CYCLING fans are invited to take part in the challenge of a lifetime and support a children’s charity.

The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust is inviting cyclists of all abilities to join it for a Madagascan adventure.

Between October 12 and 21 a team from the charity will be cycling 400 kilometres through breath-taking countryside, raising vital funds for terminally-ill, disabled and disadvantaged children across the north west.

The charity wants people to join its team for this tough event, which will see participants cycling along rural roads and dirt tracks, taking in rainforests, beaches and paddy fields.

Cyclists will pass through villages and natural habitats, encountering wildlife and tropical flora and fauna.

Places are filling up fast so interested parties should contact Jure Modic at the charity as soon as possible.

A registration fee of £249 per participant is required, and each cyclist must raise a minimum of £3,050.

Jure, Challenges fundraiser at CAFT, said: “This challenge in Madagascar is one of our more exotic events, and with more than six months to train it’s something that’s possible for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

“Taking part in a challenge is a great way of raising money for our very worthy cause, but also a fantastic motivator to get fit.

“We’ve had people join us for a 10k run who have then been bitten by the fitness bug and have gone onto compete in marathons, trekking events and cycling challenges.

“We regularly see participants forming their own social groups when training for events, and many find a challenge improves not only their fitness but also their social circle.

“Most importantly, these challenges raise funds to help us to help children in desperate need from all over our region.

“The adventures we have on our challenges are nothing compared to the adventures the children will have as a result of the money raised.”

The charity is hoping runners young and old might also join it for this year’s Manchester 10k event, when it hopes to have a team of 100 people donning the charity’s vests to take part in the world-famous event on Sunday, May 20.

To find out more about CAFT’s Cycle Madagascar challenge call 01565 830 053 or email jure@caft.co.uk