A LOCAL woman who didn't even own a bike six months ago was one of 21 riders who recently completed 160 miles in two days.

Fiona Lynn signed up to take part in the Matfen Hall supported bike ride, the Matfen South Circular, which saw the group of local cyclists tackle some tough hills and long distances.

She was one of three members at Matfen Aqua Vitae Spa and Leisure Club who had serious reservations about completing the mammoth challenge, but all 21 came through unscathed and thrilled with such an achievement.

Fellow members at the spa who feared the worst were Chris Rodgers and Jason Short, both of whom had cycled in the distant past, but nothing on a big scale in recent times.

To prepare for the challenge, training started five months ago. Although, it didn't quite go swimmingly at first!

Fiona said: "It was scary. On the first ride, I had my new sparkling bike inspected and was told to pump the tyres up, oil my chain and get rid of the rucksack!

"I was told the way I was wearing my helmet was as much use as a chocolate teapot too!

"On the first ride, we rode for about 35 miles and it was hilly and tough. At that time, I still thought the full ride would be far beyond my capabilities."

On the day of the grand depart from Matfen Hall, the riders headed to Alston over the roof of the Pennines, down to Barnard Castle and on to Richmond where they stopped after 87 miles.

Day two was tougher still as they headed north from Richmond, the 68 miles climbing out of five river valleys across Durham and Northumberland on the way back to Matfen.

The stiff west wind howling for most of the second day was cruel, with the crux section over the open Bollihope, Standhope, Crawleyside and Edmundbyers.

But all 21 made it to their destination an hour before schedule at 4.30pm, a champagne reception was waiting for the tired, but ecstatic, participants.

Fiona said: "The weekend was spent with an amazing group of people who inspired me, supported me and gave me unimaginable help.

"I'm still choked by the whole experience, and I can't thank the team enough."

Jason added: "I can truly say that, both physically and mentally, this has been one of the toughest things I have ever done."

The riders agreed to seek sponsorship for Matfen Hall's chosen charity for 2017, Tynedale Hospice at Home, and a fund-raising page, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/matfensouthcircular, will remain open for a short while.