Pedal power

Put in the miles and have a great day out

Cycling event returns

Pedal for Scotland is back on 12 September. The 50-mile Glasgow to Edinburgh trip is Scotland’s biggest bike ride and attracted 7,000 participants last year.

The event’s huge popularity is the combination of a great route that uses a mixture of closed roads, quiet back streets, cycle paths and takes in country scenery between Scotland’s two largest cities.

This year, the event has split into different rides, to suit all ages and abilities.

The classic Challenge Ride is a 50-mile cycle from Glasgow to Edinburgh and is aimed at anyone above complete beginner level. It provides the perfect opportunity for an active day out for regular cyclists and those who perhaps haven’t cycled in while. By riding at a gentle pace and making use of the rest stops, it is not as difficult as it sounds – a few weeks training is enough to get in shape!

There are rest stops around every ten miles, serving free refreshments, plus a free lunch at the beautiful Linlithgow Palace. This is topped off with entertainment and activities at Victoria Park in Edinburgh, making for the perfect active day out for groups of friends, family or workmates.

Covering a larger 100 miles, the new Sportive Ride is for more energetic regular cyclist who would like an extra challenge and takes riders through the Southern Uplands, incorporating the best sections of numerous Scottish cycle racing circuits.

Transport to Glasgow is available for you and your bike.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Registration for the event is open now. Visit www.pedalforscotland.org