Cycling in the Straths open for entries

Mackay Country Community Trust are delighted to have been awarded £1,260 from SSE Strathy North Joint Community Fund for the cycling event Cycling in the Straths.

This year’s event is due to take place over the weekend of 27 to 29 May at Tongue in Sutherland. The event was piloted in 2014 and proved a great success drawing entries from across Scotland. Event organisers report that entries are coming in from as far afield as Edinburgh and Glasgow and the weekend looks set to be another fun filled weekend of cycling and Mackay Country hospitality.

A varied social programme is also on offer and includes an art exhibition and musical entertainment. Early arrivals can register for the event on the evening of the 27 May and then sample the hospitality on offer in the local hotels. For the main cycling event on Saturday there are two routes to choose from which will take riders through some of the most beautiful countryside in the world.

The longest route, the Strathnaver Challenge, will take cyclists on a 63-mile trip. Leaving Tongue riders will head east to Bettyhill before heading inland through Strathnaver to Altnaharra, along Strathmore before heading back to Tongue. The Ben Hope Trial is shorter but still a challenging 46-miles with riders starting and finishing in Tongue on a circuit via Altnaharra and Strathmore.

Although the event will be timed, it is not a race. Both routes will give riders a challenge with plenty of opportunity to demonstrate cycling skills and stamina. It is expected that both routes will be completed in 5 hours. Following the days cycling event cyclists can enjoy live music from talented Highland musician Davy Cowan in the Ben Loyal Hotel from 9pm. Finally, on the Sunday morning there will be a fun cycle round the Kyle of Tongue for all ages.

Melness Village Hall will also be hosting an exhibition of local artists and a BBQ. All profits from Cycling in the Straths will be used to help local communities and causes throughout Mackay Country. If cyclists want to organise sponsorship for their own charities they are encouraged to get in touch with the Cycling in the Straths Team who can help promote their fundraising activities.

Event participants can also raise money for the Mackay Country Community Trust which can be found on Total Giving: http://www.totalgiving.co.uk/charity/mackay-country-community-trust.

For further information, entry forms or offers of voluntary assistance on the day contact Fiona admin@mackaycountry.com.