Many thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

 

The challenge.........Pitlochry to Pitlochry via Tummel Bridge, Kinloch Rannoch, Loch Rannoch, Schiehallion, Fortingall, Strathtay, Logierait......The distance....81 miles/130 km.......The date......Sunday 16th May 2010........

 

Over 2 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with cancer, with the figure rising steadily, year-on-year. On the 16th May, 3500 cyclists will tackle the Etape Caledonia, http://www.etapecaledonia.co.uk  and many will be riding for  Macmillan Cancer Support. These people do fantastic work with cancer patients and their families, so please make a donation if you can.

 

Okay, the terrible January/February/March weather has put paid to my training schedule, but come the day, I'm certain I'll be on top form, and hope to complete the course in a decent time. As this is Clan Donachie country, I'm expecting the spirits of my ancestors to give me a push up Schiehallion, and a hefty one down the other side!

http://www.etapecaledonia.co.uk/images/PDFs/Competitor-Map-2010.pdf  takes you to the map of the route. I have already scoped it out, and ridden parts of it over the last 8 months. It's relatively flat, except the 7 mile ascent of the mountain, which comes at the halfway point. Having covered the area for the past twenty years with work, I know the route well. Riding on closed roads will be a novelty, and should help maintain a steady speed.

 

Just in...........Event number 2143......start time, 7.20am.

 

Three weeks to go..........................