Anna's cycle trip to Athens . . . and back

4:41pm Tuesday 20th May 2008

Comments (1)   Have your say »

A WOMAN with a taste for adventure has quit her job so she can embark on the trip of a lifetime - pedalling all the way to Athens and back.

Anna Lupton (29), a former member of Radcliffe Athletics Club, set out from her home in Prestwich on May 8 on a 5,000-mile cycle ride that will take her through 10 countries on the way to and from the Greek capital.

When she arrives in Athens, the film studies graduate plans to stay with a friend for a few days before heading back to the UK, taking part in several mountain races on the way back.

As if the challenge wasn't difficult enough already, Anna's bike will be weighed down by a tent, medical and repair equipment and other supplies.

Last week, she handed in her notice at the National Film Archive in Manchester.

"My family are a bit worried about me, especially my mum, because the furthest I've ever cycled is to Settle in Yorkshire, so Athens is a little bit more difficult," said Anna.

"I have been cycling in the last year or so with Manchester Wheelers, but my background is in running, with Radcliffe Athletics Club.

"I am sure that experience will stand me in good stead, as I've taken part in some triathalons and some runs at altitude."

Anna is being cheered on from home by boyfriend John Brown, who is also a keen cyclist, her parents Theresa and Steve as well as other family members and friends.

She expects to cycle about 60 miles a day, starting with the trip to Folkestone and on to France, Belgium, Luxemburg, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Greece, before returning via Croatia and Slovenia. Along the way, Anna plans to camp out or stay in bed and breakfast accommodation.

"Cycling along the Danube trail from Germany and Austria will be one of the highlights.

"I don't really know what to expect and my plan is to just take it one step at a time.

"Getting all the way there and back would be amazing," she said.