Man prepares to cycle across America on a bike built by Diss shop

Long distance cycler Mark Pritchard. Picture: Mark Pritchard (Image: Archant)

On May 13, long distance cyclist Mark Pritchard will set off from Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles, his destination Revere Beach in Boston, more than 3,400 miles away.

No stranger to long distances, the 61-year-old from Stanton in Suffolk has previously cycled from John O'Groats to Land's End and regularly cycles about 15,000 miles a year.

Passing through almost every type of environment the USA has to offer, Mr Pritchard be will using a bike especially built for him by Madgett's Cycles in Diss to complete the journey.

Mr Pritchard said: 'Over the last 10 years Mick Madgett and his team have given me outstanding support for my riding in East Anglia and further afield.

'My bikes take quite a lot of pounding and need a fair amount of care and maintenance. So when I was planning my USA adventure I asked them if they could help me by building a bike specifically for the tour.'

Mick Madgett, owner of Madgetts Cycles, said: 'Mark has been a long-term customer and friend of the shop and we were thrilled to build the bike for him.

'Mark's bike frames of choice are Bianchis, so we have used one of their carbon frames and fitted it out with electronic gears and disc brakes which will ensure that Mark can complete the ride in style and comfort.'

Estimating that the journey will take 48 days, including four rest days, Mr Pritchard will be using the challenge to raise funds for the charity The Green Light Trust of which he is a trustee.

A Suffolk-based environmental charity which helps and supports those facing health, learning and wellbeing difficulties by using the outdoor environment to enrich their lives and lifestyles.

Follow Mr Pritchard's progress via his blog and donate by visiting https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/CaptainCentury