ABERFOYLE is set to host a new endurance cycling event this spring.
The Grand Old Dukes endurance event will take place at the heart of the Gravelfoyle cycling destination in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
The route is a challenging 111-miles of mutli-surface track, with 10,000ft of spectacular climbs, from Loch Lubnaig to Loch Arklet.
It will be waymarked and marshalled for cyclists unfamiliar with the path.
Event director Kerry MacPhee, from Bike Trossachs CIC, said: “The growth of Gravelfoyle as a mecca for gravel riders across the globe has been special to watch over the last five years, as has the growth of special long distance gravel challenges.
“We know there is an appetite for both, so it felt like a no brainer to create our own concept event of climbing 10,000ft over 111 miles. It’s a truly beautiful and at times breathtaking route which should help riders get through the challenging length and elevation on offer and we’re stoked to be bringing this route to the masses.”
Event organiser Bike Trossachs CIC is the mind behind Dukes Weekender, one of the most popular gravel riding events in the UK. It will stage a two-day community cycling festival supported by the EventScotland Community Cycling Fund, centred around the Dounans Outdoor Centre.
This will be funded by EventScotland Community Cycling Fund and Bike Trossachs, in partnership with Adaptive Riders Collective (ARC), Dirt Divas CIC and Trailcoach.
Adaptive e-bikes will be available to demo thanks to this partnership, as well as "come and try" gravel rides, for those perhaps not confident enough to do all 111-miles.
Guided long distance rides, women-led rides and women-specific cycle mechanics sessions are also on offer.
The event village will also include a range of stands, kids' pump track and cargo bikes to try out.
Event director Beth Legg said: “With something for everyone at the event village at Dounans Outdoor Centre all weekend, our new community focused festival of cycling, running in conjunction with the big ride-out on Sunday. is guaranteed to have a very welcoming and family atmosphere.”
The event is a precursor to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships this coming August, which will take place in Scotland.
More than 8000 cyclists are set to compete in what is labelled the “biggest cycling event ever staged.”
Robbie Clyde, head of EventScotland, said: “EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the family-friendly Grand Old Dukes gravel riding festival, Aberfoyle, through the Community Cycling Fund which is enabling opportunities for more people to enjoy the benefits of cycling through a range of events and activity as we move closer to the inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
“Events play an important role in our communities, enabling us all to connect, enjoy and share memorable experiences – having them in our calendar further strengthens Scotland’s position as the perfect stage for events.”
The Grand Old Dukes will be held on April 30 beginning with a timed massed start from Aberfoyle on the edge of the Trossachs at 07:00am.
The festival starts a day earlier, on April 29
