ROUND the world cyclist Reece Gledhill is on the downward stretch after reaching the halfway point in his mammoth 300-day challenge.

Reece, from Yeadon, says he is "officially heading home" after a journey which has so far lasted more than 150 days.

But he still faces the most gruelling section of his challenge so far as he prepare to enter China and Mongolia.

The scout leader, who is in his 20s, is completely unsupported, and has no back-up entourage on his trip which is raising money for the Scouts Association and UNICEF.

He said: "I am in Kyrgystan after cycling the Pamir highway through Tajikistan. At an elevation of over 4000 metres the Pamir Platau was extremely hard to cycle at. The roads were poor quality and the area was arid and desolate with very few people living at that altitude.

"The highest point was at 4655m across a very steep mountain pass. To get over this pass took a combination of slow cycling, pushing and constant resting to get my breath back due to the lack of oxygen.

"Throughout the whole section every person I met welcomed me into their homes for tea, food and rest. Despite having very little to give they were as always willing to give it all.

"I am now preparing to enter China and then Mongolia, the toughest part of my trip by far. The Mongolia section will take a lot of very careful planning and some serious grit to get through. Cyclists I have met along the way who have been to Mongolia doubt whether I will make it through my chosen route without vehicle aid, but I am confident."

Reece's 24,000 km journey has already taken him through 15 countries and will take him on to China, Mongolia, Russia, Canada and the USA, including Alaska.

Reece, who has been involved with the Scouts Association since the age of six, is a leader at the 16th Airedale Scout troop in Yeadon.

His around-the-world expedition is completely self funded and will see him cycle through mountains, deserts and cities. All the money raised will be split 50/50 between the two good causes.

Visit www.worldwidecycle.org to find out more.