A “free spirit” will take in the glorious sights of Route 66 during a two-month cycle ride to raise money for a caged animal charity.

Abraham Cohen, of Prale Grove, Brent Cross, will cycle a gruelling 2,500 miles across the American desert to drum up support for Animals Asia on the other side of the globe.

The 49-year-old decided to put his hobby to good use when he heard about bear bile farming in China and Asia, where bears are often left caged for days.

He is flying to Chicago on May 8 and will begin the cycle ride on the following week, with just his bike for company.

Route 66 runs from Chicago to Los Angeles.

He said: “I’m a free spirit and we as humans have the right to do whatever we want with our lives. So it’s really unfair that bears get locked and caged, and for what? We shouldn’t be allowed to do that.

“It will be an incredibly long journey but when I think back to the bears, it will be worth it. Along my route across America I’m going to visit animal shelters.

“I want to highlight their vulnerability in this modern world – they don’t have the chance to live natural, healthy and free lives.”

He is no stranger to charity challenges, having previously cycled through New Zealand, Russia and Kathmandu.

It was during a tour of New Zealand that he passed through villages where dead bears were preserved and exhibited in front of shops, and he began investigating.

In America, he plans to spend his evening in motels or bed and breakfasts.

Mr Cohen, who owns a heating company, added: “I know it will be tough but I’m a good cyclist, and I’ve done this before so I can do it.

“I’m looking forward to taking in all the sights while supporting a cause close to my heart.”

To keep up to date with his travels, follow www.facebook.com/aviyada. To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/animalsasia/.