Pedal power is taking two North Yorkshire cyclists across one of the most exotic countries in the world.

Hudson's choice: Penny Hudson has her chop sticks at the ready in preparation for her cycling trip across China in June.

Chris Reeve, from Fangfoss, has got the travel bug since a trip to New Zealand last year

Chris Reeve, from Fangfoss, near Pocklington, and Penny Hudson, from Aldwark, near Easingwold, are climbing in to the saddle for the 435 kilometres ride from the Great Wall of China to Tiananmen Square.

The two are the only fundraisers from Yorkshire in the group of more than 100 who are making the journey in support of Mencap in June.

And they are hoping their proximity will help them as they try to reach peak fitness for the epic ride.

Mrs Hudson said: "It's going to be really helpful knowing there is somebody nearby and that we can support each other - even if it is just to phone up and talk about how training is going."

The two are yet to meet, but are keen to get in contact. The trip is the first to China for both fundraisers.

Mrs Hudson said: "Last year I went to New Zealand on my own and I got the travel bug, but I have never been anywhere like China.

"I've always been interested in the country because it sounds absolutely wonderful. The place has got so much history and it sounds fascinating."

Mr Reeve said: "Mencap is an excellent cause, but at the same time it's a real adventure for me just to go somewhere like China.

"At the moment the whole idea is a real buzz, but I'm sure the reality will dawn in time. I'm committed to it now and I am definitely going."

His trip is a return to cycling, a sport he was involved with at local and national racing level as a teenager.

But, while Mr Reeve has started a committed routine of cycling and circuit training, Mrs Hudson's training is yet to begin.

She said: "At the moment the dark and cold nights are not conducive to getting out on a bike, but it is going to start very soon.

"The threat of getting left behind in a strange country where hardly anybody speaks any English is a good incentive to get fit."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.