INTREPID charity fundraiser Pete Tyler has achieved his ambition to ride his 35 year-old classic Harley Davidson motorcycle on a near 5,000 mile voyage to the edge of the Arctic Ocean, to raise money and awareness of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Pete, whose wife Jan was diagnosed with the condition in 2006, set off from Beechenhurst after a celebratory send-off by family, friends and Mark Harper MP on May 11, before undertaking the gruelling journey through nine countries including France, Holland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and finally Norway. He arrived at Nordkapp, on the Norwegian arctic coast, on May 21.

Concerned at the fate of his vintage bike on such a journey, Pete packed tools and spares for the trip and joked that the success of his voyage was down to "whether she falls apart or not – she usually does!". But in the event, 'Vicky', as she is known, took the journey in her stride. Speaking at Nordkapp, Pete said: "It's brilliant, I can't believe I've made it here and that the bike hasn't fallen apart on the way. This is one of the most amazing places I have ever seen, and to look out over the Arctic Ocean knowing that there are only a few islands between you and the North Pole is totally spectacular."

Wind, rain and frozen gloves posed some problems for his ride, but he also had more unusual incidents, such as "having to make an emergency stop to avoid a reindeer blocking the road." The 24 hours of daylight also caused him some confusion, "It's really strange, I keep waking up thinking it's time to get up."

Pete has also been spurred on by the generosity of people who are sponsoring his ride. "I've raised over £1,600 for MNDA so far and I am only half way through the ride. It's been humbling to see total strangers making donations and I can't thank them enough."

Pete is spending two days recuperating before he turns his wheels to the return journey, and is expected back at his Broadwell home on June 1.

Daily updates on his voyage can be found online at http://www.facebook">www.facebook.

com/PeteTylerArcticRide, while sponsorship can be made through http://www.JustGiving.com/Pete-Tyler-Arctic-Ride">www.JustGiving.com/Pete-Tyler-Arctic-Ride.