A CHARITY cycling event which has raised more than £270,000 for Poppyscotland is returning to East Lothian next month.
Poppyscotland's popular Sportive has been held every year since 2014, excluding a break due to Covid-19 in 2020 and 2021, and has raised more than £270,000 thanks to the 5,650 cyclists who have taken part over the years.
The cyclists have covered hundreds of thousands of miles, allowing Poppyscotland to support thousands of serving and ex-servicemen, women and their families who need help with issues such as housing, debt, mental health, mobility and more.
This year's event will take place on Sunday, September 21, and people are being encouraged to sign up now to support Poppyscotland and take part in the 10th anniversary celebrations.
There are four routes designed for different ability levels, and it is split into two distinct types – the Classic (46, 68, and 102 miles) and the Wee Yin (22 miles).
As in previous years, riders will line up at the starting point in Prestonpans, then head along the historic coastal route to North Berwick, where Classic route participants will face a timed hill climb before reaching the first feed station at East Linton.
From there, the short route continues to Gifford, while medium and long routes head towards Garvald before splitting at Whiteadder Reservoir, with the longer challenge heading to Duns and medium returning to Gifford.
All routes finish in Prestonpans.
New for 2025, the Wee Yin route will take cyclists inland to Gullane before heading back towards Aberlady and then onto the coastal path.
This route is largely flat and is ideal for anyone wanting a family activity, looking for an easy ride or a fun, challenging activity to do at the weekend.
To sign up, visit the Poppyscotland website poppyscotland.org.uk/sportive
Richard Todd, national poppy appeal manager for Scotland, said: "We are delighted to be celebrating the 10th Poppyscotland Sportive in September.
"This event has raised an astounding £273,272 over the years with over 5,000 participants hitting the roads.
"Not to mention the wonderful 380 volunteers and 30 mechanics in the last 10 years who have willingly given up their spare time to help and support on the day.
"We hope to raise as much as possible in support of our armed forces community, and we would be delighted if those signing up to take part would also consider setting up fundraising pages and challenging themselves with a donation target.
"As little as £100 goes a long way in helping us to provide much-needed support to both serving and ex-servicemen, women and their families in areas like housing, debt, mental health and mobility.
"If fundraising is not for you, perhaps when you register, you’d consider adding a £10 donation per rider.
"It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference."
Entry for the Classic routes is £40 per rider (minimum age: 16).
The Wee Yin route is £25 per rider or £40 per family (two adults and two children). Minimum age is 12 and entry is free for riders under 16.
Entry includes electronic timing, mechanical support, food and water stations, coffee at the start, tea and toast at the finish, a 'King and Queen of The Heugh' timed hill climb, a sweeper service and a finisher's gift.
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