Angry snakes, ravenous mosquitoes and serious dehydration: these are just some of the trials one intrepid Dorset cyclist has faced so far in his 4000-mile ride across the US. But he says it's all been worth it for the 'majestic' landscapes and dazzling array of wildlife.

Stephen Howard set out at the end of June, and is now around the half-way point of his trip along the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail, which is taking him from the Pacific Ocean all the way across America to the Atlantic - with the aim of raising at least £500 for the Dorset Blind Association (DBA).

The Poundbury resident told the Echo he was cycling up to 100 miles a day, sleeping in cheap motels or in his tent - sometimes in people's gardens.

And the adventure, he said, had so far exceeded his expectations. "The weather has been near-perfect and the people I've met have been generous with their time and knowledge," he said. "But most of all, the scenery and landscapes I've cycled through have been nothing short of majestic."

Starting from Oregon on the Pacific coast, Mr Howard, aged 53, has already traversed the 5000-foot-high Mackenzie Pass and the Yellowstone National Park, with its geysers, mud pools, 'unusual' wildlife and 'beautiful' scenery.

"But it hasn't all been plain sailing," the cyclist noted. "I've been attacked by a snake, been eaten alive by ferocious mosquitoes, got bad sunburn and suffered bad dehydration when I haven't looked after my fluid intake properly."

Dorset Echo:

Poundbury cyclist Stephen Howard on a previous trip to Patagonia

As well as the scenery, Mr Howard enthused about the varied and awe-inspiring wildlife he had encountered. "I happened upon a grizzly bear foraging for food," he recounted. "It was an absolute privilege to be able to spend time with such a powerful creature."

Other birds and beasts that have crossed his path include bald eagles, bison, elk, moose, groundhog, chipmunks, skunks and playful ground squirrels.

"There was also talk of a sasquatch," he said. "But that's a story for another time."

Expecting to be back in Dorset at the end of August, Mr Howard said he was looking forward to the rest of the trip.

"The first part of the ride has been epic," he said. "And I see no reason why the next part will be any different."

You can donate to the fund for the DBA via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stephen-howard-transamerica.