Tayside Challenge

This charity sportive, now in its fifth year, is organised by Perth Kinnoull Rotary Club working in partnership with Malawi Fruits. We are offering a memorable and enjoyable cycling challenge in some of Scotland's best scenery while raising funds to support local Perthshire charities and the international charity Malawi Fruits.

We are proud to announce our Star Guest for 2019. Jenny Graham, who recently cycled around the world in 124 days, setting a new women's Guinness world record will be with us for the day. You will meet Jenny at the start line and around the route or at the food stations as she cycles our 81 mile route (which includes most of the 46 mile route) and then have a chance to chat with her at the finish over a well-earned cup of tea or coffee and some great food and home baking.

Last year Guinness world record cyclist Mark Beaumont attended the event, unfortunately due to his book tour commitments Mark cannot be with us again this year. However Mark has given us a message he would like to convey to you, as follows:

’The Tayside Challenge is without comparison the friendliest and most scenic sportive that I have taken part in. Following roads that I know so well during my training for cycling around the World, including the epic climb of the Amulree Pass and the sweeping descent of the Sma Glen. But best of all is the people - the volunteers and the camaraderie of fellow riders, all of which makes the Tayside Challenge a must-experience ride.’

This may be the first cycle sportive ever to have both Men's and Women's Guinness world record holders in back-to-back events. If it's good enough for these great cyclists then surely it's a great event for you!

Participants have the choice of the Tayside Challenge 81 - a challenging 81mile route or the Tayside Challenge 46- a more modest 46 mile cycling challenge for those who would not be able to complete the longer route in eight hours or less. Both events feature electronic chip timing and we ask for a donation of £35 for the charities, rather than an entry fee. Because the proceeds go to charity, if you are able to tick the box for gift aid on the entry form then this is a great additional benefit. Participants may choose to raise additional funds through sponsorship if they wish but this is not required.

Our routes taken in some of Highland Perthshire's best scenery and the longer route has a great climb up from Loch Tay just after the half way point. Whatever route you choose you will be sustained by great sandwiches and home baking provided by our team at the feed stations as well as bananas and health bars for that added sustenance.

This increasingly popular event fully sold out last year so do not miss out, sign up today.

This event is linked with the Cairn o' Mount Challenge (www.cairnomountchallenge.org.uk) and the well-established Highland Perthshire Challenge so why not consider entering one or both of those too! The events have the same ethos and Cairn o' Mount offers 30 mile and 80 mile routes - the longer route including the mighty Cairn! The Highland Perthshire Challenge is based at Perth Airport and has two routes - 100 miles or 50 miles. Book two events at the same time and you can claim a £10 discount or book all three to get £15 off the total donation!