Richard Sterry will raise money for charity in his 24-hour attempt at the South Downs Way Double (pics: Rory Hitchens)

To ride the South Downs Way Double is to add your name to a very short list. The flurry of riders recently tacking the Double has brought the time tumbling down, with Ian Leitch getting round in just over 18 hours.

Richard Sterry isn’t after the record though, but instead has a more modest goal of just getting around in less than 24 hours. Richard is described by master timekeeper of all things Double related as “a regular rider who has prepared through goal setting and training. He is not a Mike Cotty, Rob Lee or Ian Leitch. He is not a racer or an athlete but is a club cyclist that has been inspired to do something memorable and for charity.”

Sounds good to us, and is a ride that many more of us will be able to relate to. We still boggle at the prospect of putting our bodies through even a small part of the ride, but then it’s fair to say we’re not made of the sternest stuff known to man.

Richard’s plan is to start in Eastbourne at 6pm today, ride to Winchester whereupon he’ll join onto the British Heart Foundation’s Randonee on Saturday morning for the return trip. And eschewing the popularity of the current unsupported rides, Richard will be fully supported with a crew following along the route and keeping him topped up with food and water, as will as documenting the ride through the medium of digital photography.

If you want to find out more about Richard or donate some money, head to his blog at richardsterry.blogspot.com.