A CRICCIETH man is five days in to the journey of a lifetime – cycling 3,000 miles across America.

On Tuesday (12 June), Michael Davies-Hughes and his support crew, Team Red Dragon, embarked on the solo division of the Race Across America (RAAM), a 3,000-mile coast-to-coast bicycle race from Oceanside, California to Annapolis, Maryland. The race is widely regarded as one of the toughest tests of endurance in the world.

For solo riders such as Michael, the race must be completed in under 288 hours – 12 days.

Speaking to the Cambrian News just hours before the start of the race, the 49-year-old told us more about the challenge and why he wanted to take part...

“I am 49 years old but will be competing in the 50-59 age category – your racing age is the age you will be by the end of the calendar year in which the race is held, and I turn 50 in November,” Michael explained.

“I am excited about taking part in the world’s toughest bicycle race. Growing-up on the edge of Snowdonia I had a childhood of outdoor adventure which led me to a love of the outdoors and exploration.

“I am also fascinated by the challenge of pushing myself to the limits, and sometimes beyond, of what I think I’m capable of doing.

“The Race Across America (RAAM) will certainly challenge me physically and mentally over the course of 3,000 miles.”

Michael, will also be raising money for charity.

“I am riding to raise money for a local early literacy project – The Early Literacy Partners Program.

“This program allows volunteers to be trained and receive materials to work one-on-one with 5-7 year old struggling readers in the local elementary schools of Humboldt County, California.

“Each day I will be riding for two named children who have benefited from this program. Their names and photos appear on the side of one of my support vehicles and will provide me with the inspiration to keep riding for each of the 12 days!”

As someone who works in a school, literacy is important to Michael.

He is currently the assistant superintendent at Eureka City Schools in Eureka, California.

Read the full story in the latest north editions of the Cambrian News