A BRIDPORT woman in her 60s had planned just to cycle around India as a 'holiday'.

But the woman who has spent more than a decade raising money for good causes exploring some of the world's most challenging climates and terrains just couldn't waste the opportunity.

So for June Jach's Indian 500 km cycle challenge she chose three charities.

She said: "I booked on this trip as a self funder with no plans initially to raise funds for charity. I’m glad I changed my mind and set myself a goal of £1,000 to each of three charities – Chris Snaith fund for brain tumour research and support, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Teenage Cancer Trust. That goal has been exceeded with each of the charities due to receive £1,300. Anything above that amount will go to Cancer Research."

June has already explored Cuba and Vietnam on two wheels and the Artic with the aid of sledge dogs, but had always wanted to see the sub continent.

She said: "It was a truly amazing experience. I’d never been to India but always wanted to and despite a number of people questioning my sanity I’m glad I stuck with it and I would love to go back and see more.

"This country is vibrant, colourful and fascinating. We were in India during Diwali and witnessed the various celebrations and preparations for the festival.

"What perhaps made this trip exceptional was seeing the country on a bike. You get a better sense of the life and the culture as you cycle through rural communities and cope with the crazy traffic.

"To many Indians, a bike is the poorest means of transport and so to witness westerners on rust free bikes, wearing funny clothing and helmets and choosing to cycle, is something perhaps difficult for many to grasp.

"As we cycled, we were given almost celebrity status as families came out to greet us and wave and motorbikes came alongside to take a closer look, some filming us with their mobile phones.

"Cycling through towns in India is not for the faint hearted. At supposed junctions, no-one stops so you learn to just launch yourself into the melee of traffic, cows, pigs and people but it all works and with no sign of road rage, just simple respect for everyone’s right to use the road unhindered.

"Cycling 500 kms over six days in the dry heat was a challenge. A rescue bus was on hand for anyone who couldn’t continue for whatever reason. Glad to report that none of us used the rescue bus, though we all experienced various bits of discomfort along the way but nothing serious enough to get on the bus."