Former rugby internationals swap boots for bikes

A quartet of former Scotland international rugby players will be descending on Fort William on Saturday during an epic charity bike ride.

Ruaridh Jackson, who earned 33 caps between 2010 and 2018, will join Richie Vernon, the first man to go to World Cups for Scotland as a forward then a back; Ryan Grant, the former Scotland prop and 2009 Lions tourist; and Andrew Easson, the former Edinburgh and Scotland Sevens player, in cycling the Caledonia Way in aid of Doddie Weir’s My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and Unite Against

Cancer. With no cycling experience between them apart from the occasional spin on an indoor training cycle, the foursome aim to ride the 234 miles from Campbeltown to Inverness in 36 hours.

Ruaridh said: ‘Training has been going well but it is not without its challenges fitting it in and around work.

‘Plus, I have a newborn so sleep deprivation has been another factor,’ he said.

‘We are all excited about the route but nervous about some of the climbs that will have to be taken on.

‘The views will help on the way but we will be excited to get to our final destination for a big feed and a couple beers at Highland Rugby Club.

‘We’re doing this to raise money for two charities close to the team’s hearts. The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and Unite Against Cancer. If anyone can spare a few quid to sponsor us, it will make the pain and inevitable chaffing a little more bearable.’

At the time of writing, the quartet had already reached £4,330 of the original £5,000 target and they are excited to see how far it will go by the time they roll out of Campbeltown tomorrow.

The Caledonia Way, also known as National Cycle Route 78, will take them from Kintyre, through Mid Argyll to Inverness using the road and traffic-free forest trails and canal paths, stopping in Oban for the night before heading to Fort William on Saturday, a section which includes two ferry rides.

Those interested can track their journey and donate to Ruaridh, Ryan, Richie and Andrew’s cycling challenge at their Cycling the Caledonia Way gofundme page.