Get on Your Bike and Hit the Open Road

CLIC Sargent is encouraging Scots to get on their bikes this summer for a good cause. The Charity is urging big-hearted fitness enthusiasts to sign up for an exciting two-wheeled adventure, to support children and young people with cancer, and their families.

CLIC Sargent is looking for more Scots to take on two fantastic cycle rides, which either start or finish in Scotland, between May and September 2010 – the Edinburgh to Dublin Cycle Ride and the famous Lands End to John O’Groats Cycle Ride.

Covering 220 miles in just three days, the Edinburgh to Dublin Cycle gives riders the chance to pedal between the famous Celtic capital cities - from thistles to shamrocks! The group cycles south west from the historic cobbled streets of Edinburgh, to the coastal town of Troon before crossing the sea to Larne. The ride then snakes along the east coast to finish in the vibrant city of Dublin.

Cycling in the tyre tracks of this year’s Sport Relief celebrities, the famous Lands End to John O’Groats route is a real achievement for any rider. This route covers 1,000 miles in 12 days, with participants exploring Cornwall, Dartmoor and the rugged Welsh border before pressing north to skirt the Lake District. Crossing the border at Gretna, cyclists will experience the varied landscape of Scotland, from coastal roads to rolling hills to the north coast and John O’Groats. 

Recreational cycling enthusiast Nick Goodchild, from Elgin, followed the Lands End to John O’Groats route in August 2009. Talking about his experience Nick says, “I decided to take on the LEJOG challenge as I was turning 50 and needed to do something to prove that I was not yet over the hill!

“I chose to fundraise for CLIC Sargent as the Charity had been of considerable help to some close friends affected by childhood cancer. By taking on this challenge and raising money for CLIC Sargent, I felt I was giving something back.

“It was an amazing experience. A definite high point of the trip was cycling over Shapfell near Penrith. I was delighted to get to John O’Groats – if I didn’t I really would have felt over the hill,” says Nick.

There are a number of dates available throughout 2010 and 2011 for both the Edinburgh to Dublin and the Lands End to John O’Groats Cycle rides.

Henry Street, Challenge Events Co-ordinator for CLIC Sargent, adds, “Taking to two wheels is great way to explore the countryside and improve your fitness levels. We would love to see more Scots getting on their bikes to raise money for CLIC Sargent this summer!

These long-distance rides are really popular so sign up early to avoid disappointment. And if you’re looking for a charity to support then please consider CLIC Sargent. Our experienced fundraising team will support you every step of the way with advice and help,” says Henry.

For more information about going the extra mile for children and young people with cancer and taking on the challenge of a lifetime, visit our Challenges section.