Pedal Stirling Sportive: When it’s on, how much does it cost, how to get discounted entry
Readers can book now for discounted early entry to a Parkinson’s UK annual charity tour, with routes to suit all ages and abilities.
The 25-mile, 50-mile and 100-mile British Cycling approved Pedal Stirling Sportive routes offer some of the most scenic routes in Scotland. The event takes place on Sunday August 20, kicking off at 8am.
All three distances set off from Stirling High School, and follow signed routes on open public roads, though most of the trails are on quieter B roads, making it suitable for almost all abilities of cyclists.
Those with more experience will love the hillier 100-mile route, but all three offer some delightful surroundings, stunning views and great company on one of Parkinson’s UK’s most popular events of the year.
The full routes are detailed here.
Maria Waugh, Head of Events from Parkinson’s UK said: “You can keep the wheels turning on our vital work. All the money you raise will have a huge impact on our physical activity and exercise programmes.
“With your help, we can continue to invest in supporting people with Parkinson’s to access as many opportunities to be physically active as possible.”
About the routes
The Classic 25 Mile is the gentlest route, mainly flat and family friendly, this is suitable for occasional cyclists who want to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a ride out with family, friends, or with a friendly bunch of strangers, in stunning surroundings.
The Challenge 50 Mile is classed as an intermediate route. The route explores the Flanders Moss, passing Lake of Menteith into Fintry before ascending to the Carron Valley Reservoir.
The Tough 100 Mile is not for the faint-hearted, but with demanding challenges comes great rewards.
Ride through the Trossachs National Park taking on the Dukes Pass, the infamous Crow Road and climbing out of Lennoxtown.
With plenty of water and snack stations en route, and with support from mechanics and first aiders as required, this is your chance to explore Scotland on a bike, and raise money for the Parkinson’s UK exercise programme.
The programme helps develop and deliver fitness programmes for people in the area with the progressive neurological condition.
About Parkinson’s
There are 145,000 people in the UK with Parkinson’s, and more than 80 people are diagnosed each day. It can cause cognitive impairment, depression, dementia and autonomic problems, and lead to difficulties in walking and talking.
Profits from event entries will help deliver the programme. While it’s not compulsory, many participants top up the fundraising by getting sponsorship for their bike ride, doing their best to support the work of this vital charity.
How to sign up
It costs £35 for the 25-mile route, £45 for the 50-mile and £55 for the 100-mile route, and every participant will be given a medal.
There’s an optional suggested fundraising target of £150.