CLIVE Grant could probably lay claim to having the toughest commute in Oxfordshire.

The engineering lecturer cycles to and from Oxford and Cherwell Valley College’s Oxpens campus from his home in Banbury, a 30-mile each-way journey which takes him up to two hours each way.

The 54-year-old is in training for a 874-mile charity ride which will span the length of Britain, from John O’Groats to Lands End.

At the moment he cycles to work three times a week, but plans to be making the same journey every day in the weeks before his challenge in July.

Mr Grant admitted finding the commute tough.

The father-of-four said: “If you want to stay safe, you can’t use the main roads. They’re just too busy.

“Instead I take the Sustran route which links Oxford to Birmingham. It’s longer and full of gates and other stoppages.

“It’s proving to be a good workout, but I’m going to keep increasing the intensity if I am to be ready in time.”

Mr Grant, who lives near the Horton Hospital, will leave John O’Groats on July 25.

He aims to complete the cycle in 15 days, travelling between 65 and 85 miles a day and averaging about 15mph.

Mr Grant said: “The hardest thing I am finding is eating enough food to fuel the cycling.

“I’m quite a slightly built chap and you have to be eating thousands of extra calories. This is only going to increase during the challenge.

“I am forcing myself to eat more than I usually do but I have still shed half a stone. The weight just falls off.

“But I know how vital it is to keep your energy up.

“If I don’t eat enough, I simply won’t be able to complete the cycle.”

Mr Grant hopes to raise £1,000 for Parkinson’s UK, which funds research into the degenerative condition and offers sufferers support.

He said: “My wife Angela’s father died of Parkinson’s so it is a charity close to our hearts.

“It does very good research into finding more effective treatments and, hopefully, will one day find a cure.

“I am 55 years old soon and this ride is something I want to do while I am still able.

“I know there are lots of people suffering from Parkinsons who would love to be able to live a normal life, so I think it is important to make the most of my health.”

  • To sponsor Mr Grant visit justgiving.com/clive-grant
  • Do you think you have a harder commute than Mr Grant? Call us on 01865 425405 or email news@oxfordmail.co.uk