News
Tigger calls for more cyclists
17/09/2009
On Saturday 26 September at the 100 Aker Wood Garden Centre, Melrose, cyclists of all ages and abilities will be setting off on the 4 Abbeys Cycle Challenge and local resident Tigger, also known as Mark Riddell owner of the 100 Aker Wood, is calling for more cyclists to sign up and join in the fun.
The 4 Abbeys Cycle Challenge, in aid of CHILDREN 1ST, has two fantastic runs to choose from depending on your ability and how much of a challenge you are looking for. The main 55 mile challenge will take in the stunning abbeys of Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh while the shorter 11 mile ride loops from Melrose to Dryburgh and back again.
Both routes start and finish at the 100 Aker Wood Garden Centre in Melrose which will once again be hosting a variety of stands and entertainment for those returning from the ride. As well as an enthusiastic Tigger there will be a Sizzling Piggy barbeque to help refuel tired cyclists as well as a stand set up by local bike shop, Singletracks. Singletracks are based at 81 High Street, Galashiels, where a basic service costs £30, they will be on hand at the start of the ride to give bikes a thorough health check and sort out any minor repairs that might need done.
The 4 Abbeys Cycle Challenge will once again pass through the spectacular grounds of Floors Castle thanks to kind permission from the Duke of Roxburgh. Cyclists will have the chance to admire the magnificent grounds and stop off at either the Terrace Café or Courtyard Restaurant for some well deserved refreshment.
This ride is not a race! Participants set their own pace and can complete the ride in as much or as little time as they like. With plenty of places to stop for refreshments and beautiful views to admire along the way there are plenty of reasons to take your time.
The owner of 100 Aker Wood, Mark Riddell, says "Tigger will be helping out at the CHILDREN 1ST 4 Abbeys Cycle Challenge and is looking forward to seeing as many cyclists there as possible. At 100 Aker Wood we are pleased to once again host the start and finish of the ride. With a 'Sizzling Pig' barbecue on offer at the end of the ride there's a real incentive to keep going over all those miles!".
The 4 Abbeys Challenge is backed by Scottish Borders Council, and all participants are encouraged to raise money through sponsorship for CHILDREN 1ST which helps children and families across Scotland and the Scottish Borders.
Staff at the charity's Ettrick Family Resource Centre in Selkirk work with children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, and support young people at risk of exclusion from their homes, schools and communities.
CHILDREN 1ST also provides an abuse recovery service, which helps children and young people who have experienced sexual, physical or emotional abuse. The charity often works with the wider family network by organising family group meetings, which bring the family together to find ways of keeping children who cannot be looked after by their parents within their extended family instead of being taken into care.
If you would like to take part in this year's CHILDREN 1ST 4 Abbeys Cycle challenge, please contact CHILDREN 1ST on 0131 319 8075 or email edinburgh@children1st.org.uk. Registration costs £7 (£6 concessions) and under 5s go free!
Last updated: 18/09/2009
