Pupils to tackle Mini Etape for charity
Last updated | 29/04/2008
Pupils at Pitlochry High School are in training to tackle parts of the Etape Caledonia cycle route to raise money for charity.
The students are getting on their bikes to complete some stages of the Etape route in Highland Perthshire.
The “Mini Etape” will raise money through individual sponsorship, which will be split between projects in Malawi and buying new school equipment.
Pupils will use their own bikes for the challenge on Friday 9 May, and have been taking part in a maintenance course to make sure their bikes are in full working order beforehand.
Participants will complete one of four of the Etape stages (each around 20 miles long):
Stage 1 : Pitlochry via Loch Tummell to Rannoch
Stage 2 : Round Loch Rannoch
Stage 3 : Rannoch to just outside Kenmore
Stage 4 : Just outside Kenmore to Pitlochry
There will be cycle leader at the front of each group and a member of staff at the back of each group.
Active Schools Co-ordinator, Garry Leck, said: “This is a great initiative which will help the kids to keep healthy, and raise money for charity at the same time. We got the idea of holding the event when we heard the the Etape cycling event was coming back to the area this year. It was a good chance for the children to get involved.
“The pupils are training on their bikes in their spare time to be ready for the challenge. Everyone at the school is really looking forward to it, and to supporting the main Etape Caledonia event later in May.”
The real Etape Caledonia – the UK’s only closed- road cycle event - takes place on Sunday May 18. The event will see thousands of cyclists from all over the UK and beyond tackle an 81-mile route through Highland Perthshire's stunning countryside.
It is the second time the event has been held in Highland Perthshire. Last year 1,022 participants took part, but this year the organiser hopes to attract 2,500 participants.
