A CYCLING group travelled to Wales from Winsford– then trekked up Snowdon – before biking home.

Mel Duxbury, 46, and five other riders set off from Winsford, towards Talybont, the final destination.

The group raised around £1000 for their two chosen charities, St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice and the Alzheimer’s Society.

Mel, managing director of D & R Pipe Fabrications Ltd, in Winsford, said: “It was really hard going. There were lots of hills and climbs.

“We actually went up the highest village in Wales, which was tough. We had a few problems on the way. One of our riders had some problems with his bike, but we made it in the end.”

If the gruelling 100-mile journey wasn’t difficult enough, the group challenged themselves to climb to the peak of Mount Snowdon with their families who met them at Talybont, despite little to no training.

Mel said: “We managed to make it to the peak of mount Snowdon but that r took us by surprise. It really took it out of us.

“Coming down the mountain was probably the hardest bit of all because we were using a different muscle in our legs, and especially because we were absolutely shattered as we’d just climbed up it.

“It was a totally different ball game to the cycle. I don’t think some of us really took it on board just how difficult it would be, but we made it to the peak and back down unscathed.

“I’m not a young pup anymore, I could tell that when I was coming down.”

Once Snowdon was conquered, the group took one final night’s rest before embarking on the cycle back to Winsford.

And despite feeling aches and pains from the punishing activities prior, Mel admitted the trip back was a stroll by comparison.

“Going back was easier I must say, we’d really got into it by then,” Mel said.

“I am absolutely chuffed to with the team, they all helped each other get through it’ I’m made up.