Email: info@velodays.com
Mog-jog - The Ucan Mog-jog
Route: We are delighted to work in partnership with UCAN to offer one of Scotland's premier charity cycling challenges. From Mull of Galloway to John O'Groats over 4 days as part of a group of fundraising cyclists, this is a tough, but rewarding few days. The trip is fully supported, with your luggage transferred, a support vehicle to assist with mechanical and medical problems and refreshments provided along the way. It's a charity challenge, so rather than a luxury hotel, you will spend each evening in our tented village which is moved and assembled for you each day. We provide breakfast and snacks, with your evenings spent in camping parks with local restaurants and pubs. The route takes in the full length of the Scottish mainland. Its a terrific challenge, featuring a blend of minor roads, wonderful scenery and the odd hill here and there. UCAN stands for Urological CANcers. Urological cancers are more common than many people realise, and account for 1 in 3 of all cancers in men and 1 in 5 of all cancers in men and women. UCAN is a charity dedicated to raising awareness of urological cancers, and improving support and quality of life for people and families who are affected. Your support can make a valuable difference.
Duration: 4 days of cycling
Total Cycling Distance: 433 miles (Average cycling distance is 105 miles per day.)
Departures: The UCAN MOG-JOG will begin on 4 June 2010. The four full cycling days will be 5-8 June with return from John O'Groats on 9 June.
Price: The fee for participating will be £433 (corresponding to the number of miles) If you are interested in joining us or would simply like to find out more details, please contact kate.synott@abdn.ac.uk or telephone Kate on 01224 559312
Accommodation: In the tradition of every great expedition, you will be housed in our mobile base camp and spend five nights under canvas. You supply your own tent and we move and assemble it.
Prologue: Mull of Galloway - Sandhead
An opportunity for a start-line picture and a gentle 15 mile cycle from the sourthern tip of Scotland to the nearest camping park at Sandhead. Its an opportunity to get to know your fellow cyclists and to stretch your legs ahead of the tougher days ahead.
Day One: Sandhead - Lanark
The South of Scotland in a day. Travelling from Dumfries and Galloway (which is bigger than you think) into South Lanarkshire (which has more hills than you might think). A great day, spent mostly on unclassified roads heading north east from our starting point. You will pass within a mile of the birthplace of Kirkpatrick MacMillan - inventor of the modern bicycle. You may well be less fond of him as the days continue!
Day Two: Lanark - Pitlochry
Day two passes through West Lothian before crossing the Forth Road Bridge. From Fife it's into Perthshire and the final stop at Pitlochry. Pitlochry really feels like the heart of Scotland and nowhere could be a more suitable half-way point. The town is always popular with visitors and with lots of places to eat and drink you will be well stocked up on calories for the Highlands which lie ahead.
Day Three: Pitlochry - Evanton
Most of the day follows the National Cycle Route 7, with long stretches alongside the busy A9, except on the old road which runs parallel and performs the role of extra wide bike path. The drop down to Inverness might feel like the end of the day ...but we decided that you might not appreciate leaving the longest day until last, so you continue over the Kessock Bridge to finish at the village of Evanton.
Day Four Evanton - John O'Groats
The home stretch. Its pretty gentle through Alness and Tain as you head north to Golspie and Brora. You might be forgiven for thinking that roads along the coast are generally flat, but at Helmsdale the Berridale Braes provide the last and possibly the toughest test. The Caithness landscape as you head north can be exposed and windy, so fingers crossed for a tailwind as you reach the final destination of John O'Groats.
