Herefordshire's cycling challenge

11:00am Wednesday 17th September 2008

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A HEREFORDSHIRE farmer is encouraging people to get on their bikes after completing his own Tour de France.

Two wheels are better than four for Anthony Howlett, who cycled 1,500 miles from Bromyard to Biarritz in July.

The 62-year-old farmer from Edwyn Ralph completed the journey in four weeks, taking in remote villages, vineyards and mountains.

He also reached the Mediterranean and Atlantic during the journey and endured climbs undertaken by Tour de France cyclists.

Mr Howlett took up cycling two years ago and used a 15-year-old German racing bike that suffered no punctures.

Having taken the long road through France – and from Lands End to John O’Groats last year – he thinks more people should use pedal power.

“I just feel so enamoured by cycling. You don’t have to worry about MOT or tax, and you’re more aware of the scenery,” he said.

“I’m just trying to encourage people to because I’ve had so much pleasure and excitement out of it.”

Mr Howlett is considering a similar journey next year and may travel across America or tour South East Asia.