A TEIGNMOUTH cyclist is preparing for the 7,000-mile ride of a lifetime through extremes of temperature and terrains.

Ian Pinder, 26, will face four-months of searing heat through war zones, freezing fog, disease, dangerous wildlife and insects, and stone throwing children, and as he pedals down through Africa.

'There will be hazards, but I will be as ready as possible and am not worried about the journey,' he said.

'You cannot prepare for every eventuality, and just have to take it day by day.'

His epic journey starts on January 14 from Cairo, and will go through ten countries before finishing in Cape Town, South Africa.

A civil engineer, he is riding with a group in aid of the charity Build Africa, which helps to alleviate poverty for young people and their families through education and other initiatives.

Ian has been in strict training for the tough marathon, and his mountain bike was built specially for him in Germany with 29ins wheels at a cost of about £5,000.

'Despite all the things that could go wrong, I am really looking forward to it.

'The heat at that time of the year can soar to 46°C, but in South Africa it will probably be below freezing at times.

'We will have to average 123 kilometres a day, and the terrain will vary from short lengths of tarmac roads, to mainly sandy and dusty dirt tracks, with quicksand in wet places.

'The accommodation will usually be putting up a tent at the side of the road or in the bush, and I will be the only Brit taking part.

'I am covering all my own expenses, and every penny I raise will go to the charity.'

The cyclists from all over the world are hoping to raise £43,000 for the charity, and Ian is looking for personal and commercial sponsorship.

Full details of the adventure can be found on the website http://www.tda2012.com">www.tda2012.com.