WHILE everyone else tucked into boxes of chocolates and other

festive goodies, one Otley woman stuck to her intensive training regime for a gruelling 400km bike ride in the blazing heat of East Africa.

Nicky Taylor, 31, of Crow Lane, is bracing herself for the six-day cycling challenge across the stunning Rift Valley, Kenya, in aid of charity Scope, in February.

Although she

occasionally goes for bike rides in summer, she said she has never before tackled anything on the scale of the Rift Valley.

Her training includes three or four bike rides every week, covering around 20 miles.

"I'm really looking

forward to the

experience. I just can't imagine what it's going to be like," she said.

And the tough training meant cutting down on a little of the Christmas spirit. She said: "I've had to become a teetotal before the trip. I had to miss out on my Christmas meal from work, but I did have a meal on Christmas Day."

She will fly out to Nairobi, and travel to Naro Moru village by coach. She and the other cyclists will be given their bikes in the village, which stands at the foot of Mount Kenya.

The ride will begin the next day, and the next six days will be spent riding up to 72 km per day.

Mrs Taylor, who took on the challenge after a friend pulled out of it, has also proved very

successful in her

sponsorship fundraising for the charity.

She was expected to raise at least £2,500, and has almost achieved her target - but now hopes she can go one better.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Mrs Taylor can get in tough by calling her on (01943) 467274 or (01943) 462195.