Retired vicar Reverend Clifford Owen confesses that the nerves are beginning to kick in as the departure date for his mammoth 900-mile cycle ride looms.

Eighty-year-old Clifford is setting off from Lands End to travel to John O'Groats on Sunday, August 20, for one last big cycle ride to celebrate his 80th year and support his home church, All Saints in Hartford.

Clifford is gearing up to cycle 50 miles a day for 17 days, and on his return in September, he will celebrate 50 years since he was ordained into the Church of England.

Clifford said he is "nervous" but "excited" for the cycle and has been vigorously training to prepare.

The Hunts Post: Clifford will be accompanied by his two daughters, Kathryn and Isobel, with whom he has already made several long-distance journeysClifford will be accompanied by his two daughters, Kathryn and Isobel, with whom he has already made several long-distance journeys (Image: Clifford Owen)

"Preparation has gone well! The bike now has a new derailleur, but the shifter has been playing up."

Clifford, who still preaches across Cambridgeshire, built his bicycle himself, salvaging a nearly 25-year-old bike frame from a skip and adding new parts.

READ MORE: Retired vicar to cycle mammoth 900 miles one last time for his 80th birthday

A friend of Clifford's, Genene Triggs, said: "This is typically Clifford and captures him to a T.

"He is the most delightful, kind, unassuming, modest gentleman and captivatingly eccentric."

The Hunts Post: The 'Archie Wilkinson' bike that Clifford will be using on his cycle.The 'Archie Wilkinson' bike that Clifford will be using on his cycle. (Image: Clifford Owen)

He will leave Huntingdon rail station at 9.30am on August 19, and several parishioners will be there to see him off on his journey.

Clifford is now all set and ready to go with the final schedule and overnight stops, now agreed with daughters Kathryn and Isobel, who will be riding with him. 

Clifford added: "If anyone is near the route and wishes to wave or chat, provided they are visible at the roadside with a suitable board, we can stop for five minutes. 

The Hunts Post: Clifford has cycled on the route three times before, most recently in 2010, and is ready for his toughest one yet. Clifford has cycled on the route three times before, most recently in 2010, and is ready for his toughest one yet. (Image: Clifford Owen)

"If anyone wants to ride a few miles, please get in touch!

"I also want to thank the generous sponsors for Hartford Church fund, which has now passed the £1,000 mark (but could still manage a bit more!)."

READ MORE: 'Vicar stories tend to be amusing or bizarre' says retired clergyman Clifford

The church has set up a daily prayer watch to cover the riders throughout the route. 

A daily phone text report will be sent back to Huntingdon, and Clifford hopes to do a report on the HCR104fm Chat Show in September.

To sponsor Clifford on his journey and see his route, visit www.allsaintshartford.org.uk.