Entries now open for Cycling in the Straths 2018

Mackay Country Community Trust will be hosting the fourth annual Cycling in the Straths event in 2018. This year’s event is due to take place over the weekend of 26th May at Tongue in Sutherland.

 

The event was piloted in 2014 and proved a great success drawing entries from across Scotland. Since then Cycling in the Straths has welcomed cyclists from across the UK and 2018 looks set to be another fun filled weekend of cycling and Mackay Country hospitality.

 

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.

 

Both routes explore one of the most beautiful sections of the North Coast 500 before tracking inland to the Sutherland straths where you will discover many hidden gems on some of the quietest and most scenic roads in the Highlands.

 

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 local traditional musicians, Ar Fuaim, in the Ben Loyal Hotel.

 

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.