08-06-10 Watch Out For The Cyclists
Around 150 cyclists are about to drop in on Carradale this Thursday night camping at CARRADALE BAY CARAVAN PARK.
Prestwick Cycle Challenge 2010 - Sound of Jura. Some old reading HERE.
Information and History of the Prestwick Cycle Challenge.
In August 1997, a team of 8 cyclists, cycled around Arran 58 miles and raised a total of £400 to send Children from Mainholm Academy to Leggoland. In May 1998, the Great Glen Cycle Run was completed by 16 cyclists & 4 back-up crew fromPrestwick, who cycled the 250 miles from Prestwick to Inverness,raising £4500 for Multiple Sclerosis & local Ayrshire charities.In May 1999, a group of 36 cyclist, of all cycling abilities, supported by a back-up crew of 10, cycledfrom Prestwick to the RAF Nimrod base at Kinloss on the Moray Firth; some 275 miles, over 3 days. This event raised a total of £7200 for charities; £3600 going directly to the BAE SYSTEMS nominated charity,Leukaemia Research Fund, and the remainder being distributed to six charities nominated by the cyclists.In May 2000, the team had grown to 100, 87 cyclists & 13 back-up crew, covering 7 BAE SYSTEMS sites.The team cycled from Prestwick to the Isle of Skye, covering 265miles. This event raised a total of£31,050 for charities; £15,000 going to BBC Children in Need, and the remainder being distributedto local charities nominated by each site.
In September 2001, a team of 58 cyclists & 8 back-up crew cycled Coast to Coast, Prestwick to BerwickUpon Tweed, covering 255 miles. The event raised £10,343, of which £5200 was distributed to Helpthe Hospices and the remainder to local charitiesIn June 2002, a team of 62 cyclists supported by 6 back-up crew cycled from the Prestwick site to Kyleof Loch Alsh passing no fewer than 12 Lochs & cycling through Glencoe, covering 230 miles. The eventraised a total of £10,342 for charities, £4000 going to NCH, BAE SYSTEMS nominated Charity,and theremainder being distributed between eight charities nominated bythe cyclists.
In June 2003, a team of 97 cyclists supported by 9 back-up crew cycled Argyll and the Isles, the teamcovered Arran, Argyll peninsular, Gigha (doubling the population), Bute and back to the Prestwick Site.The event raised a total of £12,162 for charities, £5,065 going to NCH, BAE SYSTEMS nominatedCharity and the remainder being distributed between nine charities nominated by the cyclists.
In June 2004, a team of 74 cyclist supported by 12 back up crew cycled to Grantown-on-Spey, the routesaw us pass over the Erskine Bridge through Balloch heading north to Aberfoyle,through the Glens,passing Loch Tay & Loch Tummel to Pitlochry. The team passed through Glen Shee, conquered theGrampian Mountains to Grantown-on-Spey. The event raised a total of £12,719 for charities, £5,402being split between NCH & Leukaemia Research the remainder beingshared with charities nominated by cyclists and sponsors.
In June 2005, a team of 78 cyclists supported by 12 back up crew, cycled from Prestwick through theHeart of the Galloway and around the Solway Coast. The team set themselves a £12,000 target that would see them crash through the £100,000 barrier for charity. The event raised a total of £15,531 exceeding their expectations the sponsorship money was split between Heart & Stroke Associationthe remainder being shared with charities nominated by cyclists and sponsors.nominated by cyclists and sponsors.
In June 2006, a team of 86 cyclists supported by 14 back up crew, Returned to the Isle of Skye,repeating the experiences of May 2000. The team experienced the fantastic views and were rewardedwith some scorching weather. Four of our colleagues cycled from Land’s End to John o’Groats linking upwith us at Prestwick. We did ourselves proud, the event raised atotal of £22,309. The sponsorship was Split between the Neonatal Unit and the Heart and Stroke Association, the remainder was shared withvarious charities nominated by colleagues and cyclists.
In June 2007, a team of 88 cyclists supported by 14 back up crew, experienced the remote and beautiful countryside of Caithness and Sunderland. The finalnight was spent in the splendour of a real Scottish Castle! Carbisdale we were also rewarded again with some fantastic weather.The team did themselves proud, the event raised a total of £21,225. The sponsorship was Split between BAE Systems nominated charity MacMillan Cancer Support and various nominated charities of colleagues and cyclist.
In June 2008, a team of 90 cyclists supported by 16 back up crew, cycled from Prestwick to Donegal.The team cycled north from Larne via the Giant’s Causeway to experienced the breathtaking scenery ofIreland. This was the 1styear the Prestwick Cycle challenge had left Scotland. The weather again was superb. A large BBQ was organised to feed over 100 hungry mouths, plenty of Irelands finest Guinness was consumed on route. Once again the team delivered, a total of £21,845 wasraised. The sponsorship was split between BAE Systems nominated charity Sue Ryder Care and various nominated charities.
In June 2009, a team of 94 cyclists supported by 16 back up crew, cycled from Glencoe to Ullapool Via Applecross and the famous Bealach-Na-Ba. The route was very challenging, more than previousyears, all the cyclists were pushed to their limit. the scenery was stunning and was well worth the effortof climbing all those hills. Once the route wascompleted the team celebrated their achievement in theRoyal Hotel, Ullapool’s finest. The team raised a fantastic sum of £26,021 which was distributed betweenBAE Systems nominated charity Sue Ryder Care and various nominated charities.Total Raised for Charities to date by the Cycle Run £194,652
About this years Challenge, This year’s challenge has been designed to suit all levels of cycling ability, the route will range from 50 mile days to 70/100 mile options. The route will take the cyclist through breathtaking scenery and visit many of the Western Isles, mainly Arran, Islay, Jura, Kintyre Peninsula and Bute.As well as the beautiful scenery the route will pass by many Distilleries on route, for those Whisky connoisseurs there should be ample opportunity to visit and gainan understanding of the manufacture of Malt WhiskyOnce the route is (nearly) completed, let your hair down, enjoy the usual top notch last night partyto celebrate your achievement in the Victoria Hotel in Rothesay on the isle of Bute.
The objective of the event is to raise money for charity, while having an experience of a lifetime completing a significant challenge. All cyclists will be expected to raise personal sponsorship. It is envisaged that approximately half of all monies raised will be presented to BAE Systems Charity Challenge.Accommodation will primarily be camping and Hostels. Please inform the Organising Team if you have a tent and are intending to bring it with you. For those requiring bed & breakfast or even the odd luxury hotel, please inform the Organising Team that you require these facilities.Please note all accommodation will be at your own cost.A dedicated team of volunteers will transport all equipment, luggage, food and drinks, as well as providing the necessary support and encouragement to cyclists along the route.
Day 1 ––Prestwick to Carradale (54 miles with 70 to 100 mile options) Thursday 10thJune 2010. Depart Prestwick site cycle to Ardrossan Ferry Terminal.Ferry to Arran, cycle to Lochranza Ferry.Lochranza to Cloanaig Ferry,Cycle Cloanaig to Carradale. Camping at Carradale.
Day 2 ––Carradale to Islay & Jura (52 miles with 70 to 100 mile optionsCarradale options) Friday 11thJune 2010. Depart Carradale to Kennacraig Ferry.Depart Ferry to Islay.Options on Islay early ferry arrives at 12 Noon (Port Ellen), Options main ferry in arrives at 3.00pm (Port Askaig).Ferry runs half hourly from Port Askaig across The Sound of IslayThe Islay(Caol Isla) (to Feolin Ferry on Jurato Jura Craighouse on Jura (shop, hotel, distillery) ––17 mile round trip17 trip. Ferry back to Port Askaig.Cycle around Loch Indaal to Port Charlotte and to campsite, Port Mor.
Day 3 ––Islay to Rothsay ( 54 miles with 70 to 100 mile options) Saturday 12thJune 2010.Islay Port Mor Campsite to Port Ellen Ferry Terminal (by 09:15).Kennacraig Ferry terminal to Tarbert Ferry Terminal.Portavadie Ferry Terminal to Colintraive (options via Otter Ferry Portavadie Ferry/Newton or Ardlamont/Tighnabruaich).Circuit of Bute from Rhubodach to Rothsay.
Day 4 -- Sunday 13th June 2010 Ferry from Rothesay to Wemyss Bay (runs regularly) Cycle from Wemyss Bay to the Prestwick site or arrange to be picked up
This years target is to break £225,000
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