TWO colleagues from a Dolgellau supermarket are “gearing-up” for their biggest cycle ride to date in a bid to raise money to tackle loneliness and social isolation in north Wales’ communities.

The duo, Steve Rye, manager of the Co-op food store in Arran Road, Dolgellau and deputy manager, Chris Sutton, will embark on the 330-mile London to Paris cycle ride in July to raise funds for The British Red Cross, the Co-op’s charity partner.

Having clocked up a 70-mile cycle ride together last week, the pair are pedalling their way to fitness to be ready for the challenge which finishes with a sprint down the Champs-Elysees the day before the Tour de France follows in their tyre tracks and comes to a close in Paris.

Steve Rye, said: “We both enjoy cycling, but this is by far our biggest challenge to date, I certainly need a few more hours in the saddle in order to be ready for challenge.

“We wanted to do something that would mean something to us personally, a memorable achievement, as well as raising funds for the British Red Cross, which will tackle loneliness and social isolation in Wales’ communities.”

The pedalling pair have received more than £1,500 in pledges so far.

People wishing to support Steve and Chris should pop into the store.