Cyclists Asked To Test Their Mettle For Scotland’s Children

Three leading Scottish children’s charities have joined forces with Alpine Bikes and the country’s top cycling coaches to launch a brand new sportive event.

The Iron Ride will take place in Tayside on September 20, 2015.

The event, which is being described as one of the toughest cycling events in the country, has been set up to raise funds for Aberlour, CHAS and CLIC Sargent.

It has been backed by Olympic and Commonwealth Games coaching team, Mark McKay and Brynley Davies.

Iron Ride representatives (pictured L-R) Donnie Nicolson (CHAS), Samantha Henderson (Aberlour), Fergus Brown (Alpine Bikes) and Chris McColgan (CLIC Sargent) posed for a photograph to launch the event.

Fergus Brown, Concession Manager for Alpine Bikes, said: “We are delighted to be a main sponsor of the Iron Ride in Perthshire and Tayside this summer, which will raise funds for three very deserving children’s charities in Scotland.

“Road cycling is hugely popular across this region and it’s very exciting to have a brand new cycling sportive right here on our doorstep.

“We hope that lots of Alpine Bikes customers will sign up to take part, and help make the first year of the Iron Ride a tremendous success.”

Aimed at serious cyclists, the Iron Ride offers three distances for riders to choose from: Titanium, 180km; Steel, 130km or Aluminium, 80km.

Each route features 23% gradient hills and sets off from Errol Airfield to take in parts of Perthshire, Tayside and Angus.

The finishing point is back at Errol Airfield, where there will be an event village featuring food and drink stalls and activities for spectators.

Alpine Bikes will be promoting the event throughout their stores this summer, as well as providing support on the day from a team of rolling mechanics on the route. Riders can also access a double-discount in Alpine Bikes stores in the lead up to the sportive, for any items they need. Riders will also all receive an Alpine Bikes goodie bag when they cross the finishing line.

Endurance coaches Mark and Brynley, who together run Service Course Sports, will also be offering a number of exclusive training camp opportunities for riders.

Endurance Coach Mark McKay said: “Having ridden the route, I assure you that it represents a good challenge for serious cyclists and a great day in the saddle, whichever of the three routes you go for.

“Not only are the views spectacular, the roads are good and there are some great climbs in there making this a tough event.

“We are looking forward to the Iron Ride, and in helping raise funds for three great charities – Aberlour, CHAS and CLIC Sargent. We will be there on the day and have our support vehicle operating.”

Entry to the Iron Ride is £55 and riders are asked to raise a further £50 in sponsorship to take part. All profits will be shared between the partner charities, Aberlour, CHAS and CLIC Sargent.

Aberlour is the largest Scottish children’s charity, dedicated to supporting some of the country’s most vulnerable children and young people. Working with families affected by disability, dependency issues, family breakdown and social exclusion, Aberlour is dedicated to improving the lives of children across Scotland.

Marie-Claire Jones, Head of Marketing and Fundraising for Aberlour, said: “Funds raised by the Iron Ride will allow us to continue to help some of the country’s most vulnerable children, young people and their families. We are delighted to be working in partnership with two other fantastic causes in CHAS and CLIC Sargent. Together we can make a difference to Scotland’s children”.

CHAS is a charity that provides the only hospice services in Scotland for children and young people who have life-shortening conditions for which there is no known cure. CHAS runs two children’s hospices, Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch, and a home care service called CHAS At Home.

Jon Heggie, Director of Fundraising and Communications for CHAS, said: “We’re really excited to be involved in the first ever Iron Ride, it’s a great opportunity for keen cyclists to take on a new challenge and raise some money for good causes at the same time. Funds raised from the event will help us continue to provide specialised care to families across Scotland”.

CLIC Sargent is the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people, and their families. Providing clinical, practical, financial and emotional support to help them cope with cancer and get the most out of life. CLIC Sargent is there from diagnosis onwards and aims to help the whole family deal with the impact of cancer and its treatment, life after treatment and, in some cases, bereavement.

Jill Robinson, Regional Fundraising Manager for CLIC Sargent, said: “Every penny raised will help provide vital support for children and young people with cancer, and their families. We really appreciate the hard work and generosity that goes into taking on a challenge like this, and look forward to working with CHAS and Aberlour to raise as much money as possible to support children in Scotland”.

For more information and to register for the Iron Ride, visit www.ironride.co.uk.

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