A KEEN cyclist will soon take on his biggest challenge to date by cycling 700 miles in three days in memory of his mum who died before Christmas.

Colin Stokes grew up in Trowbridge with his parents Harold and Joan before the couple moved to Canada to start a whole new life post-retirement in 1998.

Now Mr Stokes, who lives in California with his wife Julie, hopes to complete the ride in memory of his mum who suffered with Parkinson’s for 15 years and raise money for Parkinson's UK in the process.

“My passion for the bike was first fuelled as a toddler riding on the back of my mum's Raleigh commuter bike being ridden around Trowbridge in the 60s,” the 50-year-old said.

“Despite them starting a brand new life chapter in their early 70s, they volunteered at the local hospital, and amassed a large network of new friends.

“Witnessing her rapid deterioration was hard, particularly from a distance of 3,000 miles away. Only being able to visit her a few times a year, I would see a dramatic change in the symptoms. It seemed like the disease was in fast forward. I wanted to do something in mum's honour. That was the spark for the ride. Never learning to drive a car, mum just loved to ride her bike around Trowbridge.”

The colossal 700-mile ride will see Mr Stokes connect two of his mum’s favourite places from Oceanside, California to the rim of the Grand Canyon.

Despite Mr and Mrs Stokes moving to Canada 18 years ago, they both kept up-to-date with all the goings on in the town and kept in touch with friends, many from when Mr Stokes worked at Ushers.

The ride will start on May 20 which Mr Stokes is now gearing up for.

He added: “These ultra-distance events are 60 per cent mental attitude so I am hoping to tap into my British stiff upper lip, and can-do mindset - plus my experience from similar 700, 800, and 1,000 mile races I have completed over the past few years. I have been working with a cycling coach over the winter and spring to build a training plan and develop my fitness in preparation for the ride.”

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/coast2canyon700.