The Revd Steve Hough of Chelwood Baptist Church in Stockport is pedalling all the way from the north west to the town's French twin Beziers throughout most of July.

He began on July 1 and aims to finish on July 22. But Steve, who is raising money for local Christian charity Shine Like Stars, has been accompanied by the rain most days.

This is from his blog.

'Day 6: Arrived in Lion d'Angers in a rainstorm so decided to try and book a B&B to get a good night's sleep and dry my gear off.

'Looking forward to tomorrow's leg which follows a bike route through the Loire Valley to Chinon where I've booked a campsite. Hope the sun shines.'

'Day 7: Seemed a long haul from Lion d'Angers to Chinon. Followed the mighty Loire River most of the way (in the rain).'

Previous posts were similar. 'Day 2: Arrived safely in Leamington Spa - bedraggled and like a drowned rat - rained all day!'

Nevertheless, it is clearly proving an exciting adventure. Lion d'Angers is a 'lovely town - set on a river with a beautiful huge church dominating the sky line', while at a guest house near Poitiers he is invited for tea by the owner and her children.

Steve set out from his church with a letter from the Mayor of Stockport to present to the Lord Mayor of Beziers, and was also interviewed by a local radio station. He was buoyed by the start.

'What a great send off ! I'm so lucky to have such a great family and friends. I know I will be carried along on the prayers of them all. It was very special to be singing 'In Christ Alone' with both sisters and mum and Jenny - very emotional. God is good!'

Visit pastorstevesbikeride.blogspot.co.uk/ to follow Steve's journey.

Shine Like Stars is a Baptist-led charity which works alongside churches and Christian organisations to provide high quality children's work.