Scotland’s biggest bike event racks up over 290,000 miles of cycling

Nearly 7,000 people took to their bikes on Sunday for the nation’s largest cycling event. With participants ranging in age from a one year old on a tag along to 88 years old, riders completed a combined total of 294,000 miles.

Capital Scotland Breakfast Presenter Des Clarke took part on the 45-mile route on closed roads from Glasgow to Edinburgh as one of the 5,200 riders doing the Classic Challenge.  Des only learned to cycle earlier this year at the age of 37 years and is delighted to have taken part in his first Pedal for Scotland.

Participants who joined Des in the 45-mile Classic Challenge burned approximately 1,800 calories on average, to the equivalent of:

• 20 medium sized bananas
• 13.5 Tunnocks Caramel Wafers
• Almost 8 bowls of porridge
• 4.5 portions of haggis, neeps and tatties
• 4 bacon sandwiches

Collectively, riders will have burned over 10 million calories equating to 234,000 Yorkshire puddings.

The Classic Challenge (45-miles) and Big Belter (100-miles) routes started at Glasgow Green, with riders pedalling through to Edinburgh on closed roads, finishing at the Royal Highland Centre. The 10-mile Wee Jaunt saw participants as young as five years old taking part, cycling from Linlithgow to Edinburgh.

Participants have come from far and wide to enjoy the event organised by Cycling Scotland, from USA, Canada, as well as Germany and Italy.   

More than half a million pounds has now been raised for the STV Children’s Appeal by Pedal for Scotland participants. Since the STV Children’s Appeal became official charity partner in 2013, over 240 charities have benefited from money raised by the annual cycling event.

On taking part in his first Pedal for Scotland, Capital Scotland Breakfast Presenter Des Clarke said: “I had the most amazing time training and taking part in Pedal for Scotland. I only learned to ride a bike this year, and just getting to the start line is one of my proudest achievements. I couldn't have done it without the support of friends and family, and want to thank my fellow riders for all of the encouragement! Thank you Pedal for Scotland!”

Commenting on the success of this year’s event, Keith Irving, chief executive of Cycling Scotland, said: “It’s been another fantastic turn out this year. Congratulations to everyone who took part and thanks to all the volunteers, event staff and emergency services who assisted and funders and sponsors who helped deliver the event.

“Pedal for Scotland provides a brilliant opportunity to get on your bike to feel healthier, to raise money for a fantastic cause like STV Children’s Appeal or just to enjoy a great day out. We want to ensure anyone, anywhere can enjoy all the benefits cycling has to offer.

“Our thanks to residents and businesses along the route who have supported the event or adjusted their plans on-the-day.  We hope Pedal for Scotland has again inspired people to make cycling part of their routine and look forward to another successful event next year.”

Elizabeth Partyka of the STV Children's Appeal added: "From the bottom of our hearts, a big thank you to everyone who cycled for the STV Children’s Appeal and raised money to help our fight against child poverty in Scotland. Thanks to your efforts, the Appeal can continue making a difference in the lives of those who need it the most. Don’t forget to tune in to STV's live Appeal show next month to find out how much has been raised by Pedal for Scotland fundraisers and how your money will help Scotland’s children."

Anyone keen to sign up for Pedal for Scotland next year can enjoy an early bird offer – SIGN UP