A North Berwick man is set to embark on a mammoth charity bike ride, inspired by a county cyclist who was tragically killed.

Nat Spring, of Lime Grove, aims to cycle 200 miles in just 20 hours today (Saturday), as he looks to raise £2,000 for the Bethany Christian Trust.

The 46-year old, originally from New York but who relocated to Scotland 25 years ago, explained to the Courier his reasons behind taking on the marathon task.

He said: “There are a number of reasons why I wanted to take this on. I want to test myself outwith my confort zone, and I was inspired to do that by John Barr.

“I met him and his wife out cycling one night, and they had just returned from cycling 10,000 miles across Australia over six months, and he was planning on doing my dream – cycling across America.

“He was tragically hit by a car while out on his bike in the Borders and later passed away, so I’m doing this in his memory.He inspired me to get off the couch.” Retired vet Mr Barr, 64, of West Saltoun, died in October 2012 after his pedal bike was involved in an accident with a car on the Innerleithen to Traquair Road in the Borders.

Nat also explained his choice of charity, saying: “I was stuck one night in London after I missed the last train, and I spent the night wandering the streets. It wasn’t a pleasant experience, but that was just one night.

“Bethany work with people who have to spend a lot more time out on the streets – so that’s the reason I want to help them out.” Nat has been in training for the event for several months, but admits he is unsure whether his body will allow him to finish the full 200-mile circuit – which represents the same distance as cycling between North Berwick and Newcastle and back.

He plans to cycle in three legs – beginning with a 60-mile tour of the county, before returning to North Berwick and setting off on a 100-mile route and returning home again, to then complete the mammoth journey with a 40-mile tour of the Garden County.

He said: “I really want to try and push myself past my own limits. I’m not sure I’ll be able to go the full 200 miles but I figured it was better to give it a go than to never find out.

“I’ve always enjoyed getting out on the bike, and I think once I’ve cracked the first 160 [miles] I should be alright.” He was also quick to praise Belhaven Bikes, which is sponsoring him on the epic cycle.

“They’ve been great. between supplying me with the energy bars that I need and maintaining my bike for me, that has been a really big help,” Nat said.

Nat has set up a JustGiving page, where people are able to donate, at www.justgiving.com/ndspring, while donations are also welcome at the Bethany Christian Trust’s site, www.justgiving.com/BCT