Its not often you get the opportunity to spend the day with friends in beautiful surroundings, getting healthy and fit and raising money for charity. It's even less often that you get the chance to do it while riding a bike from one side of a country to another.
As a challenge for some and the year’s biggest training ride for others, Pedal for Scotland – the country’s largest mass participation ride - is the perfect chance for you to do all that and more.
This year the race runs from Glasgow to Edinburgh and because it’s only as hard as you want it to be, you get the chance to enjoy quiet roads, take in all the sights and sounds of this beautiful part of the world, out in the open and at your own pace.
There are regular rest stops along the way and mechanical back-up in case of difficulties. Add to this a carefully marshalled and signposted route, free snacks, entertainment and hopefully some well-known personalities also accepting the challenge alongside you.
For the more hardcore cyclist the course is long enough to give you a work-out and short enough that you can bring your friends along to experience the buzz of a cycling event.
So what are you waiting for, sign up, challenge some friends and make a day of it pedalling for Scotland!
Who Can Take Part?
Even though 47.5 miles might seem like a huge distance, by riding at a gentle pace and making use of the rest stops, it is not as difficult as it sounds!
Some people may want to try and complete the course as fast as possible but the majority take it at an easy pace and enjoy the beautiful scenery and the pleasure of riding with friends, or even making new ones!
Unlike running, cycling lets you chat away, enjoy the scenery sweeping past and barely be out of breath.
Over recent years children as young as 6 and adults as old as 70 have all participated and really enjoyed themselves. There are no limits - all it takes is a bit of enthusiasm and some preparation and you will enjoy a fantastic and rewarding experience.
For more advice on how to prepare for Pedal for Scotland visit Cycling Scotland's downloads or see the training and advice page.
The Route 2008
The 2008 route will run from Glasgow to Edinburgh. However some of the rest stops on this map may differ. An up to date route guide is currently being formulated and will be published here as soon as possible. Thanks to everone who filled in the online feedback form - we will be taking your comments into account as we formulate a route for 2008.
