Keen cyclist Brian McCulloch is about to embark on an 800-mile challenge to pedal from Bristol to Berlin.

Brian, a web developer, will set off from his home in Knowle on Thursday to raise money for the Terrence Higgins Trust, the HIV and sexual health charity.

But if the distance alone wasn't tough enough, he will also have the problem of making the trip on a single-gear bike.

Brian, 43, said: "It is slightly masochistic to use a one- paced bike, but it's what I use all of the time, so I'm used to it.

"There were several reasons for doing the ride. I wanted a good excuse to take eight days off work, I was inspired by a friend who raised money for a cancer charity and the Terrence Higgins Trust is a good cause to support.

"I shall be travelling alone and although it will be tough, I hope to have time to do some sightseeing.

"I'll be staying in youth hostels along the way and part of the route will take me along a stretch of the R1, a long- distance cycle route that goes from Boulogne to St Petersburg. I'll do the bit that goes from Arnhem to Berlin."

Brian, who works at public relations company Interface in Montpelier, said he wasn't planning to make the return journey on two wheels. Instead he will take it easy and jump on a plane to get back to Bristol.

Meanwhile, a charity fundraiser is appealing for people to get on their bikes to help him raise money to build a new children's hospice.

Trevor McCurdie, a businessman from Bath, is encouraging people to join him on his Ride for Precious Lives from Children's Hospice South West's (CHSW) proposed new hospice, Little Harbour, in St Austell, via its first hospice, Little Bridge House, in Barnstaple, to Charlton Farm, in Wraxall.

The 240-mile ride will take place from June 19 to 21.

Trevor, 46, said: "Already more than 30 people have signed up, which is great, so we are looking to recruit another 70. The route will take us on a journey along some of the quietest roads in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, with some fantastic scenery and sites on the way."

Starting out at the site for Little Harbour, Trevor and the cyclists will leave the south coast, climb up Bodmin Moor and then follow the Tarka Trail to spend the first night in Bideford.

After calling in at Little Bridge House on the second day, the group will cross Exmoor to Bampton and then ride to Taunton for the next overnight stop. From there they will pass through Glastonbury and Wells on day three, before it's up and over the Mendips and into Bristol.

Trevor, a dad of two, said: "Just before we finish, we call in at Charlton Farm. This seems fitting as it was on a tour of Charlton Farm just before it opened two years ago that my journey began in a way.

"I was so touched by the visit and the work that Children's Hospice South West do, that I decided I wanted to do something to raise awareness and much needed funds."

For more information on the ride, which will cost riders £100 to cover accommodation and lunches, and to download a registration form, click here