After taking part in two London to Paris bike rides (2005 and 2006) and organising two Cycle Cornwall events (2007 and 2008), all to raise funds for the Cornwall Down's Syndrome Support Group, Mike Armstrong (whose daughter Nicole, aged five, has Down's Syndrome) is now setting the bar slightly higher and is organising perhaps the first bike ride challenge from Cornwall to Paris, leaving from Launceston on June 27, 2010.

"London is perhaps further away from us in the South West than London is from Paris," said Mike, "so I thought why not try and organise one that departs from down here and returns us to the South West and put together a real challenge.

"Hopefully this will appeal to current cyclists or those just wanting a challenge to help them to focus and train for something special. To date we have local business owners, family members and people who just want to take up a challenge who have already signed up for the event."

The event is being organised to increase the Special Fund for the Cornwall Down's Syndrome Support Group; a fund set up to benefit youngsters across Cornwall with Down's Syndrome who will be leaving main stream education and entering the young adult world or further college education. The grant, when awarded, with funds permitting, will hopefully help and encourage them to lead a more fulfilling and independent life.

The cycle ride will depart from Launceston on Sunday afternoon, June 27 2010. After a group meal in Plymouth, the participants will cycle to the ferry port and onto to Roscoff. Over the next four and a half days they will cycle the French countryside before arriving on the outskirts of Paris for the grand finish. They will travel up to and around the Arc de Triomphe, down the Champs Elysees to finish at the base of the Eiffel Tower on Friday, July 2.

There will be a celebration meal in Paris on the Friday evening before returning to Roscoff on Saturday afternoon (by coach!) to catch the evening ferry back to Plymouth, arriving Sun­day, July 4.

Mike is still looking for businesses across the South West to help sponsor the event and/or anyone wishing to participate in this one off special challenge. Please contact Mike on 07977 042365 or go to http://www.cdssg.org.uk">www.cdssg.org.uk for further details.