A SELF-CONFESSED novice cyclist has completed a 58-day cycling challenge to Istanbul and is now considering cycling back.

Laura Ricketts, 26, who grew up in Wombleton, cycled through 11 countries across more than 2,000 miles and raised £2,060 for the Karen Hill Tribes Trust.

It works with people in northern Thailand to improve health, education and opportunities for generating income.

Laura said: “I set off without knowing what to expect of whether I would enjoy the experience. What I soon discovered was that cycling is an amazing way to travel.”

During her two-month trip, Laura stayed with numerous host families, battled through illness and encountered wild dogs.

“My journey through Europe reminded me time and time again of how beautiful humanity is,” she said.

“Twice my bicycle broke and twice a local bike shop owner fixed it for me for free. I stayed with countless strangers as a guest in their homes and was welcomed like an old friend. Everywhere I went I was greeted with extraordinary hospitality and kindness.”

Laura said that she has now found some work in a hostel in the mountains, 20km from Antalya in the south of Istanbul, and that she will work for a month before cycling back again, but this time getting some trains and buses along the way.

She said: “It was hard work, but such an amazing way to travel that I want to continue. I set off an inexperienced cyclist wanting a challenge and an adventure, it was both. Sometimes it was difficult to continue and there were moments I wanted to give up and go home.

“It was often a mental challenge as well as a physical one and throughout the journey I learnt again and again that it is possible to do more than you think you can.

“It was less than two months of my life and yet it has been one of the most profound experiences of my life.”