CYCLING to work or pedalling down to the corner shop is about the limit for many of us.

But at 65, Mike Rainton is preparing to mark his retirement year with another gruelling two-wheel challenge.

Having already completed the classic 'end-to-end' ride four times in as many years, you might imagine the Lowestoft College tutor would be sick of the sight of Land's End and John O'Groats.

Tomorrow, though, the self-confessed cycling fanatic will be embarking on his latest 864-mile ride the across the country to raise money for African AIDS orphans and terminally-ill children.

Mr Rainton, of Dell Road, Oulton Broad, is taking part in his fifth consecutive – and final – Race Against Time challenge in aid of the Bishop Simeon Trust.

His last four end-to-end rides have raised more than �14,000 for the charity.

And he hopes his final journey will help him smash the �15,000 barrier.

Mr Rainton, who is a member of the Lowestoft-based Velo Club Barrachi cycling club, will be part of a six-man team and he hopes to cover up to 150 miles a day, finishing at John O'Groats on July 1.

In preparation, he has been clocking up about 200 miles a week around the roads of North Suffolk.

Mr Rainton, who will be retiring from teaching psychology and foundation students at Lowestoft College this summer, said: 'Cycling from the Land's End to John O'Groats is a challenge, but I love cycling and I love a good challenge.

'I keep coming back to the challenge as I really support the work of the Bishop Simeon Trust and want to do as much as can to raise money to help people in Africa.

'I know the route very well now and I try not to remember the hard parts until I get to them!

'After my first ride I was totally shattered and, in a way, you can never get used to it.

'I have thoroughly enjoyed each ride though and it is such a good cause to support.

'But I will be retiring from Lowestoft College this summer, and although I will continue to support the Bishop Simeon Trust, I feel the time is right for me to hang up my Race Against Time jersey.'

To sponsor Mr Rainton visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MichaelRainton

Postbox – pages 20, 21.