Pedal power at Highland Perthshire cycling festival

WITH ITS wild trails, rugged terrain, network of cycle routes and stunning scenery, it has long been a must-visit destination for cyclists.

Next month, Highland Perthshire will cement its reputation by hosting its biggest cycling festival to date.

Over a week in May, thousands of cycling enthusiasts of all ages and abilities will make their way to the region for the event.

The Highland Perthshire Cycling Festival was launched in 2009 and has grown each year to become one of the most ambitious events on the Scottish cycling calendar.

It aims to offer something for everyone — from youngsters jumping on a bike for the first time to some of the nation’s top riders keen to challenge themselves against the Perthshire wilds.

The Highland Perthshire Enduro will once again form one of the centrepieces of the festival on Saturday May 3, when as many as 200 mountain-bikers take to the trails around Dunkeld.

The focus will then be firmly on youngsters on Sunday May 4, as youth riders between the ages of eight and 16 take part in a Mini Downhill as part of the Scottish Cycling Mini Downhill series.

It offers the chance for the winners of each age category to secure a place in the series finals — and a meeting with professional riders— at the UCIWorld Cup in Fort William.

On the same day, there will also be a women-only timed road bike ride on the banks of Loch Tay.

The festival is, however, about far more than just competition.

There will be a range of tours, bike skills sessions, fun bike rides and film screenings at the Birks Cinema in Aberfeldy.

The festival will also offer the chance to view some of the region’s finest trees and hear some poetry from the saddle during a special guided cycle around the Hermitage.

The week culminates with a day of “come and try” activities in Pitlochry on May 10 — coinciding with the Etape Caledonia, which will, itself, bring hundreds to the town for Scotland’s only closed-roads cycle race.

“Highland Perthshire Cycling is trying to attract people from all over the world to Scotland to enjoy the pastime,” said festival coordinator Scot Tares.

“We have an excellent network of roads here in Highland Perthshire, together with natural trails, big mountains and beautiful scenery.”

For more information on the festival, visit www.HighlandPerthshireCycling. co.uk.

Graeme Lafferty. Picture: Scot Tares, crouching, and a group of cycling enthusiasts cheer on the wheelie skills of Richard Mills, from Birnam.