Gym boss John biking across Rockies to raise thousands of euro for charity

A man is preparing to cycle 4,500km along the Rocky Mountains - dodging grizzly bears - to raise €10,000 for a Co Laois cancer charity.

John Bolton will tackle around 150km a day for 35 days, from Canada to the Mexican border, on his solo journey.

The monster cycle is the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest seven times.

John, who is raising funds for Laois Hospice, will face extreme conditions including snow and thunder and blistering 40C temperatures in New Mexico after he sets off on June 10.

The 50-year-old, who owns a gym in Portarlington, said one of the toughest elements will be psychological as the journey will be very isolated.

Donations can be made at www.laoishospice.ie.