She's been training like mad, but Fulham girl Naomi Mead knows nothing can really prepare her for the biggest test of her life.
Naomi, 27, will in May embark on a 500km bike ride across the unforgiving terrain of the sweltering Zambian bush.
The gruelling journey, from the capital, Lusaka, to the Victoria Falls, will take the qualified nutritionist six days, with stops only to eat, drink and sleep.
"I've been working out as much as I can, spending as much time cycling as possible and going to spinning classes but I know very well that you can't really recreate the conditions I'll be facing in Africa in London," said Naomi, of Peterborough Road.
"Some of the ride will be on the roads but most will be in rough terrain, and there are a lot of hills.
"I'm heading into unknown territory."
Naomi is taking on the challenge to raise money for African Revival, a charity which aims to improve schools across the continent, and she wants to raise £3,000. So far she's up to £1,700.
It will be her first trip to Africa and, despite the magnitude of the challenge, she can't wait to get out there, especially to see the work of her chosen charity.
"I'm very excited to be going and it will be wonderful to see some of the projects that are happening.
"My friend works for the charity and I know it's a really worthy cause."
Because of her profession, Naomi, who will bed down in hostels during her trip, will be at an advantage when it comes to managing her energy levels, and says the most important thing will be massive calorie intake.
"I'll be burning off so much that I'lll need to stop every 10kms or so for food. I'll have a huge breakfast and make sure I have three main meals a day.
"It's going to be the most exacting challenge in my life but I can't wait."
* To support Naomi, visit www.justgiving.com/Naomi-Mead
