Pedalling around the pampas (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Pedalling around the pampas

9:00am Wednesday 14th December 2005 in News By Charlie Stong

A WOMAN who started cycling less than three years ago is gearing herself up to become the first person to ride through the southern most vineyards of Argentina.

Carole Edrich, 43, from Wanstead, took up cycling soon after the introduction of the London congestion charge in 2003 and has been hooked ever since.

Ms Edrich planned a Grand Canyon mountain bike ride but was forced to pull out because not enough funds were raised.

However, that disappointment has left her all the more determined and the Argentinian trip will see Ms Edrich raising money for Mencap, the charity for children and adults with learning disabilities.

Ms Edrich will cycle an arduous 4,340 miles along the Ruta del Vino, starting in January 2006. She will return to Argentina to complete the route in 2007.

Ms Edrich, who describes herself as over 40 and proud of it', said: "It's a long way and will include the southernmost vineyards in the world at 43 degrees south, as well as vineyards and areas of wine-related interest in 12 major areas along the Andes and inland to the oldest Argentine vineyards in Salta at 20 degrees south.

"Travelling by cycle will enable me to get a real insight into the areas I traverse, as well as some photos and anecdotes."

Ms Edrich's route will begin in El Hoyo del Epuyen in the south and work its way up to Salta. She will cycle south to north, following Argent-ina's warmer weather.

Ms Edrich said: "Although I love cycling, I don't really see the point of just cycling for the sake of it. By following the wine trail I'm using a form of transport that I love, to get to real places, see new sights and learn about new things.

"When I first started planning this I didn't know that nobody had done it before and that makes it much more exciting. It never occurred to me that there was something new like this that I could do."

Ms Edrich is hoping to cycle over 200 miles per week to complete her challenge through the vineyards.

She added: "Some Argentinian wine is getting more popular in Europe, but until recently they sold most of their wine internally.

"Many people think that Argentine wine is very recent but the industry has been going for 200-odd years."

If you would like to help Ms Edrich raise money for Mencap log on to www.justgiving.com/mountainbikeride.

cstong@london.newsquest.co.uk.