Cyclists aged 83 years apart complete Land’s End-John O’Groats within days of each other

Two cyclists who have completed a ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats in recent days are separated by 83 years in age – with one thought to be the youngest person to have completed the end-to-end ride, the other the oldest man.

Rhoda Jones, aged four, set off from Cornwall just over three weeks ago with her sister Ruth, both travelling on trailer bikes attached to their parents’ bicycles.

Parents Tom and Kate have passed their GPS data and other supporting information including a log book and photos so it can be verified that she has beaten the record currently held by Henry Cole, who was also aged four when I rode the route with his father on an adapted tandem in 2006.

Rhoda Jones is the Youngest Child on record (pending validation) to cycle from Land’s End to John o’Groats - 4 years, 4 months. Her time of 22 days, 3 hours, 26 minutes was narrowly beaten by big sister Ruth (5) who’s the fastest by trailerbike. Thank You to all who supported us. pic.twitter.com/6hOYKzfAYk

— Family ByCycle (@FamilyByCycle) September 2, 2018

At the opposite end of the age spectrum, Donald Wells finished the journey solo on his Brompton – at the age of 87.

The charity Cycling UK – of which he is a member – says that he is believed to be the oldest man to have ridden the End to End.

Mr Wells, from Emsworth in Hampshire, undertook the ride at what he described as a “leisurely pace,” taking five weeks and two days to complete it.

The current Guinness World Record for the oldest man to complete the ride is held by Tony Rathbone, who was aged 81 when he rode the route in 2014.

Cycling UK says that Mr Wells and his son will try and see if his ride can be recognised.

“I’m pleased with what I did but it’s just like any normal cycle ride for me, I don’t see it as anything particularly daring.

Mr Wells said: “I felt fine after I finished the ride – no aches and pains. I don’t rush and tear around, I take it easy.

“I suppose it’s what’s I’ve been doing all my life. I feel at home on a bike.”