EMBSAY cyclist Linda Gartland will be hitting the road today.

She is setting out on a 310-mile sponsored ride from London to York to raise money for Garden Africa.

The challenge is expected to take five days.

"I am not superfit or athletic but I manage to keep going," said Linda, who is deputy manager of Skipton's Oxfam shop and a Sustrans volunteer ranger on route 68 of the National Cycle Network.

This will be her fifth marathon ride - she cycled from Cardiff to Holyhead in 2003, from Derby to Berwick in 2004, from Bristol to Land's End in 2005 and from Tyneside to Workington and back last year.

"The first two days are the worst and then you forget you've ever done anything but eat, sleep and cycle," said Linda.

She is a member of Whoosh - a cycling group in South London where she used to live - and each year it completes a long-distance challenge to raise money for a different charity.

About 20 cyclists are expected to take part in this year's event.

"I am the only woman to have taken part in all the rides," said Linda.

This year's sponsorship money will be donated to Garden Africa, which is dedicated to helping communities in sub-Saharan Africa through organic horticultural training.

"It works with community groups, schools, hospitals and clinics and uses local partners to pass on skills to the wider community and future generations," explained Linda.

She moved to Craven in 2004 after she camped in the area when visiting her sister-in-law and family in Addingham.

"I would like to find someone to cycle with up here or maybe someone who would like to join the group," she added.

Anyone who would like to sponsor her should visit www.justgiving.com/L2YGarden