Hello!

We are researchers from the Sea Mammal Research Unit, at the University of St Andrews. We study the interactions between marine renewable energy developments and marine mammals, to support the UK’s offshore wind and tidal energy industries. From 15th-19th April, members of the team are presenting our work at the Environmental Interactions of Marine Renewables conference in Kirkwall, Orkney.

But, we aren't attending the conference in the usual fashion...

We wanted to raise awareness of climate change, and the need for renewable energy to transition to a low carbon future.

So, we decided to cycle there.

We will use pedal-power on our two-wheeled journey to cover over 300 miles from the Scottish Oceans Institute (St Andrews), to Kirkwall (Orkney), following Sustrans cycle routes along the way. We are using a single electric vehicle to provide safety backup - and emergency biscuits supplies when needed! Our stops along the way are: Pitlochry, Aviemore, Dingwall, Lairg, and close to the Scrabster ferry terminal. Our cycling team of 7 includes researchers from the WATER group, as well as PhD students at SMRU and SAMS . We also welcome friends and colleagues to come and join us at any point along the route!

We strongly believe in the benefits of active travel, in helping to reduce transport emissions, but also in boosting people's physical and mental wellbeing, and creating positive and memorable experiences in the natural world. With this is mind, as part of our challenge, we are also fundraising for an amazing Scottish organisation that provides cycling opportunities for people with physical disabilities.

We are also fundraising for ARC!

The Adaptive Riders Collective is a CIC based in central Scotland, which was setup to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to experience the benefits and freedom of nature through off-road adaptive cycling. Their mission is to provide services, create an inclusive collective of adaptive & non-disabled riders, and offer a space where riders of all abilities can come together and enjoy all that cycling and being out amongst nature has to offer.

Their recent short-film, 'Three Wheel Drive', documents the challenges and successes experienced by a mixed riding group as they undertake a multi-day cycle challenge in the Cairngorms - and was awarded the Community Project of the Year in the Scottish Mountain Bike Awards, 2023. You can watch the trailer here! Funds raised from our cycling challenge will contribute towards ARC running more come-and-try sessions across central Scotland, with a view to getting more people out riding for the first time. We would greatly appreciate donations of any amount towards ARC's incredible work.

Thankyou for reading. Your donations will make a real difference!

Lastly, we also want to thank SMRU Consulting, Transition and Hostelling Scotland for supporting the team on our route. Wish us luck, and follow SMRU to keep up to date with our cycling progress (expect a lot of soggy selfies). A big thanks from all of us!

Cycling team: Carol Sparling, Gordon Hastie, Katie Rapson, Emma Longden, Jessica Montabaranom, Phillipa Wright & Thomas Webber!