1. What is Pedal for Scotland?

Pedal for Scotland, organised by Cycling Scotland, is Scotland’s biggest bike event. Back in 1999, the first event attracted 400 riders. The event has grown increasingly popular with more routes, bigger challenges and more and more participants joining in year on year.

2. Want to know more?

Pedal for Scotland returns for our 19th year on 7th May 2017 for the Wee Jaunt Falkirk 7.5 mile ride, the 6 mile Wee Jaunt Perth on 6th August and then on 10th September 2017 , with three more rides to choose from catering for all ages and abilities. Pedal for Scotland’s main event day will feature the 45 mile Classic Challenge from Glasgow to Edinburgh, the colossal 93 mile Big Belter from Glasgow to Edinburgh via the Batgate Alps and the Wee Jaunt Edinburgh which takes in the last 10 miles of the Classic Challenge route.

3. Charity

Support for the STV Children’s Appeal, official charity partner to Pedal for Scotland, grew in 2015 and 2016 with a variety of riders including a Scottie dog called Hamish, a couple on a tandem dressed as ‘Big Man and Wee Yin’, the staff of Royal Bank of Scotland and many more helping to raise funds for children and young people affected by poverty in Scotland.

Why don’t you join them in raising money for kids in poverty in Scotland? More info on fundraising is below.

Rider Information

4. Will I get a medal?

Yes, everyone who finishes Pedal for Scotland will get a medal.

5. How long will it take me to complete the route?

This will depend on your fitness and experience.

For the Classic Challenge…
For the Classic Challenge we anticipate the fastest participant to take just under 2.5 hours and the slowest participant to take around 5hrs 45min. An average would therefore be around 4 – 4.5 hrs. If you are feeling like you may take a bit longer to complete the Classic Challenge, then please start as close to 7:30 as possible.

For the Big Belter….
For the Big Belter we anticipate the fastest participant to take just over 4 hours and the slowest participant to take around 8.5 hours. An average would therefore be between 5-6 hrs. NOTE: There is a minimum speed for the Big Belter (20kph or 12.4mph). There will be cut-off points in two locations on the Big Belter route and if you are running behind the minimum speed, you will be able to take the cut-offs route (which shortens the overall route).

Again, if you are feeling like you may take a bit longer to complete the Big Belter, then please start as close to 6:45 as possible.

For the Wee Jaunt Edinburgh…
For the Wee Jaunt Edinburgh we anticipate the fastest participant to take just over half hour and the slowest participant to take just over 3 hours. An average would therefore be between 1-1.5hrs.

6. Do I have to go at a certain speed on the Classic Challenge?

In order to cause minimum disruption to local communities along the Classic Challenge route we do have cut off times along the route that you have to hit in order to complete the ride. These cut off times are based on a slowest rider of 15kph (9.3mph), with allowance for rest stops. Please note that this is the slowest speed based on the slowest rider starting in the last wave at 9:30.

As a practical example, if you start in the first wave at 7:30 you will have an extra 2 hours to complete on top of the 6hrs already allowed meaning that you have a total of 8 hrs to finish in time for 15:30.

Therefore, if you are feeling like you may take a bit longer to complete the Classic Challenge, then please choose an earlier starting wave.

7. Do I need to train? How much should I train if so?

The Classic Challenge is indeed a challenge, so we would strongly recommend that everyone gets out on their bike before the event – suggest at least 5-10 times and getting to distances as long as your chosen route. The amount of training that is needed will depend on each person, but you should feel comfortable cycling for the distance of your chosen ride as well as being in the saddle all day.

Pedal for Scotland is also a sociable ride, with thousands of other participants along the route. As such, you should feel comfortable riding your bike amongst groups of people, so a bit of training with others would also be helpful. Please see our led ride page to find Pedal for Scotland training rides near you, or look on the Cycling UK site and Scottish Cycling to find groups and clubs near you.

For the Big Belter, we would recommend extensive training. The Big Belter is a very long distance, and there are substantial climbs en route.

Ultimately, the amount of training will depend on your current fitness levels. Please see the page on preparation advice and keep an eye on the Pedal for Scotland website for some additional useful training tips and advice.

8. Can family and friends watch me at the start, finish or along the route?

Friends and family can come and watch you at the start, at the finish and along the route. Please bear in mind that the route will be on closed roads meaning that friends travelling in vehicles to watch you should plan their route in advance.

Start venue: Glasgow Green
Finish venue: Royal Highland Centre – Ingliston

9. How do I get to / from the Start / Finish?

Event transport is available and participants will be able to book transport at the same time as their registration (you may be able to go back and add transport, but there are limited spaces, so please book early). Participants who wish to add on transport after their registration can login back into their online account and add transport there. Instructions on how to do this are found on your registration confirmation email. For further support you can call our support line on 0333 300 3485. Please note that event transport must be booked in advance. No bookings for transport can be made on the event day.
Event transport will leave from the Royal Highland Centre. Return transport will also be available from the Royal Highland Centre. Event Transport for the Wee Jaunt Edinburgh ride will leave from the Royal Highland Centre.

*Please note that Rider Transport is available to take people to the Linlithgow start line before the Wee Jaunt Edinburgh but is not available back to Linlithgow afterwards.

By Tram: Thanks to Edinburgh Trams, a special tram service will take you and your bike to/from Ingliston Park & Ride and Haymarket Station running approximately every half hour. NOTE: The tram MUST be booked in advance when booking your place on the ride. Anyone who has not pre-booked a place will NOT be guaranteed access to the tram service and you should NOT expect to be able to take your bike on the regular tram service as access is at Edinburgh Trams’ discretion. The tram service can NOT be booked on the day either. Further details will be announced over the next few weeks.

By Bike: The Royal Highland Centre is accessible by cycle paths from the centre and west of Edinburgh. Please see cyclestreets / sustrans / google for routes in the area.

By Rail: There is limited capacity on trains to carry bicycles and ScotRail will assist where it is safe to allow bicycles to be carried. Please see ScotRail’s bicycle carriage policy here: http://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/travel-connections/cycling
Please be advised that on the day of the event there will be thousands of riders coming into Edinburgh and ScotRail is unable to carry large numbers of cycles on its train services.

By Car: We would encourage you to access the Royal Highland Centre by public transport or on your bike, but if you must use a car, there will be parking available nearby the Royal Highland Centre. Further information on parking will be available in advance of the event.

Please note that there is no dedicated event parking, pick-up or drop-off areas for those who arrive at the start by vehicle. For parking information, please see http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/parking for details on where to park in Glasgow. Please keep in mind that there will be traffic management in and around Glasgow Green as well as along the route out of Glasgow and this will also impact any noted parking locations.

10. What is the route?

To view the route maps for the Big Belter and the Classic Challenge rides please check the rides pages. Please note, these routes are subject to change.

11a. The Classic Challenge route seems to have changed since I last rode Pedal for Scotland?

Each year, we take on-board feedback from participants and we use this feedback to have discussions with local authorities and emergency services to identify a safe route that will also minimise disruption to those along the route. As such, changes to the route will be put in place to make the event experience better, safer and less of an impact upon those communities along the route.

11b. Why is the Big Belter shorter this year?

We have reviewed feedback from participants and shortened the Big Belter slightly to a still challenging 93 miles - taking in some exciting and taxing climbs in the Bathgate Alps. This enables participants to enjoy the first 25 miles of closed roads and enjoy more of the atmosphere along the route.

12. What about the finishing venue - why is it at the Royal Highland Centre?

There are a number of reasons for making the Royal Highland Centre (RHC) the finishing venue. We have adjusted the start timings to get people cycling earlier in the day, allowing us to open the roads earlier afterwards, minimising the disruption to local communities along the route. With more people cycling in a shorter time-frame, this required us to look again at the route into Edinburgh and the finishing venue and the Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston was a great option. We also gave consideration to other events along the route and in central Edinburgh on 10th September, other operational factors and we are very excited about coming finishing at the Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston. It offers an exciting development and better event village space for people to enjoy where friends and family can congregate and watch you at the finish.

13. Why is the Classic Challenge route shorter than 50 miles?

We have put a huge amount of work to create a fantastic route for you this year. The safety and experience of participants is really important to us and so after a lot of research we feel we have picked a great route to cycle from Glasgow to Edinburgh - challenging enough, but not off-putting to those who are undertaking their first big challenge ride. This route is still a big but achievable challenge for most. Please note, the final route is subject to change.

14. Are there hills? Are they steep?

It is pretty hard to go for a cycle in Scotland without a hill! However, we have tried to ensure that the Classic Challenge route is as accessible as possible this year. As such, the route takes in considerably less elevation than previous years.
Two hills to look out for are at approximately 12 miles and 26 miles into the route (note: final route is subject to change).

15. Is there a route file that I can use to upload to my bike computer/navigation device?

Although we don’t envisage any substantial changes to the route at this stage there is always a possibility that there will be a last minute change due to unforeseen circumstances that are out of our control. For this reason, we do not issue a downloadable route file for the event however the route will be fully sign posted throughout so there shouldn’t be any reason to get lost!

16. I can’t register online for the event. What do I do?

The easiest and quickest way to register for Pedal for Scotland is to go online to www.pedalforscotland.org and book onto your chosen ride. However, if this is not possible please give us a call on 0333 300 3485 and we’ll try to help.

17. What age limits do you set for the Wee Jaunts?

Wee Jaunt rides, entrants under the age of sixteen must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians. Persons with learning difficulties are welcomed with their carers.
Children aged between 10 and 16 can ride independently in Pedal for Scotland Wee Jaunts if accompanied by a responsible adult.
Children under 16 can take part in the Pedal for Scotland Wee Jaunt rides independently on their own bike, in a tag along or in a trailer if accompanied by a parent or carer. In all cases it is the responsibility of the child’s parent or guardian to determine the ability of their child to take part in Pedal for Scotland rides.

18. What age limits do you set for the Classic Challenge and Big Belter?

Both the Classic Challenge and Big Belter are challenging rides, and therefore:
Classic Challenge entrants under the age of sixteen must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians. All participants under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian to register on their behalf and sign the terms and conditions. Persons with learning difficulties are welcomed with their carers. Children aged between 10 and 16 can ride independently in Pedal for Scotland Classic Challenge if accompanied by a responsible adult. Children aged 9 or under can take part in Pedal for Scotland Classic Challenge on a tag-a-long or in a children’s bike trailer. Children under 16 can take part in the Pedal for Scotland Wee Jaunt rides independently on their own bike, in a tag along or in a trailer if accompanied by a parent or carer. In all cases it is the responsibility of the child’s parent or guardian to determine the ability of their child to take part in Pedal for Scotland rides.

Entrants must be aged 16 and over to register to take part in the Big Belter ride. All participants under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian to register on their behalf and sign the terms and conditions. The Big Belter route is largely on open roads and we highlight that those under the age of 18 remain the responsibility of their parents or guardians at all times and strongly recommend that you ride together.

19. Can I buy a t-shirt or event transport if I’ve already registered?

Riders on the Classic Challenge and Big Belter Rides can add transport on to their booking by logging into their online Active account and clicking to add transport (click ‘Login’ at the top of the Pedal for Scotland webpages). Instructions on how to do this are found on your registration confirmation email. Please note that event transport MUST be booked in advance. For further support you can call our support line on 0333 300 3485. No bookings for transport can be made on the event day. T-shirts can then also be purchased via your online account, as above.

NOTE: If you are booking transport or t-shirts, please try to book these when you register. They are both very popular, so to ensure that you get a transport space and/or a t-shirt book these as early as possible.

20. Can I fundraise for any charity?

Pedal for Scotland’s official charity partner for 2017 is the STV Children’s Appeal. To find out more information regarding the charity please go to the STV Children’s Appeal page. Pedal for Scotland does not facilitate any fundraising for charities that are not the official charity partner.

21. When will I receive my starter pack?

Starter packs will be posted out to you around 1-2 weeks before the event. If you register after Tuesday, 5 September you will have to pick up your starter pack from a collection point in Glasgow Green on the day of the event. The starter pack will include your: entry number; bike number; route details; transport tickets (if purchased), t-shirt (if purchased); all other information that you require to participate within the rider information booklet.
An online copy of the Rider Information Booklet can be found on the right side of this webpage.

Timing chips for the Big Belter riders will also be included in the starter pack.

22. How does the event transport work?

Each participant loads their bike on to a truck in Edinburgh (each will be numbered) then heads to get the first available bus. Both bike and participant will be transported through to Glasgow Green at which point the participant will be able to collect their bike from the relevant bike pen (the same number as that of the truck).

For security purposes each participant is given a vest number and a bike frame number. Upon arrival at the destination security staff will ask each participant to show their vest number and they will then be matched up with their bike.

23. Can I add further people into an existing team?

Yes, just make sure that the team name is spelled exactly the same. NOTE: Teams can only be registered through The Classic Challenge Gold and The Big Belter Gold. Spaces for CC or BB Gold are limited so please book early.

24. How do I know if I and the rest of my team are registered?

A successful entrant will receive confirmation emails detailing all participant details and a receipt of the amount paid.
If not received there is a high probability that you have not been registered.
If you have any further queries regarding your registration please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected] for further information.

25. I can’t make it to the event now – can I transfer my place or get a refund?

Entry donations are non-refundable, as per the Terms and Conditions. Should you be unable to participate in the event or wish to cancel your entry your entry donation will be treated as a charitable donation and will not be refunded.
If you have purchased bus transportation and are unable to attend the event or miss the allocated transport times your bus ticket will not be refunded and will be treated as a charitable donation.

26. I need transport for me and my bike to get to the start in Glasgow Green (or back to Glasgow from the finish). How will this work?

As in previous years, we will be offering the opportunity to book transport for you and your bike from the Royal Highland Centre to Glasgow Green for the start of the ride. Please see above on details on how to get to/from the Royal Highland Centre. In addition, there will be transport available to book for you and your bike to return from the Royal Highland Centre back to Glasgow Green after you finish.

For more information and timings see the relevant pages when you book your place. You are also able to book transport as an additional item after your registration if you decide you want it a little later on, but please remember that spaces are limited, so to avoid disappointment, book early.

You will receive your transport ticket/wristband in your rider pack in the post before the event.

This year’s Pedal for Scotland Classic Challenge, Big Belter and Wee Jaunt Edinburgh events will take place on Sunday 10 September 2017. On this day there will be significant road closures in place across the Classic Challenge & Wee Jaunt Edinburgh event routes to ensure the safety of participants and road users.
Significant lessons have been learnt from taking time to listen to feedback from key stakeholders and community groups from experiences in 2014, 2015 & 2016. With this information we have looked at how we can shorten the closure period that has been experienced in previous years in an attempt to reduce the disruption to the local communities that the event passes through. Organisers have worked with community representatives in specific towns along the route, as well as local authorities and emergency services to identify how to minimise any disruption from the event and will continue to do so. We have detailed some frequently asked questions below to assist you with as much pre-warning about the event so that you can plan accordingly for the day.

We would like to thank you in advance for your support of the event and apologise in advance for any inconvenience you experience.

Detailed information on Road Closures and a full list of roads that will be closed can be found on the Road Closures section of the website (under Help and Advice tab).