Cyclist conquers mountain range in charity challenge

Eric Waters, from Harrogate, set off from Manali in the Kashmiri region of northern India last month and cycled 300 miles across the mountain range to Ladakh.

The 11-day journey saw him reach altitudes of over 18,500ft as he travels along the highest motorable road in the world to raise money for Neema Crafts, which provides employment and training for disabled people in Tanzania.

Braving extreme conditions, including monsoons and drastic temperature changes, Mr Waters completed the ride and has so far raised £4,000 for the charity.

Mr Waters said: “I had originally expected to cycle 400 miles across the Himalayas, but this had to be reduced to 300 miles. This was due to Rhotang La, the first pass we had to cross, being blocked for five days after several days of monsoon rain caused flooding, rock falls and landslides.

“Although I didn’t cycle as many miles as I’d expected, I still succeeded in cycling to the summit of the highest and second highest roads in the world. Only seven out of our party of 21 achieved this, and at the age of 61, I was the oldest.”

To support Mr Waters’s challenge visit www.justgiving.com/Eric-Waters