Tricia and Bill Farnham set off on the arduous journey, known as the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail, in July and endured blistering heat throughout.

The couple rode from Denver, across the plains of Kansas, over the Ozark and Appalachian mountains to Virginia.

Tricia, 54, said: 'The first day was the hardest. We flew in to Denver which is a mile-high city and it was really hot. We thought it was going to be largely downhill but we had to do lots of climbing.

'There were times when I thought: oh no, what have we let ourselves in for?'

The pair, who are members of the Portsmouth branch of the Cyclists Touring Club and Hampshire Road Club, had last cycled across America 30 years ago to celebrate American Independence and decided to go on the trail after some friends had completed it. Tricia, from St Leonards Avenue, Hayling Island, said: 'I said I would really like to do it but Bill wasn't really keen. He doesn't like moving on a lot.'

Despite this the Highbury College lecturer managed to convince her husband to come with her on the journey.

During the trip Tricia and Bill endured temperatures of 105 F (40C).

The pair rode about 60 miles a day, starting at about 5.30am and finishing by 2pm to avoid the worst of the heat.

Bill, 64, a retired lecturer, said: 'You don't always feel like getting on your bike but the thought of getting to a motel and switching on the cool air-conditioning kept me going at times!

'It was a good experience. It was exhilarating and I'm pleased we managed to do it.'

Tricia added: 'It was a personal goal.

'It was certainly a challenge – it is the longest cycle ride we have done!'

Despite the challenge the determined duo are not hanging up their cycling helmets just yet and hope to complete a ride around Europe as their next mission.