COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE Pedal for Scotland returns next month – the perfect chance to put your cycling skills to the test, or get back in the saddle to join in the fun...
Getting yourself ready to pedal
Scotland’s biggest bike event returns on September 11th, with over 10,000 riders set to take part.
Organised by Cycling Scotland, there are three rides to choose from: the Classic Challenge is a 46- mile ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh, the 112- mile Big Belter between the two cities stretches out to the Southern Uplands, while the Wee Jaunt in Edinburgh takes in the last 10 miles of the Classic Challenge route. Which one will you choose? Use our guide to help you decide. This event is an ideal soft starter for beginners and families.
It starts in Linlithgow from 9.30am and follows an almost traffic- free route to the Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, where you can enjoy the festival atmosphere at the finish with entertainment laid on along with food and drink stalls. The most popular ride is the 46- mile Classic Challenge from Glasgow to Edinburgh, now in its 18th year.
The route attracted more than 7,500 riders last year of a range of ages and abilities.
The ride starts from 7.30am at Glasgow Green – with bus transport available for pre- booking – and follows traffic free roads and paths to the Royal Highland Centre.
The challenge does require some training beforehand but there are rest stops with free refreshments roughly every 10 miles along the route, with entertainment and stalls at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh. For riders looking to push towards their limits, the Big Belter is a 112mile sportive which uses the same start and finish points as the Classic Challenge but takes a different route between the two cities.
The route takes riders through the Southern Uplands and into Edinburgh taking in the best sections of numerous Scottish cycle racing circuits, including the A77 10 Mile Time Trial, sections of the Moscow APR and the Strathaven Anderside Classic, with steep climbs around Muirkirk and undulating stretches across wild moorland. If you’re planning to take part you should get out on your bike at least five to 10 times before the event. The first couple of times will possibly feel a Pedal for Scotland riders chance have the to help children in Scotland living in poverty by raising funds for the STV Children’s Appeal, the event’s official charity partner. bit uncomfortable if you’re not in the habit of riding, but persevere as things will improve quickly. Even short journeys make a big difference. Choose quiet routes that will let you ride for a few miles without stopping. Practice using your gears before you need to change under pressure. Try to practice pedalling in a lower gear than usual to preserve energy. Build up your endurance by gradually increasing the distances of your training rides, ideally by about 20 per cent each time.