’s Hospice and the Alzheimer’s Society.

The group will rest for 24 hours before meeting their families for a casual stroll up Mount Snowdon.

“Our family are going to meet us there and climb Snowdon with us,” Mel said.

“We’re not climbing the highest peak. It’ll be nice to see our families though. I’m quite looking forward to that.”

Once Snowdon has been conquered, the group will rest overnight before tackling the punishing trip back to Winsford – with the group under no illusion what’s in store for them.

Mel said: “We’ll know exactly what it’s all about. The route we’re going on is quite hilly too, with lots of tight roads.

"As long as we stay hydrated we should be okay. I just hope it won’t be red hot or it will be murder.”

To donate to Ernie & Mel's Cycle Challenge, visit justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/melvyn-Duxbury