AN intrepid cyclist is set to take on a 100-mile ride for charity.

It is not the weekend’s dismal weather forecast which shop worker Kevin Perryer is worried about as he prepares for this year’s Prudential Ride100 event.

He is just hoping the ride goes more smoothly than his last long-distance practice run - which was jinxed with a mileometer failure, jumping gears and then a puncture.

By the end of the 12-hour marathon, he was also soaking wet.

This weekend, Mr Perryer, 56, hopes things can only go better.

Mr Perryer, of Hilary Crescent, Rayleigh, has signed up for the popular cycling fixture on behalf of the Sainsbury’s convenience store in Eastwood Road, Rayleigh.

He works there as a customer service assistant at the branch. which has adopted the Southend stroke unit as its charity of the year.

He said: “My bike usually just stays in the garage and comes out every so often.”

However, he is committed to covering the 100-mile route, which starts at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and heads out to Surrey before finishing in The Mall, in just seven-and-a-half hours.

He added: “I know I can do the distance. I have just got to keep focused and keep pedalling.”

The Sainsbury’s store has already raised more than £2,000 for Southend Hospitalas part of its charity partnership. My Perryer hopes his endeavours will boost that total still further.

He is one of a number of supporters who will be riding for the hospital on Sunday.

If you would like a place in next year’s event to support the hospital, contact the fundraising department on 01702 385337 or email fundraising@southend.nhs.uk